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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!
Did you hear about our live performance series?
Did you hear? is our new podcast. In this episode, Arts Librarian Bryan Voell talks about our partnership with the Arts & Heritage Center and our live local music performance series.
Be sure to catch Olathe-based hip-hop artist Duncan Burnett this Friday!
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!
Enjoy an eAudiobook
We're closed today for Independence Day, but our eLibrary isn't! Check out one of these downloadable audiobooks, pop in your head phones, and relax on your porch or by the pool.
What's New in Picture Books
Have you just heard the 500th request to read the same book again at bedtime? Repetition is great for children, but some new books can save your sanity, too! Check out our newest picture books!
Did you hear? Our new podcast!
Welcome to the Johnson County Library Podcast! "Did you hear?" is where you'll find all things audio that we produce here at the Library. That might be Librarians talking about upcoming events, guest speakers, interviews with your favorite authors, or live local music recorded at one of our branches. Our first episode is some great live music from BLACK STACEY. Here are three songs recorded at the Leawood Pioneer Library!
Black Stacey
- Electric Woman
- Happy Music
- Change a Thing
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