This post is sponsored by the Johnson County Library
The Johnson County Library system has great libraries and services to meet every person’s needs, but there are three Johnson County Library branches that we return to again and again, because they are so great for families. They all provide some key features that are mom favorites including:
A drive-thru window for picking up holds.
The Johnson County Library has over a dozen branches so if there is a book you want that isn’t at your nearest branch, you can easily place a hold online or in the library app and select a library with a drive-up window (Blue Valley, Central Resource, Lenexa City Center or Monticello). The drive-up window is such a time saver when you don’t have the time or don’t want to go inside the library to grab your holds. Perfect for rainy days, busy days, and cranky kid days.
A large children’s section
Each Johnson County Library branch has comfortable seating for adults, and activities to entertain kids. I love that I can relax and read a book or get some work done while my kids play and look at books nearby. I also love how bright and cheerful this part of the library is.
Stories and family programming
Each of these branches also offers in-person story reading for a variety of ages, including babies (birth to 18 months), toddlers (18 months to 3 years), preschoolers (3 years to 6 years), family (all ages), and bilingual (English-Spanish, all ages). Some branches offer evening and weekend story reading. Make sure to check out the events calendar where you can sort by library branch and age.
Quiet spots for moms
Now that both of my kids are in school, I’ve been spending time at the library reading, getting work done, and just enjoying the peace and quiet. There are so many comfortable seats to choose from, tables with outlets for my laptop, and cozy nooks to curl up in with a good book. There are also study rooms available to reserve if you need more privacy.
Central Resource Branch
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212 | Website
If you or your kids like to create things, check out the MakerSpace. It has all kinds of tech tools and a 3D printer, and this branch offers monthly take-and-make kits for kids.
The children’s area was recently moved and expanded. There is a small play area, a story-time room with toys, tons of books down at a child’s level, and tons of fun and comfortable seating when you want to sit down with a good book.
Take the door outside from the children’s section to the new outdoor play area with green turf, umbrellas for shade, and rocking chairs and tables. This is a great spot to get some wiggles out and enjoy a snack.
After you visit the library
Head to Downtown Overland Park or check out the new inclusