The Johnson County Library system is great and this location is massive. We recently visited with our five year old and she loved the kids area. It's filled with kid sized shelves, tons of picture books, chapter books, and kids DVDs. The librarian was so kind and got her all set up with her own library card, we checked out her items, and she's been loving exploring all of her recent finds. read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

I visited the central library today with my grandson and mostly in the children's area. Because this library is the central library it has a great variety of books and resources. My grandson who is currently 14 months enjoyed the activity center on the wall. I went through the collection of board books for toddlers and selected some to check out for him. The library was clean and quiet and has many excellent resources. I do wish they would have a more balanced approach to their selection of materials though., read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - Small children's activity wal - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

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I absolutely love everything about this library. The staff is incredibly helpful and always kind. They have a fantastic maker's space with a serger, cricut, 3D printer and much more! My favorite feature is probably the drive-through pick up. While I could spend hours in this beautiful building, I do not always have the time. It's wonderful to be able to place book holds online and pick them up in the drive thru a few days later. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful community resource. read more

This library has been around for nearly twenty years and has evolved into a space other than for renting books. Here are my thoughts on the CRL: Outside the Box: This library is conveniently located near 87th street in Overland Park. It is twenty minutes from the Waldo area and twenty minutes from Olathe/Shawnee. Libraries are used more than just for books, they hold events, conferences, or to watch movies. We have used this location for the study rooms for classes. I love the versatility of libraries today. Important spaces: Libraries have become spaces for the houseless to spend the day until the shelters open in the evening. It is common to find someone sleeping in an unoccupied study room. I have also noticed backpacks and other personal effects outside underneath the trees. It is really sad reality that people do not often think about. It's important to keep this is mind when visiting this location. Study Rooms: The study rooms are plentiful but make sure to book at least a week before you need the space. The slots fill up quickly and they are very popular throughout the week. Overall: I really enjoy the location of this library. (Bonus points for a QT being next door.) It is always nice and the staff are nice as well. There are always study rooms available as long as you book in advance. I recommend visiting! read more

One of our favorite JOCO libraries! The play area for kids is amazing, including a toddler friendly restroom. The staff are always helpful. There's what seems like an endless amount of resources beyond books. Love that this library and every library in the JoCo system is so welcoming. read more

Self Disclosure: I am a geek and I love libraries. OMG! They are wonderful portals to learning. This library is AMAZING! I did not even know such a magnificent library existed until a friend suggested we meet there. I live in Lawrence, KS so I was not familiar with the JC library situation. Before I entered the building I knew this was an amazing place.The library is huge and just gleams like a beacon on a hill. I could not wait to go inside once I parked. It seemed as if every corner held more surprises for me, too. There were rows upon rows of books, spacious tables, meeting rooms and all sorts of amenities. It was wondrous. My friend and I stayed for several hours and it was very comfortable. The meeting rooms were not stuffy or cramped at all. There were plenty of outlets for laptops and phone charging, too. The ventilation in our small room was quite good and we were able to focus on our studies. One thing I really enjoyed about this facility is the mix of people. There were older, younger people of all races and ethnic makeup. I enjoyed the diversity and the fact this facility was enjoyed by so many people. For those who think libraries are dead.. well... they have never been to this library. It was hopping. When I left I signed up for a library card and felt so proud. I am not part of this wonderful community of library patrons. There is something for everyone here and so many services are available. The staff was super helpful, too. I had a glitch in my application but the staff was very informative and guided me over the hump. Additionally, there were plenty of parking spaces and the focus was definitely on the comfort of the patron. This is one cool library and you will not be disappointed. read more

This is my go-to library. They are very prompt in getting my holds for pick-up and the staff is helpful about any questions or concerns. The only issues I would slightly complain about are: 1. The smokers who always seem to be right by the entrance. 2. The children's section could be a little nicer looking and interactive. read more

