Jocolibrary Uncovered

Kaleidoscope of Sound Dec 14, 2022

A Kaleidoscope brings to life an endless variety of shapes and patterns. What would a kaleidoscope of sound be like? We dedicate this episode to the harmonious melody of voices, tones, music and other noises that bring the Library to life every day. Explore the world of Library sounds with us in three segments: past, present and future.

Past: Celebrate the best podcast moments of the year.
Present: Experience the auditory kaleidoscope created by a mosaic of sounds found in the Library.
Future: Hear what Elissa Andre, external communication manager, is most looking forward to in 2023!

Thanksgiving, Hygge & Turkey Talk Nov 08, 2022

We are thankful for you our listening audience and for the many good people, ideas and things that fill our lives with coziness and "comfortable conviviality" with feelings of wellness and contentment. We dedicate the episode to warmth and thankfulness. We explore the concept of Hygge, interview two chefs to help you stretch yourself as a home cook and create delicious dishes that will make your Thanksgiving feast more flavorful, and we even interview a turkey.

A big shout out to Chef Brett Dehart who is co-owner/operator of two kitchens at a very popular food hall in downtown Overland Park. Much appreciation to Chef Kolika Simmons who is a chef and food blogger. Many thanks to them for adding their expertise to this episode! And finally, our gobs of gratitude to our gobbling thespian, Brian Berrens who played Larry the Turkey!

SPECIAL EDITION - 2022 Writers Conference Oct 07, 2022

Our eighth annual Writers Conference will be Thursday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Nov. 20.

In this episode, Readers' Advisory Librarian Helen Hokanson and Adult Services Specialist Lisa Allen talk about our 2022 Writers Conference. How do we choose our faculty? Do we take potential presenter suggestions? How does the in-person experience differ from the virtual version of the past couple of years? We have fun taking a deep dive into these questions and feature readings by authors Anne-Marie Oomen and Polly Alice McCann.

Library Lowdown Quiz Showdown Part II Oct 04, 2022

Our tribute to game shows continues with Library Jeopardy and Wheel of Fiction! Whad'ya know about the Library? Join former Jeopardy auditionee, Austin, as he does such a great job hosting that even Alex Trebek would be proud. Charles and Dave battle in a head-to-head Library trivia tournament of titans! Then, we bring in in Collection Development Librarian Beth and Reader's Advisory Librarians Gregg and Helen. They spin the wheel, but will it be fortune or failure as they are given book descriptions from our catalog and they're asked to identify titles? Spoiler alert, we chose really hard ones!

It's the Library Lowdown Quiz Showdown Part II!

BTW, if you missed Part I where we play Bluff the Librarian and Library Password, whad'ya waiting for?!

Library Lowdown Quiz Showdown Part I Sep 06, 2022

We love quiz podcasts and radio programs like “Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!” We also live for getting to know everything there is to know about Johnson County Library! What do you know? What do we know? Get ready for a variety of Library games! In this fantastically fun episode, we play Bluff the Librarian with Local Arts Librarian Bryan and Library Password with Matt, Patti and Courtney.

Be sure to stay until the end when we announce the winners of our at-home crossword and word search!

SPECIAL EDITION - Library Lets Loose! Aug 25, 2022

Extra! Extra! Hear all about it!

Did you know the Johnson County Library has a podcast? If not, this special episode is the perfect place to begin listening. By spending a mere 15 minutes with us, you too will be able to answer with a resounding "Yes!" to the question: "Did you hear?"

We discuss the annual one night only party at the Library we call: Library Lets Loose. You are not going to want to miss this festive, lively after-hours celebration and fundraiser for Library Lovers at Central Resource Library. If you are 21 years or older, we invite you to join our Honorary hosts Senia and Will Shields to enjoy food, drink, music, our MakerSpace and truly good people!

Tickets and more information:

libraryletsloose.org

Back to School Jul 29, 2022

Are the kids headed back to school? We have resource for them, for the little ones who aren't quite old enough yet, for you and for anyone who just wants to learn something new! We bring in the experts with the super Librarian knowledge and skills to give you and yours an advantage. Our lineup?

eResources:

Hope Harms, Collections – eResources Librarian. Special power? She CAN judge a book by its cover!

