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Warm up to recommendations that we know you'll love so much! Charles continues as host while Dave continues working with his team to build a new website. Charles is joined by Patron Support Specialist Kelsey and Program Support Clerk Cara to share Winter Wonders picks from our collection. But we don't stop there as Brian reads Charles' "'Twas the Night Before the Podcast"—a re-conception of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and Charles treats us to his mad skills on the euphonium as he shares "Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, 'Winter'" by Antonio Vivaldi. Listen and please let these wonders brighten those dark days of winter!

Check out the recommendations mentioned in this episode »

This spring Kansas City Repertory Theatre will be bringing Broke-ology to Johnson County Library as a part of their KC Rep for All community tour. Inspired by The Old Globe’s Globe for All program in San Diego, the program breaks down economic and geographic barriers and makes KC Rep more accessible as they travel across Kansas City to meet people where they are.  

Broke-ology is a play that explores the complexities of family, sacrifice, and resilience. Whether you get to see the play at KC Rep, at Johnson County Library, or aren’t able to engage in either, we want to hear your story. Our spring writing contest will center around Family.

How is your family complex? What sacrifices have you or your family members made, and what does resilience look like to you? Resilience. Do you have it? Where did it come from? How will you build it if you don’t?

When friends ask Rachel Van Stratton, a young Overland Park mom, for suggestions of family-friendly, cost-effective amenities, she has a ready reply: Johnson County Library!

“What’s something inexpensive I can do with my son? I always tell people the Library,” she said. “It has so many activities.” 

In these inflationary times, everyone is looking for ways to save money while still enriching their lives. Van Stratton, who grew up loving the Antioch branch of Johnson County Library, now frequently visits the Central Resource and Merriam Plaza branches with her 4-year-old son Nico and husband Nick. The Library is their go-to place for books, computers and fun. 

Van Stratton estimates she saved $1,000 in 2023 and more than $1,400 this year by checking out books, eBooks and eAudio books for herself, rather than buying them. She’s saved even more money when she thinks about the many materials she’s checked out for Nico. Her husband is also an avid reader who uses the Library card a lot. 

“I tell everyone the Library is wonderful because of the community is serves,” Van Stratton said. “It is such a safe space. It is so helpful.”  

She usually has three titles going at once, including an eBook, an audio book and a physical book. She loves fantasy but recently has branched out to non-fiction, to understand the world around us. She started this year off reading “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine,” by Rashid Khalidi.

She also enjoyed “Freedom is a Constant Struggle,” by Angela Davis. And the Library has introduced her to wonderful Latinx authors including Sylvia Moreno-Garcia. 

She is learning the Spanish language, for which audio books can be a great tool. She got the eBook “Canto Contigo,” by Jonny Garza Villa through Libby and then enjoyed the audio book of that same title. 

Nico is really into books about dinosaurs. “It’s rare to leave the Library with less than five Dino books,” she said, laughing. “He knows exactly where the Dino section is at both Central and Merriam. He went and asked the Librarians, which is so sweet.”

Nico enjoys Central Library’s vibrant children’s section, plus playing in Strang Park behind Central. He also had a great time at this year’s Read to a Dog event at Central.

“He was talking about the pictures to the dog,” Van Stratton recalled. “It was so cute.”

In Merriam, the Library and Community Center share a campus. Van Stratton said that makes it super convenient for Nico to take swimming lessons and then go next door for books. 

Van Stratton also teaches cooking and cake decorating at the Culinary Center, in downtown Overland Park. Johnson County Library came in handy when she was looking for a favorite Christmas cookie recipe. She finally found it in a Library book.

Van Stratton is just one patron who has discovered the money-saving value of Johnson County Library. Oher patrons estimate they save hundreds of dollars each year by checking out video games and movie DVDs. 

The Library also has great resources for educational and career advancement. 

Overland Park resident Rachel Audsley used the Central Resource computers, internet service and printers for her graduate school applications. She also explored e-Resources on the Libby platform, particularly the Universal Class, which offers hundreds of online university-level courses for lifelong learning.  The courses are free of charge if accessed through the Library.

Patrons can put their creative juices to work, using the 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, electronics and other equipment in the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Central.

If you don’t already have a Library card, sign up today to start taking advantage of its many perks. To learn more about what the Library has to offer, visit jocolibrary.org/discover.

