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Central Resource Library Reopening
We are excited to announce that we will celebrate Central Resource Library's reopening on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022.
While the majority of work -- including improvements to the building's exterior and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems -- is nearly complete, we will spend the next few months returning a construction site to a library, moving back in furnishings, equipment, staff, and, of course, our collection! During this time, you are still welcome to visit us at Little Central for holds pickup and returns, public computers and printing.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by County Librarian Sean Casserley will be live-streamed on our Facebook page at 2 p.m. that day. We can't wait for you to see the wonderful changes our facilities and construction partners and staff have implemented, including:
- An expanded, relocated Kids area with more natural light, window seating and a storytime room.
- A new drive-thru for returns and holds pick-up.
- More study and conference rooms, including a dedicated media room with flexible seating.
- Upgrades to the Black & Veatch MakerSpace.
There are also many updates you may not see on the surface but will experience when using the Library, such as a reorganization of our staff spaces, a new materials sorter, and improvements to our delivery dock. As the "hub" of the Johnson County Library system, these improvements at Central will help get materials into your hands more quickly and efficiently, regardless of which branch you visit.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your Library experience. We look forward to seeing you at the reopening!
Gardner Library Turns 20!
1960s to 2000
Did you know the first Gardner Library opened in 1960 at 134 E. Main in a rented space that formerly housed a grocery store? Before that, Gardner had a small self-service collection in a local building and was also served by bookmobile. In the early 1970s it was increasingly obvious that a larger Gardner Library was needed. In 1982, new Libraries were built in the Blue Valley area, Spring Hill, De Soto and on Main Street in Gardner.
By 1990, Gardner's population had grown significantly. An even larger Library was needed. But then the area began growing even faster than anticipated. In 1999 the city proposed that Johnson County Library trade its space on Main Street for a nearby site at Shawnee and Elm Streets. It was a win-win solution for everybody. The Library was kept downtown in a good location, and the Library and city hall could share parking.
2000s
Ground was broken for the new Library on Sept. 26, 2000. The new Library opened on Nov. 13, 2001. The new building was almost four times the size of the old building.
2020s
The current Gardner Library will turn 20 years old on Nov. 13, 2021! Happy Birthday!
Maintain Your Ride
DIY bike maintenance made simple! Learn to keep your bike in tip-top shape with this free virtual class from Johnson County Library and BikeWalkKC, focused on basic tools and practical know-how.
Maintain Your Ride
Thursday, Nov. 18
12 – 1:30 p.m.
Register now »
El Día de los Muertos
El Día de los Muertos is a beautiful Mexican holiday celebrating the memories of the people we have lost. This tradition of honoring the dead is believed to keep them with us in spirit and this holiday is becoming widely popular in the United States. We invite all our patrons to join in this celebration.
Open to patrons of all ages, we invite you to honor those you love who have passed away. You can create and photograph your own ofrenda, make artwork inspired by this tradition, send us a photo or a poem or a written memory of your loved one. Submit your creation to us for us to share on the Johnson County Library website and social media platforms.
- Create! Make an ofrenda in your home or school, write a poem or a memory, or select a photo in honor of someone that has passed away.
- Submit your photo or word document by sending it as an attachment to an email to JCLEducators@jocogov.org. We will accept submissions through Monday, Nov. 15.
- Watch Johnson County Library’s Website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts to see and read the memories shared by our whole community.
El día de los muertos es una bella tradición mexicana que celebra la memoria de las personas que hemos perdido. En esta tradición para honrar a los muertos, se cree que los espíritus de las personas que han fallecido vienen a visitarnos. Esta celebración se está convirtiendo en una festividad muy popular en los Estados Unidos. Queremos invitar a todos nuestros usuarios a que nos acompañen en este evento.
Todos pueden participar, este programa está abierto para los usuarios de cualquier edad, los invitamos a honrar a esas personas queridas que han fallecido. Pueden crear y fotografiar sus propias ofrendas, elaborar un arte inspirado por esta tradición, mandarnos una fotografía, o poema, o una memoria escrita de su persona querida que ha fallecido. Envíe sus creaciones para compartir en nuestro sitio de web de la biblioteca Johnson County y en nuestras plataformas sociales.
