Library Receives National Honor

Johnson County Library has been awarded the 2005 National Award for Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for extraordinary public service provided by a library.

“Johnson County Library is honored to be recognized as a leader in providing outstanding service to the community,” stated County Librarian Mona Carmack. “In a rapidly changing world libraries must continue to reinvent themselves and enhance their services to meet the growing needs of the communities they serve. Johnson County Library is honored to be representative of libraries nationwide who are reaching into their communities with excellent services and programs."

"The credit goes to library staff. They are committed to providing outstanding service each and every day and in developing unique programs that meet the varied needs of the citizens. We are also thankful to the members of our community who continue to show strong support and appreciation for Johnson County Library." Read more about the award, reaction from state and federal officials, and the other 2005 recipients.

Sandzen in the Mountains @ the Johnson County Library

Sandzen in the Mountains, an exhibition of prints by Kansas artist Birger Sandzen, will be on display at the Central Resource Library from November 3 to January 5, 2006. The exhibition of twenty-three works is among the first traveling shows of prints by the artist offered by the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery.

Available 22/7: Catalog and database access extended

It's 11:55 p.m., and you're busy researching, you log into the library's online catalog to search for books and DVDs. You find just the right book, and you click to place a hold and have the book delivered to your closest library, only to receive an error message when the library catalog goes down for maintenance. Well, no more. At least, no more will the catalog go down at midnight.

After working with our system and back-ups, we've whittled our downtime to start at 3 a.m. and be completed by 5 a.m. It's not 24/7, but it's close. Plus, in case of a system problem, we'll still have accurate back-ups so that we can restore the system quickly.

This is just one of the requests from our recent Web survey. The results are posted online.

Thanks to all who responded!

Online author visit: Debi Gliori

Join Debi Gliori, author of No Matter What, for an online discussion of her charming picture book that cleverly explores the theme of unconditional love. No Matter What is the official selection for Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, the Kansas State Library’s One State-One Book project for 2005 highlighting the importance of reading to preschoolers. Ms. Gliori is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the very popular Mr. Bear series. She won the Children's Book Award picture book section, and was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1997. She lives in Scotland, near Edinburgh.

Online Author Visit: Debi Gliori
Friday, Nov. 18 • 4:30 p.m. • OPAL Auditorium

How do I participate?
Click on the following link: Auditorium (http://67.19.231.218/v4/login.asp?r=67955673&p=0)

A small, safe applet will download automatically.

Once the text box appears, enter your name, and you're in.

What do I need to participate?
An Internet-connected computer running Microsoft Windows (Windows 98 or later), Mac OS X, or Linux.

A sound card and some form of audio output (e.g., speakers or headphones).

A microphone connected to or embedded in your computer. (If you just want to use the text chat option rather than speak verbally, the microphone isn’t required.)

For best results, a high-speed Internet connection is helpful as well.

Questions?
Please contact Erica Reynolds, Web Content Manager, at (913) 495-2429 or reynoldse@jocolibrary.org

Kansas Reads to Tots--No Matter What

No Matter What by Debi Gliori is the book chosen for Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, a One State, One Book project for 2005. Honorary Chair Governor Kathleen Sebelius is helping the State Library of Kansas highlight the importance of reading to preschoolers. The goal of the project is every Kansas child between the ages of 0-5 years will be read to during Children’s Book Week, Nov. 13 - 19. Bring a special young one to the library or take some time to read at home.

Finding Your Native American Ancestors

Janice Schulze and Angela McComas from the Mid-Continent Genealogy Library will discuss basic genealogy research methods geared toward Native American research. Included will be specific information about major tribes, and where to find records. Registration is requested; please call (913) 495-7514.

Saturday, Nov 12 • 10:00 - 12:00
Central Resource Library

Understanding Afghanistan, the Land of The Kite Runner

Want to learn more about the world of the wildly popular novel (and United We Read 2005 fiction title)? Join us as Mahnaz Shabbir shares her knowledge of Afghani culture and religion in this pictorial presentation. No registration required.

Central Resource Library
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005 • 7-8:30 p.m.

A Head for Physics? Join us for Einstein Alive!

Join us on Wednesday, November 2 at 4 p.m. for a scientific adventure with the most famous scientist of the 20th century. With songs and audience participation, Professor Einstein talks about his life, his difficulties in school and the “adventures” within his mind. Ages 9 – 15.

Einstein Alive!
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005 at 4:00 p.m.
Central Resource Library

Want to learn more about Einstein, physics, or science in general? Check our Web page at: www.jocolibrary.org/einstein.

Corinth Library staff members, Mike Bagby and Christi Haines, celebrated October and Einstein with Einstein's Big Idea Pumpkin Head contest.