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Learn how the recent executive order may affect Johnson County Library.

On March 14, an executive order was issued calling for reduction in function and personnel of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency for America’s libraries, to the fullest extent allowable by law. While other recent executive orders may have had ripples in our community, this is the first that broadly touches many library users and has an impact on Johnson County Library's budget. 

IMLS is responsible for distributing federal money to state libraries and administering grant funding. It designates funding to Kansas public libraries via the State Library of Kansas for a range of library services across the state. The State Library has already distributed 2025 funding, so the executive order may not impact libraries until 2026. Johnson County Library received about $165,000 in funding this year, which goes directly toward purchasing physical books. As an organization, we receive no other federal grant money. 

The current Kansas State Aid funding is based on the IMLS funding level authorized in 2018 with bipartisan congressional support. This was an extension of the Library Services and Technology Act, first enacted in 1996. 

IMLS funds account for 30 percent of the State Library’s budget; the remainder of the budget for the State Library of Kansas is determined annually by the Kansas legislature. In addition to providing funds for purchasing materials, the State Library of Kansas also provides a range of library resources to Kansans. The below services may be impacted beginning in 2026:

• Kansas Library eCard: Many Johnson County residents use this card to access eLearning resources, databases and digital materials (including eBooks and eAudiobooks) provided by the State Library of Kansas.   
• Online information databases: Many of our research resources are provided by or funded through the State Library of Kansas, including:  
  • Mango Languages: Language learning with practical situations and conversations.  
  • Universal Class: Over 500 convenient online classes covering a wide range of topics.  
  • Britannica: Encyclopedic resource for students, Spanish speakers and general audiences.  
  • LearningExpress Library: Practice tests and tutorials for students of all ages.  
  • NoveList: Reading recommendations and book lists for all readers.  
  • BookFlix: Read-along books for grades Pre-K to 3.  
  • Auto Repair Source: DIY auto repair guides for thousands of vehicles.  
  • HeritageQuest Online: Census records and other genealogy research tools.  
  • Job & Career Accelerator: Resume and cover letter builders and career guidance.  
  • World Almanac for Kids: One stop reference resource for student reports and research.  
  • U.S. Newsstream: Full-text articles from Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.  
• Summer reading: The State Library of Kansas helps coordinate the national summer reading program in Kansas libraries.
• Interlibrary Loan is another popular Library service that may see changes in 2026. Federal funding supports state courier services that move materials throughout the region. Should those services lose funding, interlibrary loan would need to rely more heavily on the U.S. Postal Service, potentially leading to increased expense and longer wait times for materials.   

If you would like to learn more about this topic, here are some resources:

• Read the full text of the executive order;
• Read the full text of the Library Services and Technology Act;
• Read more about how this order would affect libraries more broadly in a statement released by EveryLibrary, a nonpartisan national organization dedicated to building voter support for libraries;
• Contact the Friends of Johnson County Library, who provides advocacy support for Johnson County Library, or the Johnson County Library Foundation. 
• Reach out to your elected officials at the local, state, and national levels for more information. You can find contact information for your elected officials by entering your address into lookup forms through Usa.gov and the League of Women Voters.

We will continue to share updates as we learn additional details about the effect on our budget and ripples to our services. Johnson County Library’s mission is to provide access to ideas, information, experiences and materials that support and enrich people's lives. We are so grateful for the continued support of our community, and would love to see you again soon at your local branch.

Have you ever been in a grocery store, walked by a display of goodies on display at the end of an aisle and picked something up that wasn’t on your list?

Has the same thing ever happened to you at the Johnson County Library? It could, you know.

Just like “end caps” at the market help you discover new food items that might not have been on your radar, those displays throughout the Libraries are designed to help draw you to discover new books, movies and CDs. And perhaps discover something else.

“Libraries are all about access and the displays are about making connections,” said Beth McDaniel, librarian at the Leawood Pioneer branch. “We can make personal connections through the art of the displays.”

Diana Spencer, a librarian at the Corinth branch and another display aficionado, said her background in retail management helps her as she considers new displays.