Kids:

Emily Devore, Youth Services. Special power? She can read four books at a time turning pages with both hands AND both feet!
Carrie Worth, Youth Service. Special power? Book teleportation. She makes an art of hands-free shelving.

Teens:

Kate McNair, Teens. Special power? Makes a mean vegan chocolate cake!

It's the Back to school episode. It's everything you need to know in 20 minutes!

Make-along Jul 01, 2022

Do you make? We at the Library encourage you embrace the creative process in some way by making something. What? Well, anything you want! Need ideas? You can always visit our MakerSpace. Online, we have In-depth tutorials and Circulating Maker Kits. In-person, you can make something as simple or complicated as you want with equipment available to you to make your project come to life. Try 3D Printing, CNC Cutting, Computers & Software, Electronics, Laser Cutting, Sewing and Vinyl Cutting.

Do you want to start small? Then grab some supplies and join us as our friends from the MakerSpace guide you through an exciting hands-on Make-along activity! Adults or adults with children will have fun with this activity.

Supplies:

Polymer clay
Rolling pin or dowel rods
A couple popsicle sticks (or two pieces of something flat and about 1/4" thick
Textures–you can come into the MakerSpace to create textured dowel rods or patterned plates, but you can also just look around your house! See what you already have. Heavily textured fabrics, cookie or mint molds, plant leaves or pasta would all work. Be creative.
Small cookie cutters

Listen and Make!

Oceans of Possibilities! Jun 07, 2022

This kid-friendly family episode explores Summer Reading 2022 in the most fun way possible. We interviewed snow cone-loving Narwhals, a dolphin with an infectious laugh, a starfish who knows he’s a star, a euphoric crab who’s not crabby at all, a jellyfish who loves peanut butter, a very deep tuna and many more aquatic creatures to get book recommendations and hear about their favorite parts of summer reading. If you’re not careful, you might just learn something about these citizens of the sea! We hope you enjoy these aquatic antics!

Check out all of the book recommendations mentioned in this episode.

Music by:
Moonlight Beach by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/6671-moonlight-beach
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Chee Zee Beach by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3490-chee-zee-beach
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Beach Party by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3429-beach-party
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Mesmerizing Memes and More May 01, 2022

Today on the Did you hear? podcast, we explore MESMERIZING MEMES AND MORE (supply your own echo effect) We give you some history, the behind-the-scenes philosophy, strategy and everything else when it comes to creating social media content for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Silver and Gold Apr 01, 2022

April - Silver and Gold
We asked the same 10 questions of an employee who just began her career at Johnson County Library and of an employee counting down the days until retirement. Their answers may surprise you!

The Collection Nov 30, 2021

Well, we've done it! We've reached the last episode in our seven-part series we've called "Discover Your Library." We saved the best for last! In this episode, we explore the collection. What better way to begin than with a reading from an author in our collection, Sierra Simone? We follow that with interviews with every member of the collection development team to reveal some things you probably didn't realize about how and why the Library chooses what to include in our collection. If that weren't enough, we hear from musical guest Alisa Jefferson!

Events Nov 02, 2021

We have arrived at part seven of our eight-part Discover your Library series. In this Did you hear? episode, we give you a behind the scenes look at our Events. Programs and Events Coordinator Joseph Keehn talks about what led him to Johnson County Library and how his job has changed over the years—including adapting to the challenge of programming during COVID. Several Librarians call in to share memories of their favorite Johnson County Library event. Author and panel presenter from our largest event, the annual Writers Conference, Nick Lopez, shares an original written work that won our 2020 Imagine Your Story Writing Contest. Dave’s a serpent and Charles is Mongoose. We get a new lead in the In Search of Paul Rudd segment. So, what are you waiting for?

