If you have a Johnson County Library card, you already know you can check out a book. But your card can do much more than that.
It can help you print a resume, research your family history, learn a language, use a 3D printer, find a job or even book one-on-one time with a librarian. Best of all, these resources are available at no cost to cardholders.
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, making it a good time to get a card today or take another look at what yours can do for you.
Six essentials
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Check out more than books: You can check out up to 150 physical items, including books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and more, and place up to 30 holds. Johnson County Library is also fine-free, so you won’t pay overdue fines for materials returned late.
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Use the eLibrary anytime: Your card gives you 24/7 access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, digital magazines and newspapers, research databases and language-learning resources such as Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone.
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Get online and get things done: Use your card to access public computers, meeting and study rooms.
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Put materials on hold: Find what you want in the catalog and place a hold for pickup. Some locations offer drive-thru or curbside pickup.
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Make something: The Black & Veatch MakerSpace
offers access to equipment and software for projects ranging from 3D printing and laser cutting to sewing. -
Research family history: The genealogy area at Central Resource Library offers computers, online databases, books, microfilm and other helpful tools. You can also use the Memory Lab to digitize old photos, home movies and special keepsakes so they’re preserved for future generations.
Newer perks you might not know about
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Free daily print allowance: Every cardholder gets up to $1.50 in free printing each day. That’s enough for a resume, a few homework pages, a boarding pass or other everyday documents.
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ScanEZ stations: New ScanEZ stations at every location make it easy to scan documents to a USB drive or email, make copies and digitize family photos. The touchscreen includes accessibility features and is available in multiple languages, including document translation.
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Book a Librarian: Need more than a quick answer? Adults can schedule up to 60 minutes per month of one-on-one help with a librarian for research, technology, databases, eBooks, computer basics and more.
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HomeConnect: If you can’t regularly visit a Library location because of a temporary or long-term barrier, HomeConnect can bring Library materials to your door. Eligible cardholders place holds and receive their materials in delivery bags.
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Career and business resources: Your card provides access to research tools that can otherwise require a subscription, including Consumer Reports, auto repair information and business and career databases. The Library has also added new databases covering areas such as health, business, science, literature and test preparation.
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Community Connections: At Central Resource Library, Community Connections brings partner organizations into the Library to help residents find services such as food assistance, employment support, benefit enrollment and recovery resources.
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Translation help: Pocketalk devices at Library locations provide two-way translation in more than 90 languages, making it easier for patrons and staff to communicate. The Library website is also available in several languages. Classes and eResources like Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone also help you learn and practice your language skills.
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Health resources: Blood pressure monitors are available at 10 Library locations through a partnership with the American Heart Association and HCA Midwest Health. The free machines provide a convenient way to check your numbers privately.
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Technology upgrades: Many meeting and study rooms now have upgraded audiovisual equipment, while updated digital displays make it easier to find information about Library events, resources and announcements. Secure charging lockers and improved building bandwidth are also available.
What kind of card do you need?
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Regular Library cards provide all-access borrowing and Library services.
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eCards give Johnson County residents immediate online access to digital resources.
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Educator cards are for teachers, childcare providers and homeschool educators, designed to support classroom and curriculum needs.
Experience what your card can do
Don’t have a card? Signing up during National Library Card Sign-Up Month is a great time to start enjoying all the benefits of a Library card. Already have one? Get a book, explore job help, use technology or try something new. Visit any Library location and ask a staff member what your card can do for you, or explore resources at jocolibrary.org/discover.
