Search Stories

Scheduled:

The Past is Prologue: Dividing Lines

The Past is Prologue is a bimonthly program that highlights topics often left out, glossed over, or misrepresented in our history books. For our July program, we will discuss the Dividing Lines Story of Segregation tour. We recommend you take the tour prior to the event, either by driving the route using the VoiceMap app or watching the virtual tour on our Dividing Lines website. This program is part of a metro-wide conversation about the history and legacies of redlining. For more, visit the Johnson County Museum exhibit "Redlined: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation" on display now.

Thursday, July 7
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Online: Library OnDemand
Register »

 

Scheduled:
Scheduled:

This Week at the Library

This week at the Library, you can join us at:

Library OnDemand Available anytime you like.

Your doorway into live and archived programs. Arts & Culture, Career & Finance, Community Matters, Writers and more!

Read to a Dog with Pets for Life Wednesday, July 6, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program improves children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a registered therapy dog. These dogs volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team. The program will be at the Monticello Library this week. Please note, space is limited for this program. Kids will get a ticket at arrival and wait their turn to read to one of several dogs.

How to Make LinkedIn Work for You Wednesday, July 6, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Does yours need an update? Learn how to set up a profile and get tips and tricks on how to get the most out of LinkedIn. Stay connected to career opportunities and attract employers with a stellar profile.

Managing Conflict in the Workplace Thursday, July 7, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

It's inevitable that we will run into conflict in the workplace - how can you best handle it? 

The Past is Prologue: Dividing Lines Thursday, July 7, 7 – 8 p.m.

The Past is Prologue is a bimonthly program that highlights topics often left out, glossed over, or misrepresented in our history books. For our July program, we will discuss the Dividing Lines Story of Segregation tour. 

How to Snag a Sea Monster with Mesner Puppet Theater Friday, July 8, 7  – 7:45 p.m.

Join Mesner Puppet Theater at Cornerstone Park, 215 North Center Street, Gardner, KS for a summer reading inspired adventure! After a monstrous wave washes a creature ashore, the people of a small Cape Cod town hear a strange wailing. Is it a sea monster in their midst? No, it's a baby as big as a house! The village adopts the giant baby, whom they name Stormalong -- 'Stormy' for short. Growing over 24 feet, Stormy struggles to fit in, and chooses a life at sea aboard a clipper ship to find a place in the world. Meanwhile, a real sea monster torments the village... and only Stormy is big and brave enough to save them all. Stick around after the performance for a screening of the 1970s classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

And much more happening this week »

Scheduled:

Art Exhibitions at Your Library

Exhibitions have returned to many of our branches! Discover what's showing at your favorite Library »

Scheduled:

Library Citizenship Classes Make American Dreams Come True

Among the many quality programs the Library offers is a special and exciting opportunity that grows our community—Johnson County Library’s U.S. citizenship class.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services provides courses that library staff from the Language Learners Committee facilitate. These courses help prospective citizens learn about the “history, civics and government of the United States,” the committee explains.

Latino Services Outreach Librarian Christine Peterson is heavily involved in the classes that also prepare people for the 100 questions they will face when interviewed as part of the test. “Candidates for citizenship review the study materials, practice listening and responding to the citizenship interview questions, access online practice tests, and receive guidance throughout the application process,” said Peterson.

“Many residents in the U.S. want to complete their journey by becoming citizens. However, English is not their first language and they hesitate as to whether they can realize their dream.” Peterson said the program exemplifies JCL’s Mission and Vision by providing access to information regardless of race or background.

During 60-to-90-minute classes, candidates meet on Zoom to go through curriculum, review vocabulary and pronunciation, and prepare for the questions they will face. The program began in 2020, and Peterson said that eight candidates have become citizens since. Right now there are six people taking the class.

One of the current candidates, Douglas, had to leave Venezuela with his family because of the political circumstances there. “I am interested in obtaining American citizenship since I consider the United States my new homeland,” he said. He believes becoming a citizen will help him show thankfulness for the opportunity he has, and fulfill the duties of being an American alongside fellow citizens.

Douglas enjoys the interactive nature of the class, as well as learning about history, which he enjoyed doing throughout his education. “Studying history again, beautiful memories came to my mind,” he said. The biggest challenge he sees in the classes so far comes from civics discussions. “For example,” he said, "‘What stops a branch of government from becoming too powerful?’ A simple answer, but with a deep democratic base—a ‘system of checks and balances.’”

Staff work hard to help patrons with the lengthy N400 application the USCIS requires, including what Peterson said is the “daunting” task of assembling necessary documents and making sure they are translated.

Peterson said she enjoys learning about each candidate’s journey coming to America. “When I ask why they came to the United States, many respond, ‘Freedom’. It is surprising the stories they tell about their countries and the government they are leaving.” She said that the majority of candidates are from Latin American, but there are also several from the Middle East.

Scheduled:
Scheduled:

123 Andrés Live!

Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family dancing and learning, in Spanish and English. Join us as we explore music, language, and discover Oceans of Possibility!

Friday, July 1
1 - 2 p.m.
Online: Zoom
Register »

Scheduled:

33 and Still Growing!

We offer 33 Career and Finance videos to help you navigate your road to personal finance and job success. Be sure to check out all of the Career Development and Personal Finance resources available to you at Johnson County Library.

Scheduled:

This Week at the Library

This week at the Library, you can join us at:

Library OnDemand Available anytime you like.

Your doorway into live and archived programs. Arts & Culture, Career & Finance, Community Matters, Writers and more!

Online Bilingual Storytime / Hora de cuentos bilingües en línea Monday, June 27, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

The whole family will enjoy this flexible Storytime. Hearing stories is a great way to spend time with your kids and help them foster a love of reading. Stories, songs, fingerplays and movement activities foster pre-reading skills. Fun for the whole family!

Toda la familia disfrutará de esta especial hora de cuentos bilingües. Escucha historias con tus hijos y ayúdales a cultivar el amor por la lectura. Al contar cuentos, interpretar canciones, hacer juegos con los dedos y realizar actividades de movimiento fomentamos las habilidades previas a la lectura. ¡Diversión para toda la familia! 

One-on-One Genealogy Help Via Zoom Tuesday, June 28, 9 a.m. – noon

Visit the Johnson County Genealogical Society at jcgsks.org to schedule an appointment. A volunteer will contact you by email to set up an in-person or a Zoom session link for you prior to the scheduled date.

Online Storytime Wednesday, June 29, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

The whole family will enjoy this flexible Storytime. Hearing stories is a great way to spend time with your kids and help them foster a love of reading. Stories, songs, fingerplays and movement activities foster pre-reading skills. Fun for the whole family!

Friends of the Library Donation Drop-off Saturday, July 2, 9 – 11 a.m.

Do you have gently used books to donate to the Friends? We hold Drive-up Donation Events every Saturday (except during inclement weather). Volunteers will be available to accept your donations on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Friends Headquarters - 8279 Melrose Dr., Lenexa, KS 66214.

And much more happening this week »

Scheduled:

June Is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia. This list is a starting point for learning more about Alzheimer's and dementia, methods of preventing both, and how to help or support a loved one living with dementia.