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What's in a Storytime?
Have you ever wondered what our storytimes are all about, or how to choose the one that's right for your family? At "What's in a Storytime?" you'll meet some of our storytime leaders, sample some silly rhymes and songs, and get ready to have fun with your little ones!
Local Music
Our local music blog features over 200 Kansas City area musicians and composers, including the indie band Mess, whose debut EP heartswithholes creates a sound that is at once textured, sprawling and intimate. Check out more local music, hear tracks, and read exclusive interviews on Local Music.
This Week at the Library
This week at Johnson County Library, you can enjoy music and dance with the whole family, get your bookish manicure, and rock out on the ukulele!
Rockin’ the Library with Mr. Stinky Feet Monday, July 23, 10:30 am @ Oak Park Library
Johnny and Adam: Rhythm and Music various times and locations
Literary Manicures Wednesday, July 25, 2 pm @ Central Resource Library
Rock Out on the Ukulele (register here) Wednesday, July 25, 2 pm @ Shawnee Library
Check out all of our events for the whole scoop!
Library Histories: Edgerton
Since its inception in 1952, the Johnson County Library has grown to 13 (soon to be 14) locations! In this blog post we feature the history of the Edgerton Library.
The Johnson County Library had long wanted to provide more convenient library service to the city of Edgerton after the bookmobile ceased operation in the early 1980s. At that time permanent Johnson County Library locations in Gardner, DeSoto, and Spring Hill came on line. Edgerton residents needed to drive four miles to Gardner for full library services. For many years two carts of books for self-checkout stood in the Edgerton City Hall.
In 1991 rental space for a library was sought, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Funding was not available in 1997 when an Edgerton Library was again proposed. But the Johnson County Library and the people and city of Edgerton continued to work toward a library in that community. A solution was finally found. A former bank building conveniently located across the street from the post office and in the downtown area was acquired by the city in 1999. The Johnson County Library agreed to provide library service there and the city and people of Edgerton set about providing a setting for the provision of modern library services.
Community Development Block Grants and several hundred thousand dollars in funds raised by the Edgerton Library Task Force paid for much. Local citizens and businesses pitched in with skilled volunteers and materials. Furnishings and library materials were supplied by the Johnson County Library, which rents the facility from the city of Edgerton for a nominal charge.
On July 29, 2000, the Edgerton Library opened its doors to the public. Among the services offered were a wide range of library materials at the facility and requested items brought daily for other Johnson County Library locations, public-use PCs, a meeting room, and youth and adult programming including storytimes. Unique to the Edgerton Library were fishing rods and gear that could be checked out from under the “Cops ‘n Bobbers” program. Sadly, this program is one that got away and is no longer offered.
In 2001, its first full year in operation, 22,711 items were checked out at Edgerton and the branch received 19,150 visitors. The library is open 36 hours a week including two evenings and Saturdays. It is always busy after school.
Showing at Shawnee: Fally Afani
Fally Afani’s music photography captures the electric energy and urgency of the Kansas City and Lawrence music scenes. Her love of live music prompted her to focus her energy on working with local musicians and connecting them with the community. On any given night, you can find her covering concerts in Lawrence, Kansas City, or music festivals across the nation.
Her award-winning journalism, which now spans 15 years, has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and television stations across Kansas. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism.
Meet her on June 20th at Shawnee »
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What comes first – the medium or the message?
The Message.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
My art runs parallel with journalism, and journalism is a community service. I am here to show what the musicians around me are capable of as performers, and how it engages audiences here in Kansas and even beyond because of our online presence.
What influences your practice/works?
I grew up in a country where media was mostly censored. When I moved to the U.S., I was limited to living in a small, rural area of Kansas. My only access to explore the music scenes I so desired were magazines. So much happens in an entire concert, but only one second from it gets captured in a photo to show you the extent of the activity involved. These photos define the opposite of stagnant, presenting an entire world of opportunity to music lovers who desire to live within that moment.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration?
Lately I’ve been enjoying concert photos from journalists who cover the East Coast hardcore music scene, such as Angela Ownes and Farrah Skeiky.
What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process?
Above all, you must follow women and people of color. White men have covered the music scene for far too long and have made it an absolute bore.
The P.R. Wreuster Murder
Have you heard of the P.R. Wreuster Murder of 1911? It is a legend that has faded with time, but was once the talk of the town. Read the thrilling tale at JoCoHistory »
This Week at the Library
This week at the Johnson County Library...
Poetry and Prose Tuesday, Jul 17, 6 pm @ Central Resource Library
Storyteller Priscilla Howe at two different locations and times on Wednesday, July 18
Wizard Rock with the 8th Horcrux at two different locations and times on Wednesday, July 18
Meet the Artist: Sterling Witt Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 pm @ Lackman Library
Movie in the Park Friday, July 20, 8 pm @ Electric Park in Lenexa and Santa Fe Commons Park in Overland Park
All this and more - plus plenty of fun for kids and the whole family!
Library Night at the K
The libraries of greater Kansas City have once again teamed up with the Kansas City Royals to score big for the libraries’ annual summer reading programs. On Tuesday, July 24, the Royals will host Library Night at The K as they take on the Detroit Tigers, and a portion of every ticket purchased through Johnson County Library's ticket link will go toward our 6 by 6: Ready to Read early literacy program, Homework Help, and tutoring services.
Prior to the first pitch, all six libraries will host pregame celebrations outside Gate B with a variety of activities and giveaways including:
- The chance to meet Mid-Continent Public Library’s mascot, Marty the Martian, and see the Library’s Reading Rocket, a mobile early literacy unit. Attendees can also pick up an “I ♥ MCPL” royal blue wristband, while supplies last.
- Cooling towels, bubbles, and candy from North Kansas City Public Library
- Baseball and library trivia to win prizes with Olathe Public Library
- Fans and bookmarks from Johnson County Library
- Free book giveaways (children’s and adult), a bean bag toss game, a selfie station, and reading recommendations from Kansas City Public Library
In addition to the pregame celebrations, beloved children’s entertainer Mr. Stinky Feet will perform in the Outfield Experience between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., including his signature hit, “Rockin' the Library.” From the time gates open until the second inning, the libraries will have tables with more activities and giveaways in the Outfield Experience, and members of the libraries’ executive leadership teams will also be recognized before the players take the field. The National Anthem will be sung by Olathe Public Library Indian Creek Branch Manager Bob Miller.
Library Night at The K also marks the launch of KCPT’s Great American Read here in Kansas City, and representatives from the local PBS station will share information about the celebration before the game. During The Great American Read, participants can cast their vote to find out what our city’s and our country’s favorite books are.
Across the Kansas City metro, these six library systems collectively serve more than 1.8 million people via 62 branches, five mobile units, and 17 other service locations. In fact, the more than 9.7 million visitors to all of these libraries over the past year would have filled Kauffman Stadium 257 times.
“When you are Raised Royal it’s all about ballparks, batters, bases, and books,” said Sean Casserley, County Librarian at Johnson County Library. “It’s what makes Kansas City great!”
Now on Exhibit at Leawood: Evin Felix
Evin Felix finds inspiration everywhere. In a time when we are bombarded with images of ugliness, violence, and destruction, her goal as an artist is to depict the natural, understated beauty that still exists in our world. Many of her paintings are renderings of photos that she has taken at home and abroad. Whether it's a boat resting calmly on a glassy sea or a quiet expansive landscape, Evin strives to artfully depict feelings of peace and beauty in her work.
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What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.
For me, I’d say that the medium comes first. I often paint from photos or life, in a more traditional style. So my biggest challenges are laying down the paint in a way that I accurately depict a scene or translate an emotion to the viewer. Even this abstract series was painted from medical pathology slides, so it is based in reality to a degree. I take some artistic liberties with colors, textures, and composition; but technically, it’s still representational. I usually don’t have a deeper message to my art, in hopes that the viewer sees it and it moves them to feel their own emotions. I feel like it's a successful piece if the viewer can connect with it emotionally.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
I feel like my role as an artist is to find beauty in the world, and depict it in my art so that others may experience it as well.
What influences your practice/works?
It is simple: my artwork is influenced by my observations. My practice of art was intensely influenced by my mentor and father Mark Schuler. He was an illustrator and painter, and taught me a lot about observing, techniques, etc. On a day to day basis, I think my peers at the InterUrban ArtHouse inspire me and challenge me to push harder.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?
I love so many artists. From classical painters to contemporary painters, and everything in between. I’m currently loving Mark English, Rich Bowman, Carla Bosch, and Carol Marine just to name a few. Of course, I also find inspiration from my mentors and teachers Mark Schuler and Amy Trachtenberg. With all of these talented artists, I find myself drawn to their use of color, their
brushstrokes and their interpretation of value.
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Learn more about Evin Felix's work here: http://www.evinschuleroils.com/
Hand-Picked Favorites
Our Youth Services librarians read a looooot of picture books. That means they know what really stands out from the crowd. Check out their new favorites!