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Why We Give: Chris Anderson and Lyn Buckley
Growing up on the west side of Chicago – and in walking distance to a library nearby, Foundation board member Chris Anderson cannot remember a time when he didn’t go to the library.
“The library was always a safe place to go,” he recalled, and by age 11 he could walk there on his own to check out books, which provided a great sense of independence.
Chris’s wife, Lyn smiled broadly as she remembered her mom taking her to the library when she was a little girl to check out books. It quickly became her favorite place, and she has loved books ever since, noting that reading is her favorite pastime. Out of her siblings, she was definitely the bibliophile and still is. She affectionately refers to books now as “the beauty of the universe.”
As parents to two sons, it was part of their daily routine to read bedtime stories every evening. Their sons now read nightly to their kids continuing the tradition. Chris and Lyn share their love of libraries and reading with their grandchildren and noted their oldest granddaughter is in fourth grade has her very own library card. Lyn added that for people of all ages, library programs are key to engagement as they are centered around access and exploration. From early literacy storytimes to author visits and beyond, sharing information that is open to everyone is unique to libraries and a wonderful resource.
A fun shared experience Chris and Lyn have enjoyed for over 25 years is being part of a book group, where they have read many books they would otherwise not have been exposed to or read. Chris added that reading a variety of literature is the spice of life.
As a Foundation board member for many years, Chris believes the Library is a worthwhile organization to support on different levels. He remembered when he first came on board being amazed at the breadth of all the things the library offered, including online resources and programming for all ages. He added he believes that many of the Library’s programs are able to offer additional resources that exist due to extra funding provided by the Foundation.
Lyn shared her vision of the future of libraries to include more e-readers, a source for continued access to materials and programming for everyone, and a place in particular for students to access technology centered around gaining knowledge.
“Librarians are the most wonderful people on earth!” Lyn exclaimed. “They are always happy to help with anything — be it finding a book, research materials. and connecting people with the resources they are looking for!”
Johnson County Museum’s special exhibition, REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation, is on display through Jan. 7, 2023.
New Blog Entry from the Johnson County Museum
Confronting Segregation in Johnson County
The Johnson County Museum’s special exhibition, REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation (on display through Jan. 7, 2023), is a gripping exploration of the history of redlining from its origins to its legacies, which continue to shape our lived realities today. REDLINED tells a national story told with a local focus that reveals how Johnson County both shaped and was shaped by the history of redlining. While the bulk of the exhibit is about the federal policy of redlining from its origins to its lasting legacies, the exhibit also highlights Johnson County’s unique role in each stage of the process, including efforts to combat redlining and its effects. In this post, we are highlighting the work of three Johnson Countians who confronted the system of redlining and, in doing so, changed our community.
Thanksgiving, Hygge & Turkey Talk
It's a new podcast episode!
We are thankful for you our listening audience and for the many good people, ideas and things that fill our lives with coziness and "comfortable conviviality" with feelings of wellness and contentment. We dedicate the episode to warmth and thankfulness. We explore the concept of Hygge, interview two chefs to help you stretch yourself as a home cook and create delicious dishes that will make your Thanksgiving feast more flavorful, and we even interview a turkey.
A big shout out to Chef Brett Dehart who is co-owner/operator of two kitchens at a very popular food hall in downtown Overland Park. Much appreciation to Chef Kolika Simmons who is a chef and food blogger. Many thanks to them for adding their expertise to this episode! And finally, our gobs of gratitude to our gobbling thespian, Brian Berrens who played Larry the Turkey!
Our Online Courses Get You On-course
Let's talk about Udemy. Sure, you know that the Library's collection is full of books for you to learn so many things. But, we're pretty proud of our eLibrary too! That's where Udemy comes in.
In a nutshell, Udemy presents online video courses—over 14,000! These include top-rated courses offering up-skilling in the areas of business, tech, and personal development across 75+ different categories.
It's no cost to you! With your Johnson County Library card, you can set up your Udemy account and get started.
Udemy personalizes your learning. It customizes your course recommendations based on your interests. You can explore curated skillsets like:
- Technology—Digital Transformation, Web Development, Data Science & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing
- Business—Communications Essentials, Change Management, New Manager Essentials, Leadership Essentials, Business Skills, Leading High Performance Teams, Conflict Management, Talent Development, Innovation and Growth Strategies, Digital Marketing, Personal Development
Find the right course for you and let's start learning!
Storytime On-Demand
In our Storytime On-Demand videos, Johnson County Library staff demonstrate a variety of our favorite songs, rhymes, finger plays, flannel board stories, and more! Hearing stories is a great way to spend time with your kids and help them foster a love of reading. The videos are on the Library's Facebook page but you do not need an account to enjoy them!