So...since when did libraries start carrying XBOX ONE, PS4, and WiiU Games for members to check out??? MINDBLOWN. Haha I would've come to the library everyday growing up! I just recently moved to Overland Park, so I decided to check out this library because of all the glowing reviews it's gotten. From my brief time inside, I am pumped to be a new member in this library. It's very modern from the design to the check out system. PLUS they have all these activities for kids and adults, love love love that community aspect. They even had a 3D printer! If you want to print anything, each page is $0.15 each, which is also the same price for their copy machine. Not bad, could be cheaper, but hey it's a heck of a lot better than kinko's where they even charge you per minute you use their computers. Based on past experiences, this library beats kinko's internet hands down. As I was about to leave, I saw their rack of video games. Definitely made me do a double take! haha I snatched up a copy of Zelda for the WiiU (I've been dying to play it and this library made it possible!). They also have a great selection of DVDs and books! Gonna try and reserve the Game of Thrones DVDs and books! Oh and I don't know if it's cuz I haven't been to the library in a while, but their self checkout was cool! You just have to scan your card (pretty standard stuff)....but then when you lay whatever your checking out on the counter where it tells you to lay it on, it automatically checks it out! Magic! haha (I get fascinated with the smallest things!) Anyways....gonna play that game then come back to grab some books & movies! Happy Reading!!! read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - Diggin the architecture of this library - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

Great library! One of my favorites! I love looking on their microfiche at the old newspaper articles. They go back to the early 1900's. Lots of places to quietly read or study. You can even reserve a room. They have the biggest selection of all the JOCO libraries of books, CDs, DVDs, & archives. Outside they even have an "electric car recharging station." read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - YES! They are open Wednesdays! - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

Libraries don't get better than this! This place is like the Disneyland of libraries. I recalled that there were supposed to be 3d printers here, but kept forgetting to look into it. Finally, I had some time and I checked out the JOCO library website to read up on the printers. I reserved 1 hour of print time and hauled myself and my 5 month old son over to the library during the appointment time. There is an automated book return that scans in your items as you return them (so they're immediately taken off of your account, unlike many other joco branches in which you have to wait for workers to go through the piles and scan them in). There was also an information desk right in front and it was staffed by two people. I informed one of them why I was there and that I hadn't used the facility before. The staff member was very kind and friendly and lead me over to the MakerSpace and passed me on to one of the staff members in that area. From what I could see, there were at least 2 staff members working in the MakerSpace. Meredith (a staff member that shares my name) was very kind and helped show me the ropes with the 3d printer. We got my project going and I walked around the area with my son. It is free to use the printers (including the plastic you'll need being provided by the library) and you are just asked to stay within your appointment time (unless you have the last time slot of the day). The whole room was amazing. The printers, the laser cutter, soldering gun, sound room, green room, vinyl cutter, etc... The resources were plentiful and the possibilities endless! This place is any creator's dream come true! Elsewhere in the library, there is a trendy teen area with cute booths and a tv, a whimsical kid area with a play area, puppet show and fun décor, a bookshop (inside the library!), a ton of computers, and a huge layout. I could have spent hours upon hours in this place! In reality, I could only spend 1.5 hours there because I had a baby with me and he was getting antsy. I will definitely be going to this library a lot! I'm already going back to use the 3D printer again next week and I am hoping to try the laser cutter in the near future as well. read more

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Demetri Martin, one of my favorite comedians, was in KC not too long ago and even he, in the one day spent in KC, understood the whole KC/Johnson County divide. I'm not going to get into it here, I'm just going to say that whatever mockery the KC-ites are going to heap on the JoCo people, the library system is yet another example of how Johnson County has public services handled well, and this library in particular, enormous and sprawling in design, sustainably designed and maintained, and full of important and relevant local information, is one specific example of that. The library is closed on Sundays, but is open until mid-evenings most of the other nights of the week. I'd go more often if I didn't have to buy all my books because I always mark them up with annotations. Borrowing a book from a library is just a tease for a bibliophile :0 read more

This library is exactly as the name asserts, the central location of the JoCo library system. I haven't had a library card since I was younger and haven't been in a library since I graduated college 3 years ago. But, I love reading and probably spend too much time browsing Amazon for new books. Inspiration struck, perhaps after I owed the state of Kansas tax money, that I should put where I live to good use! So, I decided to get a library card. I am very glad I did! There are numerous locations for the JoCo library system, this one being the largest, as well as offering the most amenities (from my understanding on the website). They have everything from 2 electric vehicle charging stations to typewriters - that covers a pretty wide spectrum of technology right there. As far as standard library services, they offer it all here - from standard books, DVDs, audio books, newspapers, magazines, etc. I like that the check out process is simple and self-serve - all done on the computer. You can renew, reserve, and transfer books from other locations online - then pick them up at any location. One of the biggest perks for myself, was that they offer e-books for checkout. Albeit there is a waiting list for several popular titles, but it is handled in the same way hard copies are checked out - with limited copies. I have not taken advantage of any of the other offerings such as meeting rooms or classes, so I cannot remark on those. Save yourself some money (just don't have anything go overdue!) and visit your local library! read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

I'm excited to start a clean slate with a brand new library account (we won't talk about my last one...lets just say that one seinfeld episode might happen to me one day...). So far so good with this one :) I went there looking for childbirth books. Brought in my list, and did a quick search. They only had 1/3 of what I was looking for, but they also had some I wasn't. So it kinda worked out. I like that its so easy to navigate where books are, the subjects written out on the sides of the shelves--more like a used bookstore than a library. Also, the people working there are really helpful and kind. The size of the library is nice too, not too big to get lost in but not so small you're rubbing elbows with other patrons. read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

The library is great but it smells SO bad of mold and mildew it's hard for me to visit anymore. 3 stars because the mildew odor is just disgusting. read more

Oh Central Resource JoCo Library, how I equally love you and loathe you. I've been coming to this library ever since I made a career change and went back to school for nursing which was January 2010. They've remodeled a lot since and made some major improvements. Their latest change though was included a change in hours I'm not too fond of. During the weekday they used to be open every night except Tuesday's until 9, (Tuesday was a random 5p), but now it's 9a-8p throughout the week. I don't know why, but losing that one hour between 8-9p makes such a difference when you don't get home until 5! But, I have to say they're definitely deemed the JoCo Central Resource Library for a reason. I've been to a few other branches including the one off Johnson Dr (extremely small in comparison), and I'm so thankful this is right down the street from me! I mainly come here to study (otherwise I find doing the laundry and dishes more appealing than studying at home!) and there are plenty of tables in quiet zones and nooks and crannies to set up shop. They have a multitude of study rooms available to reserve with options of accommodating 1-2 people and upwards of 12. They have a kid friendly zone, tons of computers, copy machines, printers, etc. plus, their online website is great, including free audiobook rentals which is such a plus for those that like to listen to books while commuting! Overall, while I hate having to study (hence the loathing comment above), I do love having a great library to do it at. This one definitely fits the bill! read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

This library has a park behind it! Once inside the library it's very spacious, has wall charges next to long hue chair and beautiful windows to let in the natural light. I have yet to rent a book out but I came here one day to relax. read more

Best library I have ever been to in the KC area. PERIOD. I mean, it's no discussion. Wellllllll.....the wifi could be a bit faster, but I just would feel wrong giving this place less than 5. Everything here from the staff to cleanliness is top notch. I also appreciate the AMPLE amount of seating that unfortunately a few other libraries in the area sorely lack. read more

I won't lie, I used to think of the library as boring. I mean, they don't serve food or alcohol so why would I spend any time there? Well, this is what I learned that changed my mind: -They have a gallery for local artists and -They'll help you do research and fax up to 10 pages free. -They allow you to search their catalog online and put your book on hold. Their little card offers even more benefits and ZERO interest! -You can access an online subscription to the Wall Street Journal, research business and demographics databases, the librarian Fran has a good sense of humor too..... So I guess the place is cool enough. I got the card. read more

