Bookmarkable
Central Resource Library's READ Poster Winner
Each of our locations draws a name from the pool of kids who participated in Summer Reading to win a READ poster photoshoot. Here is Central Resource Library's winner!
Central Resource Library hosts many of our Library systems larger events, such as Career and Finance programs, Genealogy events, movie screenings and more »
Lenexa City Center
The new Lenexa City Center Library is taking shape! Interior and exterior work progresses. When it opens in the second quarter of 2019, the two-story Lenexa City Center Library will house a collection slightly larger than the current Lackman Library.
The Lenexa City Center Library features two entrances – the Lenexa Commons (Garage level) providing easy paths to the Civic Plaza, Lenexa Recreation Center and City Hall; and the Lower Commons (Market level) entrance right across from the Public Market.
Features will include:
- Convenient Holds area right inside the Garage level entrance – patrons can also choose to pick up their holds during “extended holds hours”
- A drive-thru service point in the adjacent parking garage for convenient holds pick-up and material drop-off
- Kids’ area on the Garage level, with convenient access from the adjacent parking garage
- Adults and Teens sections on Market level, featuring a cultural commons area, tech bar, and public art
- Study and conference rooms in a variety of sizes
In collaboration with Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, Hollis + Miller Architects designed the roughly 40,000 sq. ft. facility to seamlessly fit into the Lenexa City Center plaza and public market while still providing a distinct image for Johnson County Library.
The exterior of the Library will feature textured walls with deep stone ledges that will engage patrons and the community by allowing for seating within the public plaza. The large roof is designed with an overhang that caps the building – to not only provide shade but also visual prominence. Limestone terrace seating will also be built into the exterior landscaping.
For updates on the progress of Lenexa City Center Library, visit jocolibrary.org/lenexa.
Ad Astra per Aspera!
Ad astra per aspera is a Latin phrase meaning "through hardships to the stars." It's on our state flag and, perhaps, a feeling deeply ingrained in each of us who call Kansas home. January 29 is when we celebrate Kansas Day each year. Today commemorates our state's admission into the Union in 1861. Originally it was Native American land, then a territory created by the Kansas-Nebraska Act and finally statehood. Kansas has surely seen hardships. Perhaps it is the optimism and aspiration to rise above during tough times that makes us unique as Kansans. On this day, we salute our state and all who chose a home on the range.
Milking Throwback Thursday
Got milk? Like to judge things? Hop in a time machine and join 1938's Shawnee Mission Rural High School Milk Judging Team!
We like to occasionally give a nod to the odd.
For even more local history visit jocohistory.org or follow our hashtag on Twitter.
Now at Corinth: Kwanza Humphrey
Kwanza Humphrey has been painting for over 25 years. A lifelong resident of Kansas City, Humphrey calls his artistic process a “human centered design approach.” Through his portraits, Humphrey scratches below the surface to show the essence and emotion of humanity. As he states about his creative process: “Painting is an emotional experience for me, so much so that it’s hard to put into words the way I work. Sometimes I have a conversation with myself and shape a feeling. Other times I just let go and let my subconscious take over where color and brush are the medium I use to communicate.”
*
Introduce yourself and describe your work and the genre you work in.
I've been painting and making art for as long as I remember. I started drawing very early, around 2-3, and have been painting since about 1996. I'm always trying to learn something new and hone my craft. I paint figure's and portraits mostly in a painterly style to show how I paint rather than just what I paint.
Talk about the work on view. What would you like people to know about it?
You will find a collection of drawings and paintings. Drawing is my first love. Each painting starts as a study for me. I use pencil and paper to figure out tone and composition before I commit it to canvas.
What’s the most challenging thing about your creative process?
Time and energy are the most challenging. I have a day job that pay's the bills and its hard to find time after working all day to commit to the studio. Once I'm painting thought, 9 times out of 10 the art gives me energy.
What is about people and the human form that you find so captivating?
We're all very different, but we have very familiar experiences in our life. Though look different we all experience human emotions and can recognize those feelings in each other. In that way I think we are more alike than different.
What do you wish to convey when working on a portrait of someone?
I try to capture the essence of that person. I think in general we guard ourselves and where mask's. When I paint people I try to move past that and show some of the emotions we all feel.
What are your book/music/movie recommendations for checkout from the library? Why?
I would recommend any of the books by Malcolm Gladwell. He offers insightful perspective on the human condition in various aspects that can help you understand the world we live in or at least look at it differently.
Also, could you provide a paragraph or so for an artist statement?
I have been painting for over 25 years. I grew up here in Kansas City, graduating high school from Lincoln Academy. It was there I was encouraged to pursue art as a profession from Ms Claire Martin-West. I attended Missouri Western State University where I took several painting classes from Jack Hughes. His approach was very hands off unless you were really needing help. I appreciated his approach as it allowed me to develop my own voice. I graduated from there in ‘98 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Art with an emphasis in painting and illustration. My first exhibition was at the Albrecht Kemper membership show in ’96 where I won best of show for my painting “Blue Funk.” My painting “Ms Flora” won an award in the 35th Annual River market Regional Exhibition, curated by Mr Curlee Ravon Holton, Executive Director, David C. Driskell Center.
Spring Storytimes
Our new storytime schedule is here!
Need a morning storytime, or one after work? Got an infant, a preschooler or a toddler? Whatever your situation, we've got a storytime for you »
Fueling your Throwback Thursday
Do you remember petrol in glass gas pumps? How about "Full Service?" Do you recognize any of these old gas stations? Discover the story behind these images and details at jocohistory.org. It's your place for Johnson County, Kansas History! Follow our hashtag on Twitter.
Blue Valley's READ poster winner
Each of our locations draws a name from the pool of kids who participated in Summer Reading to win a READ poster photoshoot. Here is Blue Valley's winner!
Blue Valley Library hosts a huge variety of storytimes, as well as lots of other great events, like Table Top Games. Check out all their events here »
eBundle of Joy
Baby New Year is only a few days old. That new gadget you got for the holidays? It's an infant too!
You've got plenty on your mind: keeping it charged, protecting it from the elements, avoiding accidentally dropping it in the toilet, adorning it with bling-tastic cases. But remember, it's never too early to start thinking about a lifelong partner. (Did we mention we moonlight as matchmakers?) May we introduce your gadget to the eLibrary?
- eBooks are easy to check out, download and read wherever you go
- eAudiobooks feature studio recorded narration without the fuss of tapes and CDs
- eMagazines offer current and back issues that you can download and keep forever
- eMusic lets you stream an array of tunes to jazz up your day
- Catalog mobile app keeps track of your regular checkouts, holds and more
These services and more could be part of your new gadget's bright future. No dowry or prenup required, just your Library card and PIN. Check it out!
Best of 2018 from Your Librarians
Our Johnson County librarians read a lot. Seriously: A LOT. One of our staff emailed around to find out what books that have been released in 2018 that our staff think that our adult patrons absolutely need to know about. We compiled this list, divided them into ten different categories, with five titles for each list. No matter if you’re looking for a selection for your book club, ideas for a gift for the winter holidays, or just for something good to read, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out our Staff Picks for other great suggestions and the NoveList database for readalikes for your favorite novels.