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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.

The Day of the Dead, November 2nd, is a major celebration in many parts of Mexico. The festival is rooted in ancient native ceremony, now blended with Catholic observances brought by the Conquistadores. 

Traditions vary from village to village; but altars, such as this one, are common. They are erected in cemeteries, town squares, businesses, and homes, and are decorated with photos and mementos of deceased loved ones. Included are favorite foods, drinks, or items used by the deceased during life. It is expected that the spirits of the loved ones will come back to visit on Nov. 2.

The Day of the Dead is observed with the characteristic Mexican mixture of reverence and revelry. There are candlelit all-night vigils inside the cemeteries and a fiesta atmosphere outside, with special foods, music, and dancing.

Día de Muertos, 2 de noviembre, es una celebración importante en muchas partes de México. La celebración tiene sus raíces en la antigua ceremonia nativa, ahora mezclada con las costumbres católicas traídas por los conquistadores. 

Las tradiciones varían de un pueblo a otro; pero los altares, como este, son comunes. Se erigen en cementerios, plazas, negocios y hogares, y se decoran con fotos y recuerdos de seres queridos fallecidos. Se incluyen los alimentos, bebidas o artículos favoritos utilizados por el difunto durante su vida. Se espera que los espíritus de los seres queridos regresen a visitarnos el 2 de noviembre.

El Día de Muertos se caracteriza por la fusión mexicana de reverencia y jolgorio. Hay vigilias a la luz de las velas durante toda la noche dentro de los cementerios y un ambiente festivo afuera, con comidas especiales, música y baile.

Johnson County Central Resource Library is grateful to patrons, Lupita and Pilar Vargas, for creating this beautiful ofrenda dedicated to 

Lisa Lopez-Galvan

Lisa’s life was tragically taken in a senseless act of violence on February 14, 2024 in Kansas City, MO while celebrating her beloved Kansas City Chiefs at the Super Bowl rally. 

Born in Kansas City to Heriberto and Ana Margot Lopez, she grew up in the Westside neighborhood and remained a devoted resident of the Kansas City area throughout her life. She attended Our Lady of Angels Grade School, graduated from Bishop Miege High School and she dedicated 14 years to the Roeland Park Police Department. Her work always reflected her commitment to helping others. 

She carried on the legacy of her family’s deep musical tradition as “DJ Lisa G” and was a sought-after presence at quinceañeras, weddings, graduations, and parties across the metro area. She hosted the “Taste of Tejano” music night on KKFI radio and made numerous guest appearances on other shows. Lisa volunteered her time extensively across the city, supporting community events such as the Folly Theater's Hispanic Heritage Month performance, as a volunteer board member for the Fiesta Hispana. She generously offered her DJ services for events throughout the community.

Lisa's joy and vibrant personality created a legacy that will continue through her music and humor. She was a bright light, and her memory is a blessing to her husband, children, extended family, and many friends. 

La Biblioteca de Johnson County agradece a la usuarias, Lupita y Pilar Vargas, por crear esta hermosa ofrenda dedicada a 

Lisa López-Galván

La vida de Lisa fue trágicamente arrebatada en un acto de violencia sin sentido el 14 de febrero de 2024 en Kansas City, Missouri, mientras celebraba a sus queridos Kansas City Chiefs en el desfile del Super Bowl. 

Nacida en Kansas City, hija de Heriberto y Ana Margot López, creció en el vecindario de Westside y siguió siendo una devota residente del área de Kansas City durante toda su vida. Asistió a la Escuela Primaria Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, se graduó de la Escuela Secundaria Bishop Miege y dedicó 14 años al Departamento de Policía de Roeland Park. Su trabajo siempre reflejó su compromiso de ayudar a los demás. 

Continuó con el legado de la profunda tradición musical de su familia como "DJ Lisa G" y fue una presencia solicitada en quinceañeras, bodas, graduaciones y fiestas en toda el área metropolitana. Fue anfitriona de la noche de música "Taste of Tejano" en la radio KKFI e hizo numerosas apariciones como invitada y apariciones en otros programas. Lisa ofreció su tiempo como voluntaria en toda la ciudad, apoyando eventos comunitarios como la presentations del Mes de la Herencia Hispana del Folly Theater, como miembro voluntario de la junta de la Fiesta Hispana. Ofreció generosamente sus servicios de DJ para eventos en toda la comunidad.