It’s never too late to explore your passions; whether you have always dreamed of becoming a writer or have many years of experience under your belt, Johnson County Library’s Writers Conference is a wonderful resource to explore the topic and connect with others who share your interest.  

Now in its ninth year, the Writers Conference will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at Central Resource Library (9875 W. 87th St, Overland Park). Normally a multi-day event, the conference is shifting this year to focus on a single day of deep learning, as well as encompass other writing events happening that weekend in the metro area. On Nov. 14 Johnson County Library and Olathe Public Library will host a Writers Social at the Olathe Downtown Library (260 E. Santa Fe, Olathe), and on Nov. 16, Mid-Continent Public Library will host a local author fair at Woodneath Library Story Center (8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO). 

This year’s conference will also offer several pre-conference lectures available on youtube.com/jocolibrary, via Library OnDemand. Watch online for inspiration, then bring your drafts, plans and questions to the conference ready to workshop.  

Feedback from past years’ events influenced the theme of this year’s conference: community building. Expect to find intimate book discussion groups and opportunities to workshop your writing in small groups. Typically drawing several hundred attendees of all ages, this year’s conference features something for everyone—from poetry sharing, to writing book reviews, navigating social media and even writing without thinking. 

This year’s conference texts that will be referenced throughout the event are “Save the Cat Writes a Novel” by Jessica Brody and “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron, both available for checkout at the Library. All attendees will receive a free conference notebook. There is no cost to attend this event; to register for the conference or get more information about the schedule of events, visit jocolibrary.org/writersconference or call (913) 826-4600. 

Students of all ages can find homework help at Johnson County Library. You’ll find research help, magazine searches, practice test, tutorials and live homework help for a wide range of subjects and grade levels. In addition to helping with homework, these resources also offer great benefits for students. They can help reduce stress, improve grades, boost self-esteem and build important learning skills. All you need is Johnson County Library card to get started.

Here are a few of the resources available with your Library card:

Biography (Gale In Context) 
Find biographies of individuals in a wide range of subjects including business, politics, government, history, science, sports, the arts and entertainment. Content includes magazine articles, video footage, radio broadcasts, photographs and more to provide contextual information on the world's most influential people.

Brainfuse HelpNow 

Get homework help with live tutoring, a writing lab with feedback, a Skillsurfer offering study resources and test prep, or LEAP where a student can create a customized learning plan.

CultureGrams 

Perfect for kids and teens, CultureGrams contains information on history, culture, and geography of each American state, Canadian provinces, countries and regions of the world. Graphics, charts, videos, printable fact sheets, recipes, interviews, and more are included with each entry.

Khan Academy 
Khan Academy provides a free world-class education for anyone everywhere. Practice at your own pace beginning where you want and ending at the top! You will never run out of practice material and every problem can be broken down step by step.

LearningExpress 

Take practice tests and tutorials designed for students elementary through graduate levels and adult learners. Academic or licensing tests are available, with immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and individualized results analysis.

Lightbox 

Bring learning to life with hundreds of interactive books online for grades K-12. Topics cover science, social studies, language arts and more. Each title has a suggested reading level (K-10) and interest level (K-12), and some titles also are provided in Spanish. 

Check out the Homework Help topic pages for both kids and teens to find the perfect fit for your needs. There are also plenty of learning resources for adults. If you don’t have a Library card, you can stop by any of the 14 branches with an ID and proof of address to get one today, or Johnson County residents can sign up for an eCard for immediate access to most online resources. 

Join the Friends of Johnson County Library in celebrating the 19th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, October 20-26. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible role Johnson County Library plays in making a difference in people’s lives. Through group book discussions, storytimes, genealogy services, Summer Reading, Citizenship Civics, incarcerated services, meeting room reservations and so much more, the Library creates and sustains community in countless ways every single day.

Friends of Johnson County Library is a member-supported nonprofit organization promoting community awareness and participation in library services. The Friends serve as library advocates and promote literacy and lifelong learning. Funds raised from your book purchases and your membership support library collection development, community engagement, library advocacy, and so much more.   

The Friends would like to hear how libraries have improved and brightened your life. During National Friends of Libraries Week, share your story on social media using the hashtag #nfolw24. Take a moment to snap a selfie when you pick up your holds, or give a shoutout to a Library staff member who’s made a difference. Be sure to tag the Friends of Johnson County Library (@jclfriends) in your posts.