Community Matters Oct 05, 2021

Some call it Civic Engagement. We call it Community Matters! The Library has a plethora of programs, events, services and resources for you, yes you, to be a more informed citizen. Ashley Fick drops by to share her journey to becoming our Civic Engagement Librarian. We get the inside scoop on the "how," "what" and "why" behind Legislative Coffees, Civics 101, Gather at the table, the News and Views group, Librarian Research Guides and Elections.

Members of the Civic Engagement committee phone in to share why they participate on this important team and explain why community matters.

Charles talks to Community Matters book club coordinator Melanie Fuemmeler. Our music guest is Jill Westra & Them KC Boys sharing the track "Speedin' Again" and an essay from author Virginia Brackett.

Come spend an entertaining hour with us. Who knows, this might just be the episode where we finally find Paul Rudd! (Spoiler alert ... it's not.)

Discover Your Library: The Arts Aug 30, 2021

We're back again for your monthly Library Insider. it's the Did you hear? podcast and we are on part 4 of our Discover Your Library special. This month? The Arts!

Music, art exhibitions, writing ... we have so much to offer artists and you!

In this episode:

Musical guest The Wires
Local Writer Martha Gershun reads her short story: "The Hatch"
Local Arts Librarian Bryan Voell chats about exhibitions, our new Artists in Sight on demand offerings, and the local music blog
We sample an interview with Artist Sol Anzorena
A talk with artist Dianna Bartel
and so much more!

Art is transformative and transcendent. Let us take you away for the next hour or so.

Librarians Aug 04, 2021

We wanted to hear our Librarians' journeys.

We were especially interested in stories from Librarians who’ve:

- had multiple positions at Johnson County Library
- held the same position for many years
- had interesting career paths leading them to us

Now, we used the label "Librarian" loosely. We wanted to include the stories public-facing staff as well.

This is the third episode in our Discover Your Library series of the Did you hear? podcast.

Join us for these often funny, sometimes touching and always compelling stories!

Discover your Library: Patrons Jul 08, 2021

"Our Patrons" is the second in a series of seven episodes we're devoting to the theme: Discover You Library! here on the Did you hear? podcast.

Our Librarians chime in to share their favorite stories about our patrons. It's sometimes funny, often heart-warming and always interesting. Join Charles and Dave as we attempt to answer the question, "just who are our patrons?"

Discover Your Library Jun 02, 2021

Exciting news! We were able to record in-person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Not-so-exciting news...the audio isn't perfect—we're rusty. But, listenable? Yes!

In this episode we have even more exciting news. We're introducing a 7-part storytelling series we're calling "Discover Your Library." From now until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from patrons and Librarians. We'll look behind-the-scenes of our events and our collection. We'll explore the connection between the Library and civics. We'll reveal how the Library plays an important role in supporting local arts.

We introduce you to our new series AND we play some fun getting-to-know-you games so you can learn a little bit more about your podcast hosts. Did you hear?

The Poetry Episode May 05, 2021

It's another Did you hear? podcast episode with Shannon, Jack, Charles and Dave!

In this episode, we offer closure to poetry month and suggest poetry should not be confined to a single month. We crammed this episode full—like an over-stuffed el grande burrito—with flavorful content from all kinds of tasty angles. (OK, we're not poets, but we love poetry!)

Hear poets featured in elementia
A look back at our Poetry Walk and how it lives on digitally
Exciting upcoming poetry writing programs and a visit from an impressive author
Physical art as poetry
What happened to KCUR's New Letters on the Air?
Our haikus!
Your haikus!
And the latest installment of In Search of Paul Rudd

All this and more! It's the Poetry episode and it's not to be missed. When is this delightful episode available? Right now!

Parents as Teachers Mar 30, 2021

What do we mean by "Parents as Teachers"?

Well, parents as teachers can mean being involved in your child's K-12 education--COVID distance learning or not. But, COVID has maybe forced many of us to be a bit more involved. Whether it's homeschooling or home learning that complements traditional school, Library resources available to help. Parents as Teachers describes the role, relationship and resource of you as a critical educator.

We pursue stories loosely-related to this broad theme and have some fun as well. Be sure to stick around until the end for another edition of In Search of Paul Rudd.