La alegría y la personalidad vibrante de Lisa crearon un legado que continuará a través de su música y humor. Era una luz brillante, y su memoria es una bendición para su esposo, sus hijos, su familia extendida y muchos amigos.

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.

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

We offer Storytime varieties carefully planned based on a child’s age group and developmental abilities. If you have children in different age groups, we encourage you to join us for a Family Storytime or the variety best suited for the youngest child. Older siblings are always welcome. Each child is unique, but we recommend the following ages for the different Storytime varieties: 

• Baby Storytime: Birth to 18 months and a caregiver 
• Movin' and Groovin' Rhyme Time: 12 months to 24 months and a caregiver 
• Toddler Storytime: 18 months to 3 years and a caregiver 
• Preschool Storytime: 3-6 years and a caregiver 
• Family Storytime: Fun for the whole family 

Johnson County Library has just launched a department entirely focused on continuing to develop its excellent program offerings to be even more robust, responsive and accountable to the community.

“We are adapting to a new model of designing and delivering library programs,” explains Angel Tucker, the new Program Department Manager, who will oversee the department of 22 people. “We see this as an opportunity to redefine and prioritize collaborative efforts as it relates to providing innovative services to the community.”

As the needs of diverse audiences grow and evolve, this focused approach to programming will allow the Library to better understand and serve their needs.  It’s all about providing children, teens, adults and seniors with ideas, information, and experiences to enrich their lives.

The programming staff will focus on important community interests and outreach, enhancing cooperation and coordination with other Library departments, county agencies, volunteers and myriad organizational partners.

Tucker said communication both internally and with the public will be key. The department will be doing a lot of listening to their colleagues and members of the public, with a goal of responsiveness, creativity, strategic thinking, relationship building and service orientation. 

The organization’s staffing structures were last evaluated about 10 years ago, when libraries and the world were very different. The need to take a step back and look at how to best meet patron and community needs became apparent during the pandemic, Tucker said.

“We started to think about the many challenges we are facing,” she said. “How can we make our efforts more sustainable?”

Change is hard, Tucker acknowledged, and it has proven to be disorienting for both staff and the public. “It will take time, training, and an intentional focus on cross-department collaboration,” Tucker said. “Johnson County Library staff are smart and creative and they want to be vested in impactful work.”

Patrons will see some changes to favorite providers of programs like Book Groups and Storytimes. But Tucker emphasized those popular and well-loved offerings will continue to be offered in pursuit of sustainability and growth. The ultimate intention is to balance process and outcome and to invest in relationships internally and externally. “We will center a co-design methodology that gives key stakeholders — the community, partners, and colleagues — a defined role in the program design process.”

Tucker brings 20 years of experience with Johnson County Library to her new role and has worked on successful initiatives throughout that time. She began as a part-time youth specialist at Central Resource Library and started a middle school creative writing class that evolved into the Library’s highly-praised teen literary magazine, elementia.

She eventually took a full-time Library position and in 2014 helped develop Race Project KC, a social justice project aimed at educating teens and the wider community about race relations in the Kansas City area and nationwide.

She says she’s been blessed with an incredible team of colleagues. “Everything I’ve accomplished, I’ve accomplished with my colleagues,” she said.

The new programming department includes veteran Library staff. In addition to 12 Program Services Specialists with decades of combined experience providing public programs, the department will be led by two Program Operations Managers and six Program Coordinators. Key program areas will include Pre-readers; Summer Reading; Reading Arts and Culture; Writing Arts and Language; and Community Matters (civic education and community engagement.)

Tucker said it’s exhilarating to forge even greater connections with the community, discovering their needs and wants and reaching people who don’t yet know all the Library has to offer. She’s excited about the possibilities and eager to get going with her team on this new initiative to carry the Library into the future.