“You have to keep your audience in mind,” she said, explaining that different branches serve different communities that make up Johnson County.

Book displays, at their very basic, pull from the vast collection of a series of related books and bring them together under a theme, making it easy for Library visitors to find what they are looking for, or perhaps find something they didn’t know they were looking for it! Popular topics for displays are things of great public interest – like presidential elections – or seasonal – like a cookbook display during Thanksgiving and holiday seasons.

One recent display at the Leawood Pioneer branch was Valentine’s Day themed. McDaniel said she searched for all the items in the collection that had “love” in the title. While Valentine’s Day was the broad theme, the goal was broader and intended to broaden our thinking about love beyond basic romance novels. Not only were there hundreds of books, movies and music to choose from – one of the requirements for displays is that there are plenty of items to choose from – but the topic of love was as wonderfully broad as they had hoped: 

• The movie “Love Actually”
• “Why We Love Baseball” by former Kansas City Star sports columnist Joe Posnanski
• “No Love Zone,” a graphic novel in the LGBTQ orbit
• “The Love Prescription,” authored by two PhDs who have spent decades researching successful and unsuccessful relationships
• “Love and the Death of Damnation,” a musical CD by the band White Buffalo

“Sometimes, the displays might have a controversial take on a topic, but our mission is to provide access, to provide information,” McDaniel said.

The librarians keep watch on the display to make sure items are moving off of them and if not, the displays might be taken down sooner than expected. The opposite is true if a display proves especially popular. Librarians also keep watch to make sure the shelves remain stocked.

The creativity of the display gurus extends to the materials they use. Mindful of responsible use of resources, they often turn to what’s on hand. McDaniel uses (and then reuses) Plexiglas shields leftover from COVID precautions to paint with dry-erase markers. The resulting vivid 3-D drawings of owls and ravens draw patrons deep into the stacks. Spencer said the Library MakerSpace and its staff are a wonderful resource.

It seems that it is in the children’s areas where the creativity of displays is in full bloom. Spencer like to point to the “underwater” display she created in the basement of the Corinth branch with the help of a translucent blue fabric-type material that was draped over shelves to give the impression of walking underwater. McDaniel said her creation of a four-foot-tall papier-mâché penguin at the Gardner branch has remained on display long after its original purpose.

“They dress him up,” she said. “And the kids love him. I built it so he could be hugged.”

The displays are far from static. By introducing scavenger hunts or encouraging children to discover and promote a new favorite book through a Final Four-type championship bracket, Libraries and books become more inviting, fun and alive.

Collecting and examining data of what items are checked out is one way to measure the success of the displays. Another is the anecdotes of how the displays touch patron’s lives.

For instance, in January, there was a display of bilingual children's books. (There was also a scavenger hunt designed to teach children to say “hello” in multiple languages.) The books included some from several different languages: Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, French, English.

One day, Library staff saw a beautiful interaction that proved the value of the work: a mother and her daughter, curled up together on one of the big comfy chairs, with a songbook that had just been added to the display. The mother was quietly singing the songs to her daughter, then carefully sounding out the English translations of the songs. It seems the songs were in the mom's first (or more fluent) language, and that she was helping her daughter learn that language, while the mom herself was using the opportunity to learn/practice her own English.

“It was such a lovely reminder that even a simple book display can have a big impact,” said Tricia Rightmire, a patron service specialist at the Central Resource branch said. “Maybe it helps a person find their next favorite book or helps someone get access to a resource they need ... or maybe it provides a way for a parent to connect with their child, both of them learning together and building a core memory while the parent gets to share their culture with the next generation.”

Next time you visit one of the 14 Johnson County Library locations, look for one of the creative book displays and you might just discover something unexpected and delightful. 

Ben Franklin once said, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” While tax season can be stressful, you don’t have to face it alone. Johnson County Library (JCL) is here to help, offering free tax preparation services through a partnership with AARP and connecting taxpayers to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through K-State Research and Extension in Johnson County. Remember, the deadline to file your taxes is April 15. 

