Photo caption: Pocketalk devices at every Johnson County Library branch provide two-way translation for international visitors and multilingual residents.
This summer, people from around the world will visit Kansas City for FIFA World Cup 2026™, creating new opportunities to connect across cultures and languages. At Johnson County Library, those connections get easier through world language resources, translation tools and events.
"I'm excited about the new opportunities these language tools give us to welcome even more people into our Library and help them access our resources,” Library Web Content Developer Courtney Sammis said. “Soccer fan or not, we'd love to see you this summer.”
Practice a language at World Language Meetups
The Library is launching World Language Meetups, informal gatherings for anyone interested in practicing a language in a welcoming environment. Participants can brush up on existing skills, maintain fluency or enjoy a conversation.
Each month will feature a different language:
For accessibility accommodations, contact ask@jocolibrary.org or 913-826-4600 at least two weeks before an event.
Translation support 
Every Johnson County Library location now has a Pocketalk translation device available to provide instant two-way translation for conversations between staff and patrons. The devices support multilingual communication while maintaining privacy and confidentiality, making it easier for visitors and residents to ask questions, access services and find information.
The Library’s website is also available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), French, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. These languages were selected based on the most commonly spoken languages in Johnson County, with Arabic added to better serve international visitors expected this summer.
Learn a language on your schedule
Library cardholders have free access to several self-paced online learning platforms. Mango Languages provides conversational lessons in more than 70 languages — including American Sign Language — and cultural learning courses. Rosetta Stone provides immersive language instruction through speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.
Additional learning opportunities are available through Udemy, Universal Class and Kanopy, which offer courses and instructional videos in a variety of languages.
For those learning English, the Library also hosts English Language Conversations, both online and in person, providing a welcoming space to practice speaking and build confidence.
Explore world languages through the collection
The World Languages Collection includes books, audiobooks, movies and other materials in multiple languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish. Patrons can browse collections at branches or search the catalog by language.
Many online resources are also available in languages other than English, including news sources, health information, eBooks, streaming media and research databases.
Visitors welcome
Visitors welcome
Visitors from anywhere in the world are welcome at Johnson County Library. Those with identification can obtain a Library card, including options for short-term visitors who may not have proof of address. Guests can also use public computers, Wi-Fi and in-person resources like phone charging lockers at select branches.
Library staff can help connect visitors with transit options through ConnectKC2026 and planning guides from KC2026, making the Library a helpful first stop for anyone exploring Johnson County.