Things You Can Still Do at the Library Mar 01, 2021

The Did you hear? podcast makes its triumphant 2021 return. It's been a while since you last heard from your Library insider, but we're back! This year, we have some changes. We are now a monthly podcast. New episodes are released on the first day of each month. Also, we now have a small group of hosts who bring behind-the-scenes stories to life for our thematic episodes. This month's theme? "Things You Can Still Do at the Library." We bring you stories about Udemy, the MakerSpace, a retiree helping you make sense of mint.com and budget, and bringing famous authors to storytimes. All this and Dave has a brain glitch causing him to forget the name for the prestigious annual award for children's book illustrators (Before you scream at your phone or computer, it's the Caldecott Award.) Enjoy!

Promotional Punch of Podcasting Nov 18, 2020

Did you hear? host Dave presented on podcasting--specifically for Libraries and nonprofits--at the Kansas Library Association's annual conference. We share his presentation as a podcast episode. Enjoy.

Here's the description we provided for the program:
We believe subscribable communication is an effective and fun way to reach library audiences—even those you’d never think are podcast addicts. We want to share the lessons we’ve learned over the course of two years and counting while producing the Johnson County Library’s “Did you hear?” podcast. It’s been a twisting and turning journey. We’re ready to help you develop your own pod-voice! Find about strategies taken to engage listeners (and listeners-to-be), how to include library staff in unexpected ways, and why we don’t devote every episode to an upcoming library event. Don’t let the maze of equipment and platforms or time that might be involved intimidate you—we cover all that technical stuff too!

This is our last episode of 2020. Look for our return in 2021 with some fun changes!

Cash Bail Oct 27, 2020

Cash Bail. What is it and why are we talking about it on the Did you hear? podcast? The Library has always been engaged in the community and we're committed to serving all of our patrons. If you weren't aware of the numerous community outreach services we offer, have a look! Representing our incarcerated services, Librarians Kate and Flannery interview Lauren Worley of KC Bail Fund.

Another 5 for 5 Oct 06, 2020

It's another 5 for 5 episode. We talk to another 5 groups of people about 5 topics for 5 minutes at a time. This time around:

Instagram
MakerSpace Steamroller Printing Press
Online Storytimes
Newsletters galore
Super Special Mystery Guest

We thought about adding even more goodness into this episode, but there is such thing as too much of a good thing.

Five for Five Sep 18, 2020

We go around the Library to hear from 5 different voices for 5 topics 5 minutes at a time! We call it Five for Five. In this episode:

Census wrap up
Career and Finance online series
Book party
Debate watch parties
Collector’s corner

If this episode had any more goodness stuffed into it, there'd be an explosion of confetti.

Youth Fantasy Writing Contest Winners Aug 26, 2020

In this episode of Did you hear? we present the winners of our Youth Fantasy Writing contest this summer. We talk about this amazing contest and hear from some of the winners. Kids from 3rd through 8th grade participated and we think you'll be impressed by these young authors.

Incarcerated Aug 07, 2020

We’ve got another “Author Research in Action” episode for you! Just a reminder--we take an award-winning author, and let them dive-into conversation with a subject matter expert! In this case, both authors did their research from inside. Inside what or where? For that answer, you just have to listen ...

Dungeons and Dragons Jul 15, 2020

We have a number of online events including gaming! What kind of gaming? Well, after watching the epic 80’s-set Sci-Fi series Stranger Things, have you become intrigued about the role-playing game: Dungeons and Dragons? In this episode, we talk a bit about online programs and invite three staffers to show Dave the ropes as they play a round of D&D!

The following music clips were used as the soundtrack to our epic adventure:

The Descent by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4490-the-descent
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Strength Of The Titans by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5744-strength-of-the-titans
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hidden Agenda by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3872-hidden-agenda
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Summer Reading Recommendations for Little Ones Jul 07, 2020

We have an exciting Summer Reading-themed show! Our Librarians called in with several suggestions for your little ones. Also, we asked you to submit your favorite childhood titles on facebook. We mention a number of your suggestions! All the submitted recommendations, mentioned or not, are available in a catalog booklist. Before we launch into all that, Melissa Horak-Hern and Dave Carson remember our top-five childhood books!