- Creen una ofrenda en su casa, escriban un poema o una memoria, o seleccione una foto en honor de alguna persona que ha fallecido.
- Mande su fotografía o documento de Word aquí JCLEducators@jocogov.org
- Visite los sitios web de la biblioteca de Johnson County en Instagram, Facebook y Twitter para ver y leer las memorias compartidas por la comunidad.
This Week at the Library
Table Top Recommendation Party – Tuesday, Nov 9 , 6 – 7:15 p.m.
With so many different board game options, it can be difficult to choose. Celebrate International Games Week with us: Join local board game experts to hear their favorite recommendations, find out what games are popular, and learn about board game styles. There will be board game giveaways!
The Past is Prologue: Japanese Internment Camps – Tuesday, Nov 9 , 7 – 8 p.m.
Join Sam Mihara to hear about his experience with Japanese Internment camps and this dark time in our history.
When Sam Mihara was 9 years old, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entered World War II. Shortly after, Sam and his family were forced from their San Francisco home by armed military guards and sent to the Heart Mountain prison camp in Wyoming. They would live crowded into a single 20 x 20 square foot room for the next 3 years.
Español a la carta – Thursday, Nov 11, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
For Spanish-language learners: this is an online class for intermediate and advanced students of this beautiful language. In this class, we will talk about Latin American countries, culture, history, literature and much more. We will discuss articles together with helpful native speakers and advanced students. In addition, we will have some grammar tips that will enhance our skills to be more confident in a conversation using Spanish. Third quarter 2021/Semester.
City Center Live: The Wires – Saturday, Nov 13, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Wires are an alternative exploration in string sound. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, The Wires compose and perform original music for violin and cello. Inspired by a myriad of genres and eclectic sounds, The Wires are not your typical strings group. The project encompasses a blend of wide-ranging styles, from tango and jazz to rock, and is infused with the precision of classical form. Created, composed and performed by Laurel Morgan (violin) and Sascha Groschang (cello). Bring the whole family and enjoy a free, live performance at the Community Forum auditorium located in Lenexa City Hall.
And much more happening this week »
Also, check out our always-available programs OnDemand.
The Past is Prologue: Japanese Internment Camps
Join Sam Mihara to hear about his experience with Japanese Internment camps and this dark time in our history.
The Past is Prologue: Japanese Internment Camps
Virtual program on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 - 8 p.m.
Register online for this program or call 913.826.4600.
When Sam Mihara was 9 years old, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entered World War II. Shortly after, Sam and his family were forced from their San Francisco home by armed military guards and sent to the Heart Mountain prison camp in Wyoming. They would live crowded into a single 20 x 20 square foot room for the next 3 years.
City Center Live: The Wires
Join Johnson County Library and Lenexa Arts Council for City Center Live: The Wires. City Center Live is a performing art series partnership between the Johnson County Library and Lenexa Arts Council.
Saturday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Lenexa City Hall Community Forum
17101 West 87th St. Pkwy.
Lenexa, KS 66219
The Wires are an alternative exploration in string sound, with music created, composed and performed by Laurel Morgan (violin) and Sascha Groschang (cello). Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, The Wires are not your typical strings group—they are inspired by a myriad of genres and eclectic sounds. The project encompasses a blend of wide-ranging styles, from tango and jazz to rock, and is infused with the precision of classical form.
Following their debut album in 2012, their second album “Wilder” (May 2019) is an imagined journey that includes depths of the oceanic world, the vast expanse of Celtic hills, the coldness of frozen tundra and a discovery of the cosmos. Their third album, “Winter” (December 2020) is a collection of reimagined holiday favorites with a cinematic, yet an intimate timbre. The album also includes an original song, “Campbell Street.”
The Wires are also the hosts and curators of “Sound Currents” on 91.9 Classical KC – a weekly radio program that explores and discovers a broad range of new music. Their online school, “Fiddle Life,” teaches adults traditional styles at beginner and intermediate levels. The duo performs at festivals, concert halls, and music venues across the country.
This performance will be indoors and admission is free.