What We Offer at JCL: 

• AARP Tax-Aide Assistance: Get free help with filling out and filing your tax returns, available for adults with or without a Library card. IRS-certified AARP volunteers will assist with tax preparation and e-filing. 

• Federal Income Tax Forms: Limited printed copies are available at the Library, but most forms can be accessed online for free. We do not provide printed state forms. 

• Computer & Printing Access: Need to access or print tax forms? Use our free computers and print for a small fee, with mobile and remote printing options now available. 

• Connections to VITA Services: We connect eligible taxpayers to the KC Metro Tax Coalition’s VITA program, offering free assistance for households earning $67,000 or less. 

AARP Tax-Aide at Johnson County Library  

The AARP Tax-Aide program, a nationwide initiative, has partnered with JCL for nearly 10 years, according to Regional Librarian Bryan Voell. Last year, volunteers assisted about 800 Kansas residents at Oak Park Library. This year, the program has moved to Central Resource Library, providing free space for AARP volunteers and taxpayers. Across Johnson County, thousands benefit from these services, securing millions in refunds and saving hundreds of thousands in tax-preparation fees. 

“We see this as an extension of our services,” said Voell. “Ultimately, libraries are dedicated to free and open access to resources. This program is for people, regardless of income or class, to have access to free tax professionals who can assist them if they are unable to do it on their own.” 

The program is open to everyone, with a focus on those over 50 and individuals with low to moderate incomes. AARP membership is not required. IRS-certified volunteers—including retired CPAs, tax preparers and community members—help run the program. In 2023, 75 volunteers assisted with over 2,500 tax returns in Johnson County. 

“Taxpayers are so appreciative and thankful for the help getting their tax returns filed each year,” said Bill Kelm, one of the AARP volunteers in Johnson County. “It’s great getting to know other volunteers and taxpayers who return each year.” 

 Kelm added that he enjoys volunteering because he knows he is helping others. 

“Volunteering with the AARP Tax-Aide Program allows me to leverage my work-life skills in retirement, helping those in our community get an accurate tax return filed and receive the maximum refund they are entitled to,” he said. 

Connecting You to VITA 

JCL helps promote the KC Metro Tax Coalition’s VITA program, which offers free tax preparation for households earning $67,000 or less. In 2024, the program served 1,469 households, completed over 1,600 returns and secured $1.4 million in net refunds while saving taxpayers $435,325 in fees. Returns are filed electronically. 

“The Johnson County Library assists us greatly in communicating this service, reaching a wide geographic area and adults of all ages,” said Joy Miller, extension agent with K-State in Johnson County. She noted that participation increased last year thanks to Library outreach. 

Additional Tax Assistance Locations 

In addition to JCL’s Central Resource location, AARP offers tax services at the Sylvester Powell Community Center, Overland Park Christian Church, Olathe’s Indian Creek Library, Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Colonial Church and Hillcrest churches in Prairie Village and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa. 

How to Get Help 

• AARP Tax-Aide Appointments & Info: Visit www.kstaxaide.com or call 913-735-5489. 

• VITA Tax Help: Visit www.johnson.k-state.edu or call 913-715-7000. 

• Federal & State Tax Forms: Find more information in the Guide from our Librarians. 

While paying taxes is one of the few certainties in life, it’s not one you have to endure alone. Thanks to AARP, the KC Metro Tax Coalition K-State Extension VITA program and JCL, there is help.

Once upon a time, there was the promise of substantial savings for viewers who wanted to stop paying for cable TV. “Cut the cord,” the story began, and use streaming services to customize your viewing options.

For many, though, the fairy tale of cheap TV turned into a story of rising bills as the cost of those services began to add up, sometimes to more than the cable bill itself.

Enter Johnson County Library, with a variety of high-quality, widely diverse video streaming services available all for the low, low cost (actually zero!) of a Library card.

“The cost of streaming platforms has become unmanageable for many people,” said Samantha Chinn, the e-Resource Collection Specialist for Johnson County Library. “This is an important resource for our community. The quality of content is deep.”