Author Research in Action: Oppenheimer Jun 23, 2020

How do authors know so much about the setting, the professions of their characters, and other real-life details? Well, they do research!

We’re pretty excited about what will be periodically recurring episodes of the podcast we’re calling “Author Research in Action.” We take an award-winning author, and let them dive-into conversation with a subject matter expert!

This time, Reference Librarian Helen Hokanson hosts a discussion on the Manhattan Project and so much more. Los Alamos National Laboratory Program Manager and Senior Historian, Alan Carr is paired with author Robert J. Sawyer, who’s written a new SciFi/historical fiction/thriller called THE OPPENHEIMER ALTERNATIVE.

The LIVE experiment May 01, 2020

We love sharing a weekly word you. This week's word, experiment, is apt for this live episode. Why? We've never done a live episode ... until Thursday, 4/30. We (the Royal we) talked to Amy about social media in the COVID-19 era, MakerSpace facilitator Thomas updates the progress they've made in helping first responders and healthcare workers, and we talk to Youth Services Librarian Becky to hear what being a Librarian is like when there is no Library building to go to. It's Did you hear? LIVE!

Miki P Apr 23, 2020

This is the last episode we recorded at the Central Resource Library before the stay at home order. Local Arts Librarian Bryan Voell joined Dave Carson to host local music sensation Miki P! We’re not sure which you’ll enjoy more: our interview with her, or her jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, ear-pleasing live musical performance! Plus, more of your favorite Librarians have phoned in with their best eLibrary picks and favorite author quotes.

elementia goes Digital Apr 10, 2020

This year elementia has gone digital due to the COVID-19 situation. But that won't stop these teen literary voices from being heard. We give elementia writers the platform to perfrom live, albeit remotely. Kate McNair interviews a few of the publication's editors and producers as well. We also hear from our Librarians as they offer eLibrary suggestions and some of their favorite young adult author quotes. This is can't miss stuff. Did you hear? We've got some amazingly smart and talented teens right here in Johnson County!

Podcast wakes up from hibernation! Apr 03, 2020

This episode has answers to your frequently asked questions that have popped up during the stay at home order. We also hear from our MakersSpace facilitators as they help take on COVID-19 by doing what they do best--making. We give you tips and suggestions about the gems you'll find in our eLibrary. A number of our Librarians called in with their eResource suggestions and offer up their favorite author quotes. We're back in a big way! Did you hear? The podcast is back!

The Way to Literally Make Memories Mar 04, 2020

What do you do for date night? Dinner and a movie? Couple's foot massage? A nice walk at one of our great local parks? Maybe a picnic? What if we told you there is a fun date idea that allows you to literally make memories. This episode we feature Erika and Warren who made a MakerSpace date night a regular part of their social lives. We follow their story as they go from dating, to a wedding, to creating an online shop and how the MakerSpace played an important role. Did you hear about how great the MakerSpace is for relationships?

Listen! And, have a look at all of the great items they made over the course of their relationship--including a stunning bouquet of 3D printed flowers used in their wedding!

Census Feb 12, 2020

Did you hear about the United States Census 2020? It's kind of a big deal! In fact, it's a requirement of our Constitution that every individual in the country be counted. Even if you are not a citizen, you are legally obligated to answer all Census questions.

We dive into the what, why, and how. We discuss the importance of the Census and the Library's role as a trusted partner in helping you to participate. History, geology, geography, it's all here. We even help you spot fraud:

No one should be asking for your social security number
Census forms do not ask for bank information
You will not be emailed or texted by the Census
No one will ever call you

So, did you hear about the Census?

eLibrary Extravaganza! Jan 31, 2020

One of our best shows ever! No lie. After listening, your life may change forever. eResources are just that big of a deal.

