New library home page

Although we're working on an entirely new, sleek, and highly functional library Web page (at least this is what it is in our dreams...), it will be at least a year before the new site is ready, and we certainly haven't stopped trying to improve the current Web page. Today, a new front page design was launched. The changes include:

1. More prominent access to major or new library services: such as My Account, Answers Anytime, our JoCoLibrary blog, and our Wi-Fi page.

2. Less description and text (we know staff and patrons weren't reading it anyway).

3. A CNN-approach to features, broken down by the major sections/services of the library: Major library news, Readers' Corner, Search & Research, Teens, and Kids.

Let us know what you think of the new design, and please feel welcome to share your suggestions for additional changes or online services you would like to see from the Johnson County Library.

Want to organize a new book group or re-energize your old one?

Join us at Central Resource Library, Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 7-8:30 p.m. for "Talking About Book Groups" and pick up lots of good tips and ideas for organizing a new book group or re-energizing your current group. Registration requested; call (913) 495-7514.

Looking for good books for your group to discuss? Check out our Book Club to Go Kits. Each Book Club to Go kit contains 10 copies of a book and an information sheet with tips for book discussion groups. They are available at the Central Resource Library. Call (913) 495-9100 to check for availability.

For more information and advice on good books to read, visit our Readers' Corner Web page.

Hispanic Fiesta 2005

Today's Hispanic Fiesta was held at Strang Park--just behind the Central Resource Library. The whole event was a great success--even the weather was beautiful (albeit very warm) and sunny. Thanks to all the dancers; the band Boss Nova; the co-sponsors; participating organizations; and everyone who came out to enjoy the day. Check out pictures of the event or learn more about Hispanic Hertiage Month and the Fiesta's co-sponsors at: www.jocolibrary.org/hispanicheritage.

National Hispanic Heritage Month: Fiction & Fiesta

Now showing on Readers' Corner: Fiction selections from the Hispanic Authors Booklist. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2005), check out some terrific fiction by Hispanic authors, chosen for you by your own Johnson County Library staff.

Looking for something for the kids? We have great books for them, too. Growing up Latino is a collection of youth and young adult books.

But don't spend all weekend reading (at least don't spend all of THIS weekend reading)--join us for this year's Hispanic Fiesta. We'll have entertainment, activities for kids, food, and more. The party starts at 1 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2005 in Strang Park, directly south of the Central Resource Library in Overland Park.

Library survey: Do we have the books and materials you want?

Yes, we have books, movies, music, and more, but do we have what you want, and do we have it available when you want it? In an effort to serve you better, we want to know how well our collection of materials is meeting your needs. If you have a chance, we would really appreciate your time if you could share your thoughts in our brief survey.

Senior Quest 2005

Stop by our two booths at this year's Senior Quest on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center (6000 College Blvd.). We're looking forward to a full day of information, entertainment, free health screenings, food, demonstrations, continuous bingo and great prizes! The county event is free and open to the public. Shuttle buses will be provided from the parking lot.

This year, we'll have a booth featuring the Johnson County Library's services as well as a booth highlighting the upcoming JoCoHistory Web site. See you there!

Party in the Park: Happy Birthday Johnson County!

Today's 150th birthday party at Shawnee Mission Park was a great success. There were tons of people, lots to do, and the weather was wonderful. At the library booth, kids painted with corn and created yarn people. In addition to the crafts, we gave out more than 500 bags with information about fall programs, library services, and upcoming events. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Party, party, party...events galore around the county in September

September in Johnson County: the weather cools off a little and everyone breaks into festival and event mode. Don't these people know we have Chiefs games to go to and tailgating fare to prepare? Well, if you can tear yourself away from football, or if you would welcome a diversion, much is going on county wide and at the library:

Birthday in the Park: Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Johnson County The entire county is invited to a free birthday extravaganza at the Theatre in the Park area of Shawnee Mission Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2005. The festivities start at 10 a.m., will wrap up at 4 p.m., and will include:

• Theatrical and musical acts on multiple stages
• Exhibits and demonstrations by regional folks and grassroots artists
• Touching History - an interactive children's area hosted by the Johnson County Museum, with participation from WonderScope, Martin City Melodrama, and others
• Petting zoo and pony rides
• A butterfly release of 150 monarchs by the Friends for Parks and Recreation
• A vintage baseball game
• Civil war era military encampment
• Interactive booths featuring local governments and not-for-profit organizations
• Plus, many more special events and activities for all ages

Senior Quest 2005 Continuing the 150th celebration, county agencies, businesses and organizations will join together to present a spectacular event for the 50+ mature audience of Johnson County. Senior Quest: Happy Birthday, Johnson County will take place Wednesday, September 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. The event is free and open to the public. Shuttle buses will be provided from the parking lot.