Last week, the Friends announced the 2024 winners of the beloved Annual Bookmark Design Contest at the Johnson County Library Board meeting. The contest commemorates the creativity of our Library-loving community. The winning illustrations are printed as bookmarks and are available to pick up at all 14 Johnson County Library branches and at the Friends Headquarters, 8279 Melrose Dr., Lenexa, KS 66214, where you can shop their large selection of gently used books each Saturday. 

National Friends of Libraries Week is the perfect time to join or renew your commitment to the Friends. You’ll support a valuable community resource, receive a 20% discount on awesome used books, and be part of a Friends family who believe in Libraries just like you. To join or renew your membership, visit joinjclfriends.org.

Photo caption: Pictured are 2024 Winners L-R: Elizabeth McNutt; JCL Board Member David Sims; Everly Jablonski; Olivia Wang; JCL Board Member Chrysalyn Huff; Lily Hamilton; JCL Deputy County Librarian Kinsley Riggs; Abigail Girard; JCL Board Member Charles McAllister; Anabelle Ritchie; Whitaker Kirkland; Edie Marshall Moore (holding Books Rule); Dominic Kirkland (shark); JCL Board Member Jeffery Mendoza; Joany Degenhardt (chicken); Ira Goyal (fairy books); Friends of JCL Executive Director Shanta Dickerson; and Hughy Buckley (penguin).

Winners not pictured: Kevin Gritzke and Ainsley Van Trump.

Whether you write fiction, creative nonfiction, or screenplays, one of the most important aspects in engaging your readers is your story’s voice. But what even is “voice”? Why does Stephen King sound completely different than Jane Austin? And how exactly does a writer connect to the right voice for their story? In this four part recorded lecture Trai Cartwright will break down this crucial craft element into its components, and then give you a step-by-step guide for engaging your own voice!

Watch Cartwright’s series on Library OnDemand, or here:

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 1

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 2

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 3

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 4

Then, join us at the 2024 Writers Conference on Friday, Nov. 15 to workshop your story with Cartwright and fellow writers.

Quick—think of a book you loved as a kid. 

If you’re like many others, you thought about “Charlotte’s Web” or “The Giving Tree.” Maybe for you it was “A Wrinkle in Time or “Where the Wild Things Are.” Or maybe your family couldn’t get enough Dr. Seuss and story time was all about “The Lorax” and “Hop on Pop.”

Like so many other books that have been beloved in our society for years, all of these books have been challenged and banned in various places in the country. Between January 1 and August 31 of this year, 1,128 unique titles were challenged in libraries and schools across the country. Florida and Texas have the most challenges this year, but book challenges have happened in 41 states and 247 public school districts.

Banned Books Week was created in 1982 as response to a sudden surge in challenges to books in libraries, bookstores and schools across the country.  Challenges have continued to rise; The American Library Association reports that 4,240 unique book titles were challenged in 2023 across the United States. This is a 65% increase from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were challenged, and a 128% increase over the number of books challenged in 2021. 47% of the books targeted for censorship in 2023 were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) individuals.

The intent of Banned Books Week is to highlight the value of free and open access to information—and to draw wide attention to the harms of censorship. Banned Books Week is typically observed in some way by libraries, schools, booksellers, writers, publishers and readers in all parts of the country, usually during the last week of September. 

Why does this observance matter to Johnson County Library? Because what you read and view is your business, not the Library’s. The Library’s job is to protect your right to read and view what you want, and to maintain your privacy at the same time. 

In order to do this, the Library does not determine the books and materials on its shelves based on the personal beliefs of our Board of Directors, Administration, management or staff. 

Rather, the Library’s Collections team abides by our Library Collection Policy to determine which materials will be purchased and available to patrons to borrow. The Library is also part of an Inter-Library Loan system that helps to procure materials that are not in our collection but are available from other libraries across the country. 

The policies that protect patrons’ right to read and view what they want are our Freedom to Read and  Freedom to View policies. Both policies say what we believe: that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture; that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend; that every American community must zealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read; and that that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. 

Patrons also play an important part in the Library’s collection process. Through the Suggest a Purchase form, anyone can request that the Library add material that it currently doesn’t have to our inventory. And, if a patron objects to material currently in the Library’s inventory, they can submit a Request for Reconsideration, which will be reviewed by our Collection Development Manager. 