Embrace our eLibrary! E is for electronic. We explore our digital Library collection with special guests Hope Harms and Amy Field. If you look at our physical collection at any of our locations, think about this: we just might have that book, audiobook, magazine, newspaper, DVD in a digital format to access on your computer, tablet, phone, and maybe even your smart TV. In fact, you'll find titles in our amazing digital collection you simply won't find anywhere else! So, Did you hear about our eLibrary?

Branch Manager Panel Jan 21, 2020

In this episode of Did you hear?, it’s a Branch Manager panel. We brought in three branch managers to talk. They compare and contrast their experiences. We take a look at the differences in service populations, facilities, resources, and more. It’s an excellent and insightful discussion.

2020 Spring Preview Jan 07, 2020

Baby, it's cold outside. But SPRING is coming!!! And, the Library has programs that will not only warm your soul, but defrost your brain as well.

In this episode of Did you hear?, our hosts Dave Carson and Melissa Horak-Hern chat with Christopher Leitch, Ben Oglesby, and Amy Field, about what’s to come in the next few months at the Library! Spoiler alert: it's hot stuff!

Notable Books of 2019 Dec 16, 2019

At first glance we thought someone had something against furniture "No table books"??? What do you have against tables?! But then, we realized we needed to pay a little more attention to what we're reading. "Notable" not "No Table." (We apologize for that HORRIBLE joke!!!)

Our readers advisory librarian Gregg Winsor makes another Did You Hear? appearance to discuss Notable Books! Gregg, Dave and Melissa reveal this list of great books from 2019. Gregg whittled this list of 50 titles down from numerous Library staff nominated titles. Get ready to add to your “to read” list!

Go to the 2019 Notable Books list!

Return Bin Finds Dec 02, 2019

In this episode of Did you hear, we discuss the weird and wacky, and sometimes wonderful, things we find in the book drop. Melissa and Dave host our librarians Chris Carleton, Austin Johnson and Laura Hunt. who share their most fabulous and freaky finds, including many things used as a bookmark.

Library Hacks Nov 18, 2019

This edition of Did you hear? explores Library Hacks! Get tips, tricks, and secrets that only Library insiders know about. What's up our sleeve? Why, a Library card of course. ;)

MakerSpace Odyssey Nov 04, 2019

This week on Did you hear, our hosts Melissa and Dave chat with Nick Ward-Bopp, one of our MakerSpace Facilitators, about the great resources we have in the Black and Veatch MakerSpace at Central Resource Library. But the MakerSpace isn’t just at Central - we host Maker programming at various other locations, too!

Your House History Oct 28, 2019

What's your house history? Realtor/Librarian/Kansas City Historian Meredith Roberson, Local History Librarian Amanda Wahlmeier, and Curator of Interpretation at the Johnson County Museum, Andrew Gustafson, join Dave Carson to discuss how you can learn the history of the home you live in or the house you're thinking about buying. Spoiler alert! The Johnson County Library can help!

Pages, Clerks, and Bears! Oh my! Oct 21, 2019

Did you know that not every staff member in the Library is a Librarian? Ever wondered what the difference is between a page, a clerk, an information specialist and a Librarian? Well, when we asked folks on facebook what they wanted to know about the Library, several patrons wondered just that. Well wonder no more! We've gathered staff members who have worked a number of positions and are ready to explain what these jobs entail. Spoiler alert: No matter the position, we're all happy to help!

K-Drama Oct 14, 2019

In our latest episode of the Did you hear? podcast we explore K-Drama. What the heck is that? Tune in to find out. Librarian Rachel Novotny talks about its history and answers some questions about the artists and explains the how and why this genre has become so popular. Get ready, we’re going inside K-Drama!

Oh, the questions we get ... Oct 07, 2019

In this episode of Did you hear, our librarians Scott and Bryan talk with Melissa and Dave about the questions we receive most often from patrons. When Google stumps you, we’re here to help you search for those tricky answers. Also, cookies!

Anthologies Sep 30, 2019

Need something to read? Do you want to try something different? We encourage you to try anthologies! What are they? Why are they so amazingly good? You must listen to discover. Guest Librarians Helen and Lisa join Dave Carson as we investigate anthologies. Lisa created an Anthologies reading list!

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