Johnson County Library’s signature early literacy program, 6 by 6, Ready to Read: Six Skills by Six Years, has captivated children, parents and caregivers since 2009. With dynamic artwork, materials and programming, it has provided invaluable tools to prepare kids to love reading.   

As the Library celebrates the 15th anniversary of this hugely successful program, it is taking the opportunity for a rebrand, debuting a new look for the beloved characters that represent each of the six skills: Have Fun with Books (a monkey); Look for Letters Everywhere (a peacock); Notice Print All Around You (a kangaroo and joey); Take Time to Rhyme (a goat); Talk Talk Talk (a toucan); and Tell Stories About Everything (a turtle).  

The new artwork and this fall’s activities honor the original program’s excellence while recognizing the multimedia aspects of contemporary Libraries, to connect with a new generation of young readers.  

“Early literacy is more multidimensional now,” says Program Operations Manager Shannon Goebel, who was Early Literacy Coordinating Librarian from 2021 to 2024. “There are so many new ways to interact with Library resources, including Talking Books and eResources like BookFlix. It’s bringing the characters into a new generation of kids and Library resources, while still reinforcing the 6 by 6 skills."  

When children’s author and illustrator Brad Sneed was invited to illustrate the original program in 2009, he used animals and humor, hallmarks of his work, to bring each skill to life in a fun way.  

“As an illustrator I provide visuals,” he said. “I get people’s attention. They get curious and are inspired to read further and dig deeper.”  

Updating the characters has allowed Sneed to reflect the evolution of Library services and his own artistic journey. While the originals were watercolors, the new ones are drawn digitally, allowing for bolder colors and even more expressive creativity.  

He’s thrilled to be part of such an impactful initiative. “It’s just a very quality, thorough, interesting and well-researched program that lays it out for parents how to build a foundation for young readers,” he said. 

Goebel said Sneed has succeeded in preserving the original characters’ whimsy and joy, while revamping them for a contemporary audience. 

Jennifer Taylor, graphics coordinator for Johnson County Library, was honored to work on the initial launch and is excited about the rebrand. She said the characters have always appealed to children from birth to age six, and these updated graphics make them even more compelling.  

“It was time for something new and fresh,” she said. “Just like what we’re looking for in these illustrations, the Libraries are more colorful and fresh now.” 

Early Literacy skills, based on the science of children’s brain development, were originally identified by the Public Library Association in partnership with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Johnson County Library customized the research to resonate with patrons and launched what became the enormously popular 6 by 6 program in September 2009. In 2012, the State of Kansas adopted 6 by 6 as its own early literacy program. 

It remains one of Johnson County Library’s premier services. Storytimes attracted more than 32,000 attendees in 2023. Another indication of 6 by 6’s impact is that, even 15 years on, the Library still gets countless requests from parents, grandparents and early childhood teachers for information on these proven approaches. 

Goebel praised the staff from 2009 to today for sustaining and growing the program, with book lists, activity kits, workshops and other resources.  

“6 by 6 is a collaborative effort supported by countless staff,” she said. “It’s a testament to the passion and expertise of Johnson County Library staff, and the rebrand is a way to carry it forward.” 

Johnson County will celebrate the 6 by 6 program throughout this fall. The Johnson County Commission has designated Sept. 15-21 as Early Literacy Week, special birthday-themed storytimes will be featured in branches the week of Sept. 16, and the 6 by 6 Birthday Bash is planned for Saturday, Oct. 5, at Central Resource Library. More details can be found in the Fall 2024 Guide, available at a branch near you and also available to view online. 

The Fall 2024 Guide is available at all locations! You can also browse the full Guide online. The Guide is your source for the latest Library information. Inside you’ll find upcoming events and programs, service highlights, branch updates, Friends of Johnson County Library and Johnson County Library Foundation news. The Guide is published trimesterly and covers forthcoming events for the next four months. 

The cover art was created by Kansas City, MO painter Kelly Meiners, whose artwork serves as a communication method for her to express emotions otherwise inaccessible because of a brain injury. Meiners’ art will be on exhibit at Lenexa City Center Library this fall. Make sure you pick up a copy of the Guide at a branch near you.