Summer in Kansas means staying cool and making the most of your downtime. You might lounge by the pool, escape the afternoon heat inside with the air conditioning or take a road trip to somewhere new. With your Johnson County Library card, you can do all of that and still access thousands of free digital resources wherever you are.
Your Library card unlocks many resources that can save you money and satisfy your curiosity.
Here are a few you might not know about:
Learn something new
- Mango Languages: Planning an international trip? Want to communicate with a new neighbor or coworker? Curious about American Sign Language? Mango Languages offers lessons in more than 70 languages built around real conversations.
- Universal Class: Universal Class offers more than 500 self-paced online courses with assignments, instructor feedback and Continuing Education Units for many classes.
- LinkedIn Learning: Thinking about a career change or polishing your resume? Thousands of expert-led courses can help you build practical workplace and creative skills.
Keep kids learning without feeling like homework
- Brainfuse HelpNow: Back-to-school preparation doesn’t have to wait until August. Students can meet with live tutors, get writing feedback, prepare for tests, create flashcards, explore careers and collaborate in virtual study rooms.
- BookFlix: For preschool through third grade, BookFlix pairs animated storybooks with nonfiction books on the same topic. Kids stay engaged while building reading comprehension and curiosity before returning to the classroom.
- Lightbox: Need help explaining volcanoes, the Civil Rights Movement or the solar system? Lightbox brings school subjects to life with videos, interactive maps, quizzes and primary sources.
- ABCmouse: Younger learners can practice reading, math and other early learning skills through games and activities that feel more like play than lessons.
Save money and solve everyday problems
- Chilton Library: Before paying a car repair shop, check whether it’s something you can handle yourself. Chilton Library offers maintenance schedules, repair instructions and troubleshooting guides for thousands of vehicles.
- Consumer Reports: Buying a backpack, washing machine, laptop or even your next vehicle? Compare products using independent testing and expert reviews before spending your money.
Stay informed
- Research Johnson County: Keep up with local government, business developments and community news that affects locals.
- Kansas City Star Image Edition: Read the digital newspaper edition from anywhere.
Discover your story
- Ancestry Library Edition: Summer gatherings often invite family questions. Find census records, historical documents and connections that help fill in the blanks of your family tree.
- Fold3 Library Edition: If you have relatives who served in the military, Fold3 lets you explore service records, photographs and historical documents spanning conflicts from the Revolutionary War through modern military history.
Read, relax and explore
- eBooks & eAudiobooks on Libby: Access thousands of books you can read or listen to.
- Libby Magazines: Flip through popular magazines on your phone, tablet or computer.
Find people and places
- Data Axle Reference Solutions: Looking for an old friend, verifying a business address or updating your holiday card list? This searchable directory makes it easy to find residential and business information.
Get a Library eCard
Don’t have a card yet? A Johnson County Library eCard grants you immediate access to the eLibrary – available 24/7 – and many online resources. All Johnson County residents are eligible, so apply today.