There are four different video streaming services available to Library patrons: 

• Kanopy - This is the most popular and integrates easily with most smart TV platforms. It provides an amazingly large collection of documentaries, Oscar winners, classics and films from around the world. You also get access to Kanopy Kids which provides unlimited use of a rotating selection of kids favorites from entertainment to education. 
• Indieflix - This service is best known for providing diverse voices and both well-known and more obscure content. 
• Naxos Video Library - This provides an extensive collection of classical musical performances, including opera, ballet and live concerts. There are also master classes taught by world-famous musicians among the 3,600 full-length videos. 
• UK National Theatre Collection - You can choose from 50 filed productions of this troupe, including “Peter Pan,” “Frankenstein,” “Twelfth Night,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and more. Special archival materials allow you to dig deeper and go behind the scenes of some performances. 

Chinn said the Library saw a big jump in the demand for streaming services with the COVID pandemic of 2020-2021. That demand, she said, has continued. In January, for instance, Johnson County Library patrons visited the Kanopy site more than 55,000 times, with a total of 8,000 items checked out. BBC studio content is always popular, but the variety is immense. January’s top selected movies included “Pride and Prejudice” and “The Hunt for Red October.”

Chinn said she expects the use of streaming services to grow in the future.

“Some movies aren’t going to DVD at all. They are going straight to streaming,” she said.

In addition to entertainment, Chinn said she knows of film study students who access the Library’s streaming platforms to complement their education.

Regular users of the Library streaming platforms rave about the variety, the ease of access and the cost … or lack of cost to be more accurate.

“It is important to know that you don’t need cable, or YouTube TV,” said Paula McCarthy, who has been using Kanopy for the past few months. “There are so many ways to watch quality TV without having to pay for it. There is so much content that you could never see all of it.”

McCarthy, like many users, was using a popular streaming platform and kept returning to it out of habit, and perhaps obligation because she was paying for it. She heard about the Library services and decided to broaden her horizons.

“I want to watch some of Shakespeare’s plays, and I love documentaries,” she said. “I was frustrated when the cost of my streaming service went up $10 a month and I was only watching it for old movies. So Kanopy is perfect for me.”

“Plus, they show me new movies too that I have missed. It’s the best of both worlds.”

And so, with your Johnson County Library card, video watchers can live happily ever after. Not only do you get to enjoy a wide variety of quality streaming content, you can watch without any fees. If you don’t already have a Library card, you can sign up today. 

There is a popular book, first published in 1973, called “Where Did I Come From?” For generations now, it has helped parents answer questions about the birds and the bees from their children. At about the same time that book was published, the Johnson County Genealogical Society was formed to answer the same question on a much different scale.

“People like to know their histories, know the stories of where they came from,” said Marsha Bennett, vice president for education and outreach for the society. “We help people find the resources to answer their questions.”

The Society occupies a large space in the Central Resource Library and has volunteer genealogists on site seven days a week to help people in search of their family roots, whether they are in Johnson County or anywhere in the world.

At first, the work can seem overwhelming. So many questions. So many generations. So many resources, some in books, some on microfilm, some in government archives stored who knows where. Many people don’t know where to start.

“We are here to help,” said Heather Jenkins, president of the Genealogical Society. “There is a simple place to start: with yourself. Start with your heirlooms, old photos, family Bibles. Start with yourself and work backwards … and occasionally sideways.

“We all go down rabbit holes,” she added with a smile, acknowledging that within those rabbit holes can be wonderful adventures.

JCGS volunteers are available to help every day of the week. They can point you toward resources – either physical or digital – that can aid in your quest. For those looking for a little additional help with either basic genealogical research or DNA and Genetic Genealogy, there are opportunities for one-on-one sessions with volunteers that can be arranged in advance. They can be in-person or over Zoom.

“There are a lot of resources, a lot of places people can go,” Jenkins said.

