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Library and Corrections Partnership Featured in Podcast
A recent episode of Johnson County's JoCo on the Go podcast features the Library's incarcerated services librarian, Melody Kinnamon, in a discussion of a creative writing program for Department of Corrections clients. Kinnamon is joined by:
- Jorge Gaona: volunteer and programs coordinator, Department of Corrections
- Ronda Miller: poet, author, life coach and creative writing facilitator
- Katelyn Rauckman: social worker with NCircle, a local nonprofit organization that supports the College of Trades program
Check out the podcast to hear more about the program and its goals and benefits!
Old Yearbooks Tell So Many Stories
Shawnee Mission Yearbooks
It’s another grand Throwback Thursday where we encourage you to time travel through Johnson County's history. JoCoHistory is a collaborative presentation of history from the Johnson County Museum, Johnson County Library and many JoCoHistory partners. Explore historical photographs and documents about the people, places and organizations of Johnson County, Kansas, from the 19th century to the present.
About this collection: Shawnee Mission Rural High School published its first yearbook, The Indian, in 1923. As Johnson County's population increased, the district opened more high schools, each with its own yearbook. This collection contains many of those annuals.
Titles and schools, by order of first publication:
- Indian - Shawnee Mission Rural High School, later Shawnee Mission High School, later Shawnee Mission North
- Hauberk - Shawnee Mission East
- Saga - Shawnee Mission West
- Heritage - Shawnee Mission South
- Lair - Shawnee Mission Northwest
- Horizon(s) - Alternative Education Program, later Horizons
Back to School: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes!
NEXT MONTH:
In September we are so excited to bring you the Library Lowdown Quiz Showdown! We have a couple puzzles for you so you can play along:
THIS MONTH:
Are the kids headed Back to School? We have resource for them, for the little ones who aren't quite old enough yet, for you and for anyone who just wants to learn something new! We bring in the experts with the super Librarian knowledge and skills to give you and yours an advantage. We focus on eResources, and Kids and Teens resources.
It's the Back to school episode. It's everything you need to know in 20 minutes!
Library Lets Loose In Person for 2022
Library Lets Loose is Saturday, Sept. 17. Everyone is eager this year to gather and celebrate in person.
“We’re so excited that we’re in person, and at the shiny newly-renovated Central Resource Library,” says Stephanie Stollsteimer, Johnson County Library Foundation Executive Director.
The festivities are the Foundation’s signature annual fund-raiser. Although virtual in 2020 and 2021, this year Library lovers (ages 21 and above) will congregate Sept. 17 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. for drinks and dancing, food and fun. It will be a great night out to support Lifelong Learning opportunities at the Library.
Space is limited and Reservations are encouraged. Get more info: jocolibraryfoundation.org/events
“We’re just thrilled to be in the Central Library,” Stollsteimer said. “There is a fabulous new Kids’ area. The Black & Veatch MakerSpace will be showcased too. It’s a chance for folks to get in and to see what a fabulous space it is. Oh, and to have a party!”
This year’s honorary hosts are Senia and Will Shields, long-time Johnson County Library supporters and champions of early literacy.
“The Library has been an incredible impact on our lives, and that’s why we’re excited to be honorary hosts for this year’s Library Lets Loose,” Will Shields said. “Once you become a lover of reading and a lover of books, you understand the important role libraries play in our lives. Our Johnson County Libraries are constantly creating new opportunities for library users.”
Senia Shields echoes that sentiment. “Literacy has been an important part of our work and we love the Library resources,” she said. “They open up new opportunities and are paramount for operating successfully in our world.”
The couple arrived in Kansas City in 1993 when Will Shields was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive guard. That same year, they established the Will to Succeed Foundation, which provides financial and educational resources to those in need.
Shields played his entire 14-year career with the Chiefs, retiring at the end of the 2006 season. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
At its pre-pandemic peak, Library Lets Loose hosted about 500 people. Stollsteimer hopes for another great turnout this year. Central has plenty of room for a big crowd of Library lovers. Participants will sample cocktails and delicious bites from local restaurants. DJ Stann Tate makes a return appearance to lead everyone in letting loose on the dance floor in the Library.
Donors can win prizes, including several unique experiences. The event also features a scavenger hunt with a chance to register for a special prize. Patrons can view videos to learn more about the Library and its programs.
Donate online before and during the event: all donations are greatly appreciated. Gift dollars enhance Library services and programs above and beyond what taxpayer dollars provide. They are a vital part of Johnson County Library’s success.
Stollsteimer is especially gratified that Library supporters remained so generous during the COVID pandemic. Corporate sponsors lined up for the virtual Library Lets Loose events and are once again showing their support this year.
Interesting Historical Interviews
It’s another grand Throwback Thursday where we encourage you to time travel through Johnson County's history. JoCoHistory is a collaborative presentation of history from the Johnson County Museum, Johnson County Library and many JoCoHistory partners. Explore historical photographs and documents about the people, places and organizations of Johnson County, Kansas, from the 19th century to the present.
Collection spotlight: Johnson County Museum Oral Histories
About this collection: The Museum conducts oral history interviews with local residents in an effort to capture firsthand accounts and stories from the past. The interviews are project-oriented and focus on specific themes related to Johnson County's history.
Themes include:
- Agriculture
- All-Electric House
- Bicentennial Collection
- Citizen Soldiers on the Prairie: The Story of the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant Exhibit
- Civil Rights and Fair Housing
- Coming of Age in Johnson County: 1960-1976 Exhibit
- Education
- Home Building
- Johnson County Communities
- New Immigrants and the American Dream Exhibit
- Politics
- Shawnee Family Stories
- Suburban Bliss: The Political Cartoons of Bob Bliss Exhibit
- To Serve and Protect Exhibit
- White Haven Motor Lodge
Back to School: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes!
NEXT MONTH:
In September we are so excited to bring you the Library Lowdown Quiz Showdown! We have a couple puzzles for you so you can play along:
THIS MONTH:
Are the kids headed Back to School? We have resource for them, for the little ones who aren't quite old enough yet, for you and for anyone who just wants to learn something new! We bring in the experts with the super Librarian knowledge and skills to give you and yours an advantage. We focus on eResources, and Kids and Teens resources.
It's the Back to school episode. It's everything you need to know in 20 minutes!