Seriously? I haven't written a review for one of my favorite places? *soon to be even better The Johnson County Library (also tied to Olathe Library) is AMAZING!! This particular location has everything you need; magazines, books, resource files, art work you can check out, meeting rooms, computers, kids section, events from time to time, enough space between seating areas to relax, cubicals for studying, great employees and it's all tied together by an awesome "company"; Johnson County Library. And did you know they also have their own ap? I live by this ap! I find a book, cd, movie, that I want to experience and I just look it up and put it on hold. Usually, I can get the item within 24 hours, depending on current popularity. Also, rarely is the item not within the Johnson County Library System. I can keep lists, rearrange, cancel a hold, read reviews and so much more. Check it out. It's awesome! * This location is under construction until 2016 so there is only limited services; hold pickup, return, and customer service (pay fees, ask a simple question, etc. Not tax help or more complex issues) (I'll keep this review short due to the fact I would be reviewing the "old" library that is currently being upgraded) read more

Libraries are having to work really hard these days, with reduced budgets and really high expectations from patrons who are used to consuming a wide variety of media and getting things instantly. It's been kind of interesting to watch them expand services at the Johnson County libraries, even as they've had to cut hours and staff. There is access to ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, and actual free to own downloadable music (which is pretty much the most impressive new service I've seen at a library in a long time). Central has local art, book groups, writing groups, homework help, and guest speakers. They also have what I think is the biggest on the shelf selection in the johnson county system, fast book requests, and an inter-library loan system that means you can get practically anything, even if our system doesn't have it. I've rarely had to wait to use a computer, and there are plenty of comfortable chairs, meeting rooms, and quiet study spaces. Central library is also really nicely located, backing onto a park, within walking distance of restaurants and shops, and actually pretty central. The staff have always been courteous and helpful, and updates to the inter-library loan system and to automated check in and check out actually made things more efficient, which is never a sure bet. I think people who don't take advantage of all their library resources are really missing out way more than they realize. read more

Johnson County has an excellent library system. It operates in conjunction with the Olathe Public Library, so with one library card you have access to both libraries' catalogs and resources. However, there's more. The metro area libraries have a consortium, so you can actually borrow books (or get a library card) at the Kansas City Public Library, the KCK Public Library, or the Mid-Continent Library. Ask at your local branch (or at one of those other libraries) for details on borrowing books at libraries outside the county. Johnson County Library and Olathe Public Library combined have numerous branches county-wide and an excellent selection of materials (over 1 million items) but they can get virtually anything they don't carry through Inter-Library Loan. You can make ILL requests at a library or online. They make everything very convenient -- you can look for a book online and if it's only available at a different branch you can request it be held for you at the branch nearest you. In addition to books, DVDs and other items the library subscribes to numerous databases and periodicals that you can access at branches or online if you have a library card. There's much, much more to discover at the library, but that's a good start! The library also sponsors a humongous book sale a couple of times a year -- they pretty much fill up the ground floor of Metcalf South mall with endless books, almost all priced at $1 or less! So check them out -- you're bound to walk away with at least a couple of books, DVDs or other items! read more

First time to this particular library. Not too far out of the way. Extremely clean and put together as one would expect in Johnson county. Chris greeted me right away, helped me, and pointed me in the direction I needed to go. Found both items I came in for in less than 5 minutes (and I'm terrible with the Dewey decimal system). read more

Johnson County Library - Central Resource - These are going home with me!! - Libraries Near Me - Overland Park, Kansas

I began going to the Central Resource Library immediately after moving to Kansas City four years ago. I didn't have a car nor friends here, so I took the JO to this location, and it helped keep me sane. The Central Resource is my absolute fave out of all of them, though I'm sure the Leawood location will rock once the construction is done on it. My favorite thing about this library system is that you can get books transferred among locations. Besides the Central Resource Library, there are 12 more libraries throughout Johnson County, including Gardner, Desoto, Spring Hill and other faraway cities. Put a book that you want on hold, tell them where you want to pick it up and just a few days later, they'll email (or call) to let you know the book is in. Then you have about a 10 days to pick up the book before it goes to the next person who has a hold on it. That's the only way I do it now. As much as I love spending hours browsing the books, I just don't have the time anymore, so being able to pick up my books in under 10 minutes is great. Best part though -- I live in KCMO, and I can still have a membership to the JoCo library system. read more