Resources:

There are resources if you want to learn more about banned books, censorship and the value of intellectual freedom. Some of these are Library resources, others are from outside organizations. 

Civics 101: Libraries and the Freedom to Read: a video panel discussion featuring veteran librarians discussing the freedom to read and to explore the issue of book challenges and censorship. They explore the significance of unrestricted access to information and the role of librarians as guardians of intellectual freedom. 

Most Challenged Books of 2021 & 2022: A List: a booklist including the most challenged books of 2021 & 2022

Banned book data for 2023

Top 10 Most Challenged Books 2001-2022

The Freedom to Read: Learn more about the freedom to read, the guiding principle of most public libraries, at this link that takes you to the American Library Association.

How Libraries Select Materials: Learn more about the American Library Association’s guidelines for libraries and the selection of materials. 

Banned Books Week website

In this three-part recorded lecture, Jenifer Boles walks authors through building a social media calendar.

From #Booktok and #Bookstagram, this series will help you get started developing your brand, find and grow your audience, and design a content routine. 

Watch Boles series here: 
Part 1: Branding 
Part 2: Growth 
Part 3: Content Routines

Then join Jenifer Boles at the Nov. 15 Writers Conference, where Boles will workshop your social media platforms with our local author community to develop a monthly #jocowrites content calendar and engagement group.

As the Kansas City region and the U.S. prepare for a crucial November 5 election, Johnson County Library reminds the community that it is a trusted, non-partisan resource for free access to local and national voter information. 

Patrons can educate themselves about the candidates and issues through books, periodicals, newspapers and online news outlets with no paywall. They can also attend candidate forums, pick up excellent voter guides (available online and in all branches in early October), register to vote and vote.  

Voter information boards are displayed at all branches, with important dates and other reminders. Some Library branches serve as polling places and also have secure ballot drop boxes.

“We try to take a really positive and encouraging spin on supporting voters,” said Program Coordinator Ashley Fick, who has overseen the Library’s civic engagement programming for 11 years. “We want voting to feel accessible, not overwhelming. We’re here to help make the entire process easy.” 

For the 2024 General Election, the Library will provide resources about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District, state Senate and House races, the Johnson County District Attorney and Sheriff’s races, and several Johnson County Commission District races. More information is available at jocolibrary.org/research/information-voters. 

“We are particularly highlighting the Kansas City media collective’s voter guide,” Fick said. Kansas City’s major media outlets are teaming up to provide information for both Missouri and Kansas, free of charge. The General Election voter guide will be available online but Fick is excited that print versions will also be available in all branches. 

The last Presidential election was in 2020, when the COVID pandemic made public gatherings difficult. This year, Fick is eager to welcome patrons into Johnson County Library’s branches for all sorts of in-person voter engagement opportunities.  

For the primary election, Johnson County Library provided space for the Johnson County Post’s candidate forums for Sheriff, District Attorney and County Commission District 6 races. Fick said they were well attended, and additional forums are being planned ahead of the General Election.  

“We work extremely hard to make sure we offer thoughtful and thorough programs that give people the chance to connect with the candidates and learn more and make informed decisions,” she said.  

The Library also has a great partnership with the League of Women Voters of Johnson County.  

“It’s very significant,” Fick said. “They make it easy to offer voting information at all our locations. They go into the branches and chat with patrons, helping them find their polling places and giving them the information they need. A personal connection is what they offer us.” 

Marie Hernandez, who chairs the League’s voter information team, said voting is vital to a community’s civic health. The League’s 411 site helps people understand who is running locally and what they stand for.  

The Library and the League are both well-respected, non-partisan organizations. The partnership serves both organizations well, Hernandez said, as they team up for candidate “meet and greets” that are opportunities for civil, respectful discourse. 

“That’s an important part, the place they play in the voter education and voter registration space,” Hernandez said.  

Once election season ends, the Library and the League continue to provide information and exposure to elected officials and a wide variety of viewpoints. They host well-attended legislative coffees where patrons ask questions and elected representatives get valuable constituent feedback. It’s another way that the Library fulfills its commitment to connect community members in a very positive way, over local issues that matter. 

Johnson County Library is your trusted source for reliable election information. Explore resources that help you evaluate media, learn about local government, catch the latest news, and engage with the community. Get started at jocolibrary.org/community-matters.