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While the Johnson County Library’s Black & Veatch MakerSpace may be closed, its makers are still keeping busy and finding innovative ways to contribute their skills for the good of the library and the community. One of their latest projects involved something unusual: a steamroller.



During Project Block & Roll, the makers combined a new 3-D carving tool, the X-Carve, with a 36-inch construction roller to showcase a local artist and new MakerSpace equipment, and to raise money for the Library Foundation. The roller pressed ink from a carved wood block onto paper to create a print of a local artist’s work that was as large as 45”x32”.



Five of the art prints were donated to the Library Foundation, and donors were able to purchase $100 raffle tickets during the annual Library Lets Loose fundraiser for the chance of winning a print. Angelica Sandoval, one of the MakerSpace facilitators, said the steamroller rental and delivery fees were donated by Sunbelt.



“There were many parts of the project I enjoyed,” Sandoval said. She was especially glad to get to format the chosen artist’s piece for printing using the X-Carve, and to join the other makers in driving the industrial roller. “It was slower than I expected,” she added.



The Black & Veatch MakerSpace facilitators placed a call for art entries for Block & Roll online so they could choose and involve a Kansas City artist in the project. After hours of deliberation, they unanimously chose Shawn Sanem’s “Hurgle” from which to make the limited edition prints. As the winner, Sanem received two artist proofs from a master printer and $400. Also involved was Mark Raymer as the Master Printmaker. Raymer provided logistical guidance to the MakerSpace facilitators on the day



Block & Roll isn’t the only maker project in the works right now. There are several maker kits in circulation that allow for the exploration of coding using the free web program Make Code alongside circuit boards, a manual, and a cord for computer connection. 

Like other library staff, the makers have moved programs online such as their microbit workshop and sewing class, always finding new ways to work with and reach out to patrons. Sandoval said the Black & Veatch MakerSpace also provides remote 3D Printing for patrons during this time of limited services.

“The idea is that patrons reserve a time to print a model from TinkerCad or Thingiverse. A makerspace facilitator will then walk the patron through our 3D slicing program via Zoom” explained Sandoval, and patrons can then “pick up their finished print on the hold shelf at Central Resource Library.”



Having been with the Black & Veatch MakerSpace for two years, Sandoval says she most enjoys having “the opportunity to be creative while being able to teach patrons how to use tools and complete their projects.”



-- Catherine Strayhall

Johnson County Library Foundation President Vickie Trott summed up one craving in 2020 as she addressed attendees at this year’s annual Library gala: “In these unusual times,” Trott said, “we need to let loose however we can until we can let loose in person again.”

And that’s exactly what happened Sept. 12, with the “virtual” Library Lets Loose celebration and fund-raiser. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, this year’s event could not be held in-person and pivoted to online. Using the On24 platform, the Foundation hosted an event that still featured fun activities, capped off by a virtual dance club where people were encouraged to get their groove on from the comfort of their own homes.

“I am truly amazed at the ingenuity and willingness of so many people to look at the possibility to keep our Library Lets Loose event an ongoing tradition,” Trott told participants.

Honorary co-chairs Cindy Wallis-Lage and Kent Lage greeted people from their home. “Even in this time where we are sheltered in place a lot and we don’t get to go out to the places that we like to go, the Library is still there as a great resource,” Wallis-Lage said. “We hope you have a fantastic night and really remember how much the Library means to all of us.”  

In past years, the gala has attracted 44 sponsors and about 500 participants. This year, the event still garnered 44 sponsors and more than 500 attendees.  Feedback was very positive. The event was free to register but many people and companies still made generous donations. “As a Foundation, we are grateful for the brave Library Lovers who were willing to try an online fundraising event,” said Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Stollsteimer. “We are thrilled with the outpouring of financial support as well.”

Welcome educators and readers!

Join us this Summer for one (or more!) of our Youth Book Clubs! Register for these events on our web calendar.

Bookmark this page because we'll be posting our monthly book club guides (coming soon). Please feel free to use these resources as the basis for your own book discussions or lesson plans.

• Kids Book Club 
• Tween Book Club
• American Girl Book Club
• Community Matters Book Club

Find reading guides for our previous Youth Book Clubs »

Does waiting for The Writers Conference make your pen hand restless?



Several writing programs which were originally meant for that exciting weekend this November, will now be offered as one-time, online Zoom sessions. These unique writing programs are scheduled September through December with a limited number of seats.



These programs cover topics ranging from Starting a Writing Project with Shannon Thompson (9/16) to Elements of a Sentence: Building Sentences for Rhetorical Effect with Amy Woods Butler (10/3). 



Need publishing advice? Look no further, Dave Burns has your back with Publishing: What are My Options? (10/21) and Tiffany White can give you tips on how to get connected with other writers in How to Use Social Media to Connect with Other Writers (12/2). We have something for every writer at any level!



Find a complete list of our events for writers here! With these amazing programs, the long wait until The Writers Conference -- is over. 

Hey you! Yes, you, human with untapped writing potential and ideas that need to be set free. Suffering from writer’s block? Don’t know where to get started on your writing journey? Did you know you can be published without winning one of our writing contests or finding a publisher?



The JoCoWrites Blog is the perfect place to let your creativity flow with the monthly prompt. Here is how it works:

1. Head on over to the For Writers page on the Johnson County Public Library website.
2. Read the new prompt for the month and start brainstorming.
3. Write your piece, and submit your work.
   
    

We welcome writers of any level to share their creativity and thoughts with the community through the JoCoWrites Blog. You can submit under your name or anonymously if you choose. While the prompt changes every month, submissions for past prompts still remain viewable!