I love libraries. I am a worldclass nerd when it comes to libraries and I love the smell of books. This is by far my favorite library in the metro area. The librarians were really helpful when I needed a specific textbook and called to follow-up when it arrived at this branch. A few weeks ago when I was moving my printer was not set up and I needed to print and copy some important documents. The process was high-tech and simple. I contemplated breaking my old, tempermental printer and just paying .15 to use theirs... There is a great selection of books and audio books and also all the info a person could need; voter registration, community service schedules, bus routes, my magazine(BIAO magazine)...it is a hub of information. My only complaint is that they charge for late fees---I am a procrastinator and don't do well with due dates...in this day it seems archaic, but they do allow you to pay a few bucks at a time...sad but true that I know this There are quiet spaces to study and small conference rooms for meetings, study groups etc.. Overall the central branch of the Johnson County Library is an informational gem for the entire city read more

Several of the staff are bi-lingual so my daughter has enjoyed practicing her Spanish with them staff. There are plenty of computers to use and places to lounge with a favorite book as well as a great magazine area. The entire Johnson County Library system is fantastic! I've lived in different places and none is better. read more

Excellent library. It's clean, has a kids area with tons of books and activities, a little bookstore which has very good prices. Staff are helpful. Will update review about adult stuff next time. read more

I have seen this library make many changes and all for the better. I thought it was a great library when I first moved to the KC area, a mere couple blocks from here in 1997. Walking in today, it just seems awesome. They have made great changes with the times as needed. Now my closest library is Olathe and 1st because of proximity. However, Central is still 1st on my list to visit the most of all Kansas City's public libraries (JCO,KCK,KCMO). read more

I love the JoCo Library! Between the self-service checkout and the ability to hold and renew materials online, it's one of the easiest things to deal with in an often chaotic world. They can also get pretty much any title you're looking for through an affiliation with other libraries. And best of all, it's all free! read more

its been awhile since I've been here and they have really upgrade the place its super nice, Saturday u can pick up leftover newspapers and magazine too, there is a bookstore where u can buy dvd and books, the front entrance hasn't change at all, the computer area is rally nice, staff really nice read more

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I like this library. Not only is is full of books, but there are plenty of (albeit, a bit out of date) computer stations and many meeting rooms with things like white boards for your use. The staff is awesome and helpful and the facility is well-maintained. I wish they would keep the bathrooms a bit more tidy and well stocked. read more

Terrible wifi, kids running around,but friendly service only problem is the environment

It doesn't seem that much better since the reconstruction/renovation. I liked it fine before. It's quintessential Johnson county through and through. It's a decent library for finding some basic material but probably not the best place for hard work or research. read more

This is my favorite library ever, and I've perused the aisles of numerous college institutions, downtown Kansas City, downtown Los Angeles, and the big Pasadena, Calif., main branch. Their collection is fun, their building is big, attractive, and comfortable. And the Johnson County Library system is big enough that if THIS doesn't have it, they can get it for you. read more

The people who work at this library are fabulous amazing wonderful people. (especially the youth services librarians) Plus the photography section is pretty decent. read more

I cannot say enough good things about the Johnson county library system. It's a great place to bring your children and they offer frequent teaching, crafts, science programs for pre-schoolers and up; teen mystery book clubs and teen guitar hero competitions as well as adult reading clubs. If they don't have a book you're looking for, the helpful staff will look it up and order it for you. They package teachers learning programs in book bags so if an educator is teaching on sharks, the library has a bag with related books, videos and audio tapes to cover the subject. The library is easy to navigate and I find my self going to several branches of the Johnson County library system as my card works at all of them. They hold used book sales monthly and you can buy a book for 25 cents to a dollar (I've bought entire hardback series for a dollar each here...). Their big sale in July offers such a HUGE selection that they have to hold it at an area mall and if you love books, and are a library friends member, you get to book shop a day earlier than the general public. The selection of books, videos, games, audios tapes, cd's, are enormous and if you think you might be late at returning them, you can go online and renew or place an automated phone cal lto renew. If you need to pick up tax forms, this is the place to go; If you need to register to vote, this is the place. Can you tell I spend a lot of time at the JoCo library? There are just too many good things about our library to cover in this review. read more