Johnson County Library

Hey friends: Busy Tuesday night? We're staying open late at Central Resource Library for a Presidential Debate Watch Party, complete with fun swag, snacks and Bingo! You will also be able to find your ballot and your polling place information. Know all of that info already? Awesome! Come join us to watch the debate! Who knows; maybe you'll meet new friends! Details: Tuesday, September 10, 7:30-9:30 PM Central Resource Library No registration required. More info here: https://bit.ly/3ZeRJNX

Heads up, friends: We're hiring! Johnson County Library seeks engaged, qualified candidates to fill the position of System Administrator II as part of the Library’s Information Technology team. This position works directly with the Infrastructure Manager, Network System Administrator and IT Analysts on systems that support the delivery of Library services. The first review of applications will begin on September 5, 2024. To learn more and to apply, go here: https://bit.ly/4g8UZQU

Happy 29th birthday to Central Resource Library! Central Resource Library as we know it opened its doors on August 29, 1995. More than 750 people visited the library in its first four hours on opening day and circulation shattered previous records when 7,396 items circulated. In its first month, an average of 1,000 people a day visited Central Resource Library, asking nearly 1,110 reference questions. The highest number prior was a 5,439 record established at Antioch Library on July 6, 1993. Statistics reported 75% more user visits, 34% more circulations, and library card registrations increased by 165% with the opening of the new facility! Since its opening, Central Resource Library has continuously been re-envisioned by Library staff. To date, it has seen the creation of an art gallery, children and teen services space, and the addition of more than 100 public use PCs. In 2008, the large meeting room was named the Carmack Room in honor of the Johnson County Library’s fourth County Librarian Mona Carmack. In 2016, the Black and Veatch Makerspace was added, granting patrons access to 3D printers, laser cutters, a sound booth, and more. Even with all these changes, specialized Librarians continue to provide the same expert services they did in 1968, and public services staff are always on hand to answer questions and help locate materials. Want to know more about the history and building of Central Resource Library? Go here: https://bit.ly/3MpErqf

The Library is currently hiring for multiple full-time Circulation Clerk positions. Circulation clerks specialize in our materials handling processes by efficiently and accurately discharging, sorting, organizing, and maintaining our collection. They also provide customer service at drive thru and curbside pick-up locations by checking out material to patrons and providing basic account services. Circulation clerks at all locations provide internal customer service to library staff. Circulation clerks also assist in controlling the building while on the public floor by enforcing the patron code of behavior. Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on August 19, 2024. Go here for more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/4dGDlSI

What are you doing this Saturday, friends? We want to treat you to a visit to Johnson County Museum! Just show your Library card and get free admission all day (hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM)!

Heads up, Shawnee Library users: Shawnee Library will be closing for HVAC and related systems replacement beginning Monday, August 19, with anticipated reopening late October. This past spring Shawnee Library received a significant makeover, receiving new shelving, carpet, paint, restrooms and signage as well as other critical infrastructure improvements. However, due to unanticipated lead times for equipment, this important HVAC work was not able to be completed during the previous closure. We anticipate that once this work is complete, Shawnee Library will be ready to serve our community for many years to come. No services will be available at Shawnee during the closure period. Returns, holds pickup, public computers, printing and copying, meeting rooms and access to the collection are available at our other 13 locations across the county, including Merriam Plaza Library (6120 Slater St., Merriam) and Monticello Library (22435 W. 66th St, Shawnee). Both locations feature a convenient drive-thru for holds pick-up and materials return.

Are you looking for information about upcoming elections in Kansas and Missouri? This guide, created by KC Media Collective and The Kansas City Star covers more than 100 races across five counties in the Kansas City region, on both sides of the state line. In addition to information about candidates, it includes an extensive FAQ section with helpful practical information like election dates, how to find your polling place, what to do if you need help casting a ballot and more. More than 75 reporters, editors and staff helped create this resource and support has been provided by Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Health Forward KC and other donors. We are sharing this guide as a one of the resources you may choose to consult as you do your own research about issues and candidates. https://lnkd.in/eSqRN6Ev

Six years ago today Monticello Library opened its doors! That opening was the culmination of 20 (20!!!) years of planning. Features that made it unique were the outdoor terrace, Mac computers alongside PCs and new and unique seating options. Fun facts about Monticello's opening day: We reached building capacity of 615 people 8 minutes after opening There were 3,038 total visitors Staff made 399 changes/additions/new patron accounts There were 3,737 total number of checkouts 777 items were returned The Boy Scouts raised the flag and the Girl Scouts cut the yellow ribbon Happy birthday, Monticello!

Why are County Librarian Tricia Suellentrop and Library Board President Kelly Kilgore smiling? Because the sale of what we once affectionately called "Lackman Library" is official! The new owners are Newkirk Novak Construction Partners, Inc. The sale was final on July 23rd and all proceeds from the sale ($2,050,000 less brokerage commission fees) will be placed in the Library's reserve funds with the intention of using those funds for future Library projects. As you might remember, Lenexa City Center Library replaced the Lackman Library. We all have so many great memories of Lackman Library! We will always fondly remember Lackman as the first Library without a card catalog as the Library took its first steps into the computer age—and we're excited to continually improve Library buildings and services for the residents of Johnson County.

We are hiring! Johnson County Library seeks a full-time Communications Specialist. This pivotal role on our highly creative, collaborative team will develop story ideas and write and edit for a wide array of marketing and communications channels for our external and internal audiences. Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on August 12, 2024. More information and a link to apply here: https://bit.ly/3LNHWqh