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Memorial Day Music Monday: Americana

Julie Bennett Hume's musical journey has taken many twists and turns. A folk artist who began writing songs when she was a high school senior, Hume became grounded in bluegrass, Appalachian and Cajun music, sharpening her skills as a singer, bassist and guitarist. We're fortunate to share an interview with Hume about her life's work, her new album, the aptly titled Late Bloomer, and what inspires her.

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Please introduce yourself. Describe your music for new listeners.

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Happy Memorial Day

We're closed for Memorial Day today, but our eLibrary never closes! Check out hilarious eAudiobooks to keep you laughing while you grill out, or a mystery eBook to curl up with this evening.

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Throwback Potato Sack!

It's Throwback Thursday and May is National Physical Fitness month. So, potato sack race anyone? We feel there just are not enough potato sack races anymore! Do you feel the same? Or, are you one of those snooty three-legged race fans? ;) Whatever is your bag, we support you in your physical fitness pursuit. Go! Fight! Win!

See more local history at jocohistory.org or follow our hashtag on Twitter.

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Now at Blue Valley: Juniper Tangpuz

Tuesday, May 8 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
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Juniper Albert Tangpuz, a.k.a. T.J. was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He received a BFA in Sculpture from the University of Kansas and currently works as a mild mannered studio assistant at Johnson County Community College. He is able to express his art in a range of materials, but considers paper to be his "native language". He is known for unlocking the secrets of the paper and cardboard sheet. He envisions universes where ideas compress, expand, and inspire. See more of his work on his website

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What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.

It depends. There are two approaches when I make something. When I have a specific message I want to express then I try to keep focused and every decision is based on supporting that message. Other times, I just look at a piece of material and do some improvisational building. The work on view is a collection from different series of artworks . I picked pieces that had somehow affected the viewers in a special way.

What do you feel is your role as an artist?

It has changed and continues to change as I get older. At first, it was trying to gain an understanding of my soul. Then I felt I should be a guide who helps people get to the artistic realm.

What influences your practice/works?

I love to make things that I think should exist in this world. Most of the time I’m inspired by looking at people, places and things. I believe that most artists can see connections that most people overlook. I’ve found that some connections are absolutely absurd.

Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?

I’ve always liked the artists that make art from a place in there soul when they were free to play. I can always tell when it is genuine because it often has no other intention but to bring someone to happiness. I appreciate the art when I can sense that it flowed out naturally.

What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process?

The Elements of Pop-up by David A. Carter

Between the Folds: A Film About Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places

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Music Monday: Musician and Artist Sterling Witt

Melodic and aggressive, abrasive and pretty, political and universal, the music 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. His art is currently on display at our Lackman location.

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Clubs for Kids

Kids! Love the American Girl Books? Want to have some fun with <b>coding</b>? Whatever you're interested in, we've got a club for you!

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Drop-In Programs for Kids

Summer is supposed to be about lazy days, but don't your days fill up quickly with all sorts of plans! We know Summer can get busy, which is why we have so many Drop-In programs for kids and families. Come anytime during the event, stay for however long you'd like, and get on with your Summer!

Table Top Games

Wednesday, May 2 6 - 7:45 pm, Antioch Library

Wednesday, June 6 6 - 7:45 pm, Antioch Library

Wednesday, July 11 2:30 - 4:30, Corinth Library

Wednesday, Aug 1 6 - 7:45 pm, Antioch Library

Star Wars Takeover

Friday, June 8 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Cedar Roe Library

Library Rocks! Geology Drop-In

Tuesday, June 12 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library

Thursday, June 28 10 am - 12 pm, Blue Valley Library

Wednesday, July 11 10 am - 12 pm, Gardner Library

Friday, July 13 10 am - 12 pm, Blue Valley Library

Duplos® and Dinos 

Wednesday, June 13 10:30 am - 12 pm, De Soto Library

Tuesday, June 26 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library

Thursday, July 12 10 am - 12 pm, Antioch Library

Tuesday, Aug 14 10 - 11 am, Shawnee Library

Paws on Patrol​

Wednesday, June 13 10 - 11:30 am, Central Resource Library

Forts and Flashlights

Thursday, June 14 10 am - 12 pm, Antioch Library

Wednesday, June 20 10 am - 12 pm, Gardner Library

Wednesday, June 27 10:30 am - 12 pm, De Soto Library

Wednesday, July 11 10 - 11:30 am, Central Resource Library

Tuesday, Aug 21 10 - 11am, Shawnee Library

Let's Lego®

Tuesday, June 19 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library

Wednesday, July 25 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Corinth

Snap Circuits and Stixplosions

Wednesday, July 11 1 - 3pm, Shawnee Library

Monday, July 23 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library

Weather Science Drop-In

Tuesday, July 17 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library

Duplos® and Dinos and Legos®

Wednesday, Jul 25 10 am - 12 pm, Gardner Library

Tinkering Tots

Tuesday, Aug 7 10 - 11 am, Shawnee Library

Thursday, Aug 16 9:30 - 11:30 am, Cedar Roe Library

Tracks and Treasures

Tuesday, Aug 14 9:30 - 11:30 am, Corinth Library