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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!
A Wall with a View
The new Lenexa City Center Library is taking shape! In recent weeks structural steel, the elevator shaft, stairwells and pre-cast concrete wall panels have emerged on the site. And now, you can get a better glimpse as construction progresses on our next Johnson County Library.
“Portholes” have been installed in the construction barrier wall around the Library site. These windows allow for safe viewing of the progress going on behind those walls -- the new home for Lackman Library patrons.
When it opens in late 2019, the two-story Lenexa City Center Library will house a collection slightly larger than the current Lackman Library, and will feature:
- Kids’ area and Holds on the upper level, with convenient access from the adjacent parking garage and Lenexa Commons area
- An “extended hours” Holds pick-up lobby for picking up your items after hours
- Adults and Teens sections on lower level, featuring a cultural commons area, tech bar, and public art
- A drive-through kiosk in the adjacent parking garage for convenient holds pick-up and material drop off
- 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 the 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.
The Lenexa City Center Library features two entrances- the upper level providing easy paths to the Civic Plaza, Lenexa Rec Center, and City Hall; and the lower level entrance is right across from the Public Market.
And while you eagerly “watch” our progress at Lenexa City Center, continue to check back here for more updates!
This Week at the Library
This week at the Library...
Kids up to 18 years can grab a free, nutritious breakfast or lunch most days this week thanks to Catholic Charities
Introverts will enjoy our Silent Book Group on Monday, July 2, 6 pm @ Groundhouse Coffee
Adelante! Read! es Programa para niños de 4 a 12 años. Lectura, matemáticas, manualidades, cuentos y presentadores
We're very excited to bring the KC Fringe Festival to JoCo with KC Fringe Festival Artist Reception and Sneak Peek Thursday, July 5, 5:30 pm @ Central Resource Library
And teens, get your organization on with our Teen Bullet Journaling Meetup Friday, July 6, 4 pm @ Lackman Library
Summer Fun at the MakerSpace
Your Community – Summer Fun in the MakerSpace
The Black & Veatch MakerSpace at the Johnson County Central Resource Library is an environment for discovering creativity and emerging technologies. Visitors of all ages can enjoy access to 3D printing, audiovisual production space/equipment, sewing materials, laser, CNC and vinyl cutting, and a selection of computers with industry-standard software.
Creative Discovery
Depending on the time of day or day of the week, you never know who might be working alongside you in the MakerSpace. The popular destination welcomes hundreds of visitors throughout the day. The gathering spot is popular among engineers, artists, BFA students as well as retired craftspeople and artists who are curious about the newest technologies. What might surprise you though is use of resources within the MakerSpace is free. Generous funding from Black & Veatch makes this possible.
Summer Destination
This summer, the Makers will again offer the popular MakerSpace Passport Program. Much like a staycation, the Passport Program is a great way to find a close-to-home adventure, learning about Maker ideas, tools and skills.
Each week, the Makers will present a new project. Participants will complete a series of different weekly projects using a variety of materials and methods. This is an open, walk-in program. Keep track of your adventure by picking up a Summer MakerSpace Passport and having it stamped after each workshop in June and July. Kids who complete one of each week’s activities will be entered in a Grand Prize drawing. The Passport Program is best for ages 6-12, no grown-ups allowed! The Maker Space provides the supplies.
July Summer Passport Program
Monday, July 9, 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday, July 10, 10 am-1 pm
Thursday, July 12, 5 pm-7 pm
Monday, July 16, 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday, July 17, 10 am-1 pm
Thursday, July 19, 5 pm-7 pm
Monday, July 23, 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday, July 24, 10 am-1 pm
Clowning Around this Throwback Thursday!
Do you remember Whizzo? “Whizzo’s Wonderland?” "Whizzolark?" This clown was a serious entertainer!
"He had one goal: entertain children and make them laugh."
Read the latest jocohistory blog entry: Frank Wiziarde: Entertainer, Artist, Whizzo the Clown
For even more local history visit jocohistory.org or follow our hashtag on Twitter.
Now at Lackman: Sterling Witt
Melodic and aggressive, abrasive and pretty, political and universal, the music and visual art of Sterling Witt has many starting points. In addition to writing catchy, rocking and thought-provoking tunes, Witt is an accomplished painter whose visual work is as vibrant as his music. Encompassing everything from dazzlingly abstract portraits to 3D works that confound, entertain and inspire, Witt brings high-voltage energy to whatever he creates.
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What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.
I started painting the word Love in an effort to bring more love into my life. I figured if I painted the word, then I would be thinking about it and by thinking about it I would manifest more love in my life. I also think the Love Paintings series have a positive effect on the surroundings of where they are displayed. I chose the watercolor medium because I wanted it to be a challenge for myself to control the paint. Using watercolors with enough water will create a spontaneous result that forces me to act fast and often deal with whatever happens. Being slightly out of control of the painting creates the qualities I'm looking for in the end.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
To express myself and make quality art. I am not one of those people who think anything is art because someone says it is. Composition ought to strike you from across the room. You shouldn't have to think about it, although you might want to think about it after you've enjoyed it thoroughly. Making art is a personal exploration for me. Often what I appreciate in art is unattractive to others. That old adage: One man’s trash is another mans treasure, is so true for me.
What influences your practice/works?
I'm always in search of understanding the world I live in. Discovering the truth--whatever that is--seems to be my personal mission and I assume this has an influence over my creations. Some people think everything is figured out and understood and the world is no longer a place of mystery. Yet a person can spend their entire life studying one subject and never know everything about it. If you think the world is boring and just dirt, rocks, air and water, then the world tends to show you only the mundane because that’s what you believe and what you are open to seeing. For me, it seems the more I understand the less I am certain I know. The world is a mysterious place. Just think: every few years science disproves what was once believed to be fact.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?
The Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo never ceases to amaze me. He created some of the greatest illusions and fantasy works. Artists like Arcimboldo make me wonder if art is progressing or digressing as time goes on. He was making his art in the 1500s, and that's incredible to me. The Renaissance Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch is another amazing artist and creates some of the most interesting depictions of historical events, both fantasy and illusion. He was painting in the 1400s--that’s 600 years ago! This is a strong reminder to me that we are not on the cutting edge as much as we often think we are. These guys were making their art in a time when there were no phones, no Internet, no cars, and no electricity. Go have a look at their art and tell me that it's not astonishing.
What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process? Please look through our on-line catalog and provide any links to resources that you would recommend.
The Magic of Believing by Claude M Bristol is a great book and was one of the first books I ever read about creating what you want in your life. I have read and reread this book. I would recommend it to anyone. No matter who you are or what you believe, this is a powerful book. https://jocolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/161746036?active_tab=su…
6 by 6: Ready to Read and Early Literacy
The Importance of Early Literacy
From day one, a baby’s brain is busy learning about their environment. From the sounds that they hear to the things that they grasp with tiny fingers, every experience helps build connections in the brain. Think back to high school biology. Do you remember hearing the word synapse in those classes? That’s what those connections are. Over time, a network of synapses creates a framework upon which all formal learning will reside. One role of the Johnson County Library is to help children—and the adults who care about them—build that critical framework.
Why the Library
The Library recognized its unique role in brain development many years ago and created an early literacy program designed to be applicable and approachable for everyone: 6 by 6 Ready to Read. The program focuses on six pre-reading skills to help kids get ready for formal education. The Library doesn’t teach reading. Instead, we provide tools so learning to read is easier when the time comes.
Storytime, Activity Spaces and Outreach
Last year, more than 41,000 adults and children attended a library storytime. We plan and present storytimes separately for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Each storytime leader demonstrates the pre-reading skills with songs, rhymes, movement activities and, of course, high-quality children’s books. We are hopeful these learning lessons continue in the car and at home, because it’s the parents and caregivers who have the most influence on a child’s learning; librarians just help start the process.
Literacy Guidance
At Johnson County Library, we have a special team of early literacy specialists who plan the activities in our 6 by 6 activity spaces. These areas are more than a random assemblage of toys. Instead, each center includes activities designed with an intent to reinforce one more of our six pre-reading skills. Play is best when shared, so we strongly encourage adults to play with their children to maximize the impact. Although these spaces vary in size from one location to the next, they are open whenever the library is open and make a great destination for afternoon playdates or bad weather days.
Outside the Library
Of course, not all families can come to the library so we also take our early literacy magic on the road, visiting childcare centers, preschools, park facilities and Parents As Teachers play centers in Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission and De Soto. The Library offers morning workshops for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and free, for-credit trainings for preschool teachers.
With assistance from the Friends of the Johnson County Library, we also present books for waiting areas at Shawnee Mission Birth Center, Kansas Department of Children & Families, Johnson County health clinics, and WIC offices. To paraphrase Disney’s The Little Mermaid, we want to be where the people are.
This Week at the Library
This week at the Library:
Kids can learn about W.A.T.E.R. Safety - in English y en español! Several dates and locations this week »
Families will stomp, clap, play drums and sing with Johnny and Adam. Tuesday, June 26, 2 pm @ Antioch Library
Job seekers, register now to enjoy snacks while learning how to enhance a resume to catch employers' eyes. Tuesday, June 26, 6 pm @ Blue Valley Library
Voters and future voters, take the guess-work out of November. Register to vote, update your information, grab an absentee ballot, or find your polling place. Wednesday, June 27, 1 pm @ Central Resource Library
Teens, the Library is your new escape room! Come crack codes, solve riddles, and beat the clock to break out of the Library. Friday, June 29, 5:30 pm @ Shawnee Library
You've heard of Read to a Dog, but we have Library-certified local, friendly teens who need kids to read to them, too. Saturday, June 30, 10 am @ Lackman Library
Much more happens each week at the Library, so check out our full schedule »