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Your Donation Makes a Difference
Johnson County Library Foundation is grateful for unwavering supporters like you who have been making a difference for 25 years. Supporters have adapted to the needs of our community over the years and now, as we emerge from the pandemic, we have a unique moment to demonstrate again how essential the Johnson County Library is to each of us and our friends and families.
In 2020, the Johnson County Library Foundation provided $175,312 of support to the Library. Your financial support is more important than ever, every dollar donated benefits all Johnson Countians through lifelong learning resources. Your contributions fund resources for the collection and programs like early literacy, STEM, civic engagement and so much more.
Here are a few of the programs and resources your charitable contribution supports:
Black & Veatch MakerSpace
The Black & Veatch MakerSpace is an environment of creativity and emerging technologies. Located in the Central Resource Library, visitors can have access to 3D printing, AudioVisual production space/equipment, sewing materials, laser, CNC and vinyl cutting and a selection of computers with industry-standard software. The space also receives generous funding from Google Fiber, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and Black & Veatch. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
Collection Development
Johnson County Library strives to provide a collection that mirrors the changing needs of our community, including traditional books as well as a growing collection of e-resources. We believe this collection should be rich in ideas, information, and viewpoints from all lifestyles and each side of a topic without restrictions on access. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
elementia
elementia is a magazine for teens produced by teens. The publication connects published artists with talented young adults through submissions of original poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic stories, photography and illustrations. Since its inception in 2005, elementia has included the voices of more than 850 creative young adults. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
Genealogy
For many years, the Johnson County Library and the Johnson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) have had a close, supportive relationship. The Library maintains a mid-size genealogy collection, including online resources and items owned by the Library as well as items owned by JCGS, all housed side-by-side on shelving in the west-central area of the Central Resource Library. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
Incarcerated Services Support
Johnson County Library provides a number of literature-related workshops and services for juveniles and adults serving an incarcerated sentence. The Incarcerated Services Support programs serve the New Century Complex, Juvenile Detention Center and Olathe, Kansas courtrooms that handle many fostering cases. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
Summer Reading
From mid-May until the end of July, Johnson County Library helps combat summer slide by providing a free book to every child who comes into the library. By growing children’s personal libraries and helping them find intrinsic value in reading, the Library bridges that summer learning gap and invests in the future of our community. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
6 by 6: Ready to Read
Recognizing its unique role in brain development the Johnson County Library Foundation created 6 by 6 Ready to Read, an early literacy program in English and Spanish designed to be applicable and approachable for everyone. 6 by 6 focuses on six pre-reading skills to help kids get ready for formal education. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
Race Project KC
This initiative consists of a series of opportunities for teens to learn our area’s history of racial segregation and how it continues to impact us today. Students hear from experts on the topics, learn vocabulary for talking about race, build relationships with peers they might not otherwise meet, and share their own stories as they relate to the issues. Watch a short video about the Foundation’s support of this program.
With your support we can make a difference for the next 25 years. Please consider making a year-end donation to the Johnson County Library Foundation. Donate today »
Throwback Thursday: History's Mysteries
Over at our partner site jocohistory.org, we sometimes get historic photographs with little or no information. That's right! These photos are History's Mysteries. Clues? Culprits? Cover ups? Probably not. But, you can help solve the mystery behind the 1,524 photos that are cold cases. Not a gumshoe? No worries. You can just have a whole lot of fun perusing random photos that only have one connection: they're mysteries. Don't forget to follow our hashtag on Twitter.
One-on-One Genealogy Help via Zoom
Basic Genealogy and DNA one-on-one help are now being held online via Zoom specific to your questions and research. Visit the Johnson County Genealogical Society at www.jcgsks.org to schedule an appointment. A volunteer will email a personal Zoom meeting link to you prior to the scheduled date.
Tuesday, Nov. 16
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Online event
This Week at the Library
Online Bilingual Storytime – Monday, Nov 15 , 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.
One-on-One Genealogy Help – Tuesday, Nov 16 , 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Basic Genealogy and DNA one-on-one help are now being held online via Zoom specific to your questions and research. Visit the Johnson County Genealogical Society at www.jcgsks.org to schedule an appointment. A volunteer will email a personal Zoom meeting link to you prior to the scheduled date.
Facebook Live Book Party – Thursday, Nov 18, 7 – 8 p.m.
Facebook Live Book Parties are live events where library staff members will booktalk a short list of titles around a certain genre or theme and staff will interact with patrons in real time. This week we’ll be talking about great historical fiction. This Book Party will be held on Facebook live. Visit JoCoLibrary on Facebook and be sure to ‘follow’ us to get notifications when we go Live if you have a Facebook account. You do not need a Facebook account to watch our Book Party.
Young Adult Literary Council – Sunday, Nov 21, 2 – 3 p.m.
Teens are invited to join the Young Adult Literary Council to share favorite books, review titles for the Library website and participate in fun activities. You can meet new people and receive volunteer credit hours for your time with us.
And much more happening this week…
Also, check out our always-available programs OnDemand.
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 »