In all, Jenkins said, there are 7,000 non-circulating items in the Genealogical collection. With the Internet, patrons can also find access to much, much more. Services like Ancestry.com can be used free of charge within the Library. Other internet resources are either free or can be purchased to be used online at home.

Included among the resources at the Central Library Genealogical corner is an old card catalog filled with decades of obituaries clipped from local newspapers. Microfilm of the Kansas City Star and smaller local papers – like The Sun or Johnson’s County Gazette – are on hand and date back generations. There are computers and printers. In a space known as the Memory Lab, scanners are available for people wanting help converting photos, slides and videos to digital formats for safer keeping and sharing. Forms and templates are available to help keep your information organized and to help you get started on the family tree.

Genealogists just getting started can find help knowing where to search, what information to collect from your home or the home of relatives, and the basics as how to navigate genealogical Websites or commonly used abbreviations.

“We call it catching the bug,” Jenkins said when patrons dive into research full force. “It’s the thrill of the hunt. People like to know their history. Maybe they’ve heard stories and now they can know.

“It’s exciting when they have that ’Eureka!’ moment.”

 The society offers special-interest groups – people who want to create digital albums for instance, or those interested in Irish genealogy – to help connect like-interested people together for support and fellowship. There are also monthly programs on history topics on Saturdays at the Central Resource Library. This year’s topics include: – Bleeding Kansas, the National Frontier Trails Museum and Finding Your Military Ancestors. 

“It’s a somewhat unique operation that we have a library within a library,” said Bennett, a former communications manager for the Library, explaining the partnering with the Library that makes genealogical resources more greatly accessible to people.

It’s appropriate that the County Librarian was at the founding meeting of the Genealogical Society, the spark of a 50-plus year partnership between the two organizations. Before moving operations to the Central branch on 87th Street, the Kansas Room at the now-closed Antioch branch was the home of the Society and its resources.

The original mission of the Genealogical Society stated that one of its goals is to “encourage the study of family history.” Put another way, the Society and the Library are here to help people answer the question: “Where did I come from?”

For more information about the Society, visit the Central Resource Library at 9875 W. 87th Street or online.

February is Black History Month—a time to recognize, reflect on and celebrate the achievements, contributions and lasting impact of African Americans throughout U.S. history and right here in Johnson County. In honor of this celebration, we invite you to explore local resources, including a visit to the Webb Family meeting room, where you can learn more about their story. You can also watch their inspiring video on YouTube for a deeper connection to our community’s history. 

In 1915, Historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week—a term used at the time—and it soon grew into a nationwide movement. That same year, Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, to promote the study and celebration of Black history. They chose the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, recognizing their significance in the fight for freedom and equality. 

Over time, schools, cities and institutions embraced the observance, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, encouraging all Americans to honor the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans. 

Each year, a national theme guides the celebration. The 2025 theme, "African Americans and Labor,” highlights the essential role of Black labor in shaping economies, industries and communities. From enslaved Africans whose agricultural work sustained colonies to Black entrepreneurs and educators advocating for vocational training, this theme honors the resilience, innovation and lasting economic impact of African Americans. 

At Johnson County Library, we’re proud to provide resources that help our community explore and celebrate Black history and culture. Whether you're looking for books, films, historical documents or engaging programs and events, there’s something for everyone. 

We’re also excited to introduce African American History from Infobase, a dynamic new eResource that brings over 500 years of history to life. This interactive platform offers a fresh way to explore key moments, influential figures and cultural milestones through mobile-friendly videos, slideshows, images, biographies, primary sources, maps, graphs and timelines. 

Take time this month to discover, learn and engage.  Explore Black history and culture with Johnson County Library—anytime, anywhere. 

Explore & Engage 
Get Started with Primary Sources  

• Associated Press Collections Online – Includes news coverage on Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Riders, desegregation, voting rights and more.  
• American Civil Liberties Union Papers – 20th century ACLU records focusing on race and civil rights. 
• Slavery and Anti-Slavery: A Transnational Archive – Documents and research guides related to the history of slavery, abolition and emancipation.   

Local History  

• The Legacy of Corinthian Nutter – Learn about the major contributions Ms. Nutter made in Webb v. School District 90 (located in Merriam, KS), which ended segregation five years before Brown v. the Board of Education.  
• JoCo History Collections - Historical photographs and maps documenting the people, places and organizations of Johnson County.  
• Olathe’s early African-American community – Kansas’ anti-slavery legacy offered a fresh start for many former slaves and their families after the Emancipation Proclamation.  

Watch & Listen 

• African-American Stories on Kanopy – Hundreds of films, documentaries and series exploring everything from current events to the history and cultural legacy of African Americans.   
• The Past is Prologue – A series of programs featuring topics that were often left out, glossed over or misrepresented in our history books. 

Read & Discover 

• Celebrate 100 Years of the Negro Leagues - Explore the history, players and lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues. 
• Read More Black Authors: Kids and Teens – Fiction and nonfiction titles celebrating Black voices for young readers. 
• Upbeat Black History Month – Uplifting stories of African American achievements, resilience and innovation. 
• Black History Month – A curated selection of non-fiction books exploring the history of African Americans in the U.S. 
• Black History Month: Biographies for Younger Readers: Inspiring stories of influential Black leaders and trailblazers. 

Library Events 

The Library offers several upcoming programs honoring Black experiences and history, including Storytimes running through the end of February that feature books celebrating African American experiences.  

• Keynote with Dr. Tiya Miles: Join the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures at UMKC for a keynote address with Dr. Tiya Miles, award-winning historian and Harvard University professor. Dr. Miles’ 2021 National Book Award-winning book, "All That She Carried," has earned multiple literary and historical awards, including the Frederick Douglass Prize. Registration required. 
  • When: Thursday, Feb. 6 | 6–8 p.m.
  • Where: UMKC Student Union 
• Book Discussion: All That She Carried by Tiya Miles: Join us for a discussion of "All That She Carried," Tiya Miles’ poignant account of an enslaved mother’s gift to her daughter—a cotton sack that carries generations of resilience, love and survival. This program is presented in partnership with the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. 
  • Dates & Locations: 
    • Monday, Feb. 10 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Cedar Roe Library 
    • Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 2–3 p.m | Online 
• Tween Book Club: Each session features a new book, staff-led discussion and a related activity. Tweens (ages 9–13) can pick up a free copy of the book at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. 
  • Upcoming Sessions: 
    • Saturday, Feb. 4 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Monticello Library 
    • Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Online 
    • Saturday, Feb. 22 | 10–11 a.m. | Gardner Library 
    • Saturday, Feb. 22 | 2–3 p.m. | Leawood Library 
    • February’s Book: "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson 
• American Girl Book Club: Explore American history through the stories of American Girl characters, combining reading, discussion and crafts. Best for ages 8–12. 
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Cedar Roe Library 
  • February’s Book: "No Ordinary Sound (Melody)" by Denise Lewis Patrick 
• Past Is Prologue: The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime: Join historian Phil Dixon as he explores the history of Negro Leagues baseball and the Kansas City Monarchs, highlighting the resilience of the players despite discrimination and inequity. 
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Online Event 
• Online Author Talk with Lee Hawkins: Join Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Hawkins as he discusses his book, I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s Story Set Me Free. Hear the true story behind the book and its personal impact. 
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 1–2 p.m. 
  • Where: Online Event 
• KCRep for All: Broke-ology Community Tour: Experience Broke-ology by Nathan Louis Jackson, a moving play about family, sacrifice and resilience. The performance will be followed by a talkback with director Francois Battiste. 
  • When: Saturday, March 8 | 1–5 p.m. 
  • Where: Central Resource Library  
• Upcoming Submission Opportunity: Family-themed Writing Contest: Submit poetry, fiction or essays with the theme of Family. Winning submissions will be featured on our Staff Picks blog, and selected authors will be invited for a reading with a $200 honorarium. This contest ties into Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of Broke-ology. Guidelines and submission details »

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.