2005 Pinnacle Award Reception Gary R. Holcombe is the 2005 Pinnacle Award honoree for Excellence in the Arts. He will be honored at a reception on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005; 7-9 p.m. at the Village Presbyterian Church Friendship Hall. Please RSVP by Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. Visit the Johnson County Library Foundation Web site for details.

2005 Hispanic Fiesta Join us in our third annual Hispanic Festival, for ethnic music, dancing, food, crafts and information booths. Sunday, September 25, 2005; 1-4 p.m. at Strang Park (directly behind the Central Resource Library).

Nearly New Books; Bargain Prices

Visit the Friends of the Library Bookstores, located at the Antioch and Blue Valley libraries, for bargain-priced, gently used books and other materials.

The Antioch location is once again open, and welcomes shoppers back to the store - which has nearly doubled in size. It features a larger children's selection, and a section for new and special books. Hours at the Blue Valley location have expanded, and the Friends now invite shoppers to enjoy the store on Thursdays.

A Grand Re-opening Sale will be held week of Setpember 19 at both bookstore locations. This is in celebration of the expansion of the Antioch Bookstore and new hours at the Blue Valley Bookstore. Great deals on books every day at both locations!

Buy 1, Get the 2nd Half Off
Monday, September 19 - Select Fiction Hardbacks
Tuesday, September 20 - Health, Self Help & Parenting Books
Thursday, Septmeber 22 - Select Biographies
Friday, September 23 - Select Audio & Pocket-size Paperbacks
Saturday, September 24 - Select Hardback Mysteries & Thrillers

More information is available from the Friends of the Library Web site.

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month

Your Johnson County Library Card provides you access to books, online magazine and newspaper articles, DVDs, CDs, computers at each branch, and much, much more! Complete the online application form (PDF), bring it to any one of the 13 Library locations that is close to you, and start taking advantage of all this little card has to offer! Learn more about library cards and PINs at the our Web site.

Hurricane Katrina: What we can do to help

Our neighbors along the gulf coast need money, housing, services, transportation, food, and personal items. The library provides information on how you can donate funds, services, goods, and time.

Want to donate money?
You can donate at the library. A cooperative alliance has been made with the Kansas City Public Library, the North Kansas City Public Library, the Mid-Continent Public Library, the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library and the Johnson County Library to contribute to the relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. As part of this alliance, monetary donation boxes will be available at all 13 Johnson County Library locations Friday, Sept. 2-Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005. Checks may be made out to the Salvation Army/Disaster Relief 2005 or Red Cross/Hurricane 2005 Relief. Cash donations are also accepted.

Or, go to the American Red Cross Web page to donate online or volunteer at a local shelter.

Also, if you want to donate time, services, or goods, The National Emergency Resource Registry coordinates efforts between the resources that are needed and the resources that may be available from the private and public sectors. Find out what is needed most, and sign up to help through their online volunteer system.

More information is available through the library's Web site.

Community Issues 101: The Ethical Allocation of Healthcare Resources

What do you think about the allocation of healthcare resources? Citizens know that their lives depend upon access to quality, affordable healthcare, and they are deeply concerned about the issue. But the system is huge and complicated, and the public is rarely at the table when reforms are discussed. This public forum will give you, the public, a chance to wrestle with the hard choices – a realistic picture of health care policies that the public can support.

Citizen’s role in public policy is to absorb information, to weigh alternatives, and to consider values and the ethical side of questions. The conversation around health care will provide three distinct approaches to health care reform which citizens can consider the trade-offs and consequences:

1) Use competition to make the system more efficient

2) Expand the current system to cover more people

3) Create a national health care system

Date: Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005

Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

Location: Johnson County Central Resource Library (9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park)

Registration: Reservations are required and seating is limited. To register, fill out the online registration form or call (913) 495-2497 to register by phone.

Community Issues 101 forums give citizens the opportunity to effectively discuss and debate important issues that affect us all. For results from past forums, visit the Community Issues Forum Archive. For information on other community forums, visit Kansas City Forums.

Library closed Sunday and Monday for Labor Day

Johnson County Library will be closed Sunday, Sept. 4 and Monday, Sept. 5, 2005 in observance of Labor Day. Of course, the Web page (www.jocolibrary.org) is always open.

International Fiction: Learning about the World through Reading

Reading fiction from other countries opens up our world, exposing us to other cultures and introducing us to new ways of life. Join JCCC librarian, Andrea Kempf, a nationally recognized expert on contemporary international fiction for an enlightening evening.

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005
7 p.m.
Central Resource Library

Registration is requested. Please call (913) 495-7514.

Interested in international fiction? Check out the library staff picks for international fiction on this month's Readers' Corner.