As times and technologies change, Johnson County library changes, too. A look back at 2024 and a look into the crystal ball for 2025 shows prime examples of greater innovation to meet community needs.
The Best of 2024
Merriam Plaza opening
The most visible highlight for 2024 is the March 20 opening of the Merriam Plaza Library. Years in the making, the sparkling new 15,000 square foot library is next to the Merriam Community Center, 60th and Slater streets.
The Merriam Plaza branch replaces the iconic, though outdated, Antioch Library. The collection and staff moved into the new site last spring, with a highlight being nearly 450 people, shoulder-to-shoulder participating in the Slater Street Storybook Relay, passing 58 items from Antioch to Merriam Plaza.
Relaunched the 6 by 6 program
In 2009, the Library made history with the launch of its 6 by 6 early literacy program. The program, designed to teach children six skills by age six to set them up for reading success, has been wildly popular and successful.
In fall 2024, the Library celebrated the 15th anniversary of the program with a relaunch and a fresh look for the much-loved 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)
- Tell Stories About Everything (a turtle)
Wireless printing launched
Speaking of evolving technologies and media, as the year 2024 neared an end, the Library offered a new service: wireless printing. Patrons are now able to print from their personal devices either at one of the Library branches or from home for pickup at the Library. Color or black-and-white printing is available, as is single- and double-sided printing. There is a small fee (15 cents for grayscale per page; 50 cents for color) for the service.
Partnerships focus on Art and Citizenship
As evidenced by the collaboration with Merriam and other cities, the Library is committed to partnerships.
One partnership that was expanded was with the Johnson County Election Office. This year, more libraries took part in the primary and general elections.
Another partnership is with the InterUrban ArtHouse. For the past 20 years, Library branches have hosted rotating art exhibits, with county librarians serving as curators. Now, the experts at InterUrban do that work.
2025 Here We Come
As busy as 2024 was, the Library is looking forward to the coming year, eying – as expected – more access and innovation.
- Spring Hill and DeSoto expanded access
In addition to facility refreshes, the Spring Hill and DeSoto branches are expected to be part of an exciting new program to offer access outside of normal business hours. Among the details being worked out is security – to protect both patrons and the library collection and facilities when staff is not present.
- Master Plan update
In 2015, the Library adopted a 10-year master plan that included new libraries and innovative programs. The plan was implemented – on time and on budget – and it’s time for a new one. The new master plan will consider new technologies, facilities and programs.
- Partnerships
More and continuing partnerships are on the way, with the Libraries collaborating closely with schools, the criminal justice system and the county health department.
- Website Update
A new, refreshed jocolibrary.org is in the works and should be ready by the end of 2025. There will be opportunities for patrons to offer suggestions and test parts of the site as part of the refresh and relaunch.
- Looking further ahead
Although details are far from certain, Johnson County Library is sure to have roles in two significant events in the community: the World Cup 2026 that is coming to Kansas City; and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. What better place to learn about and stay connected with these milestones than at the Library?
Stay in touch with all that is ahead for your library by following @jocolibrary on social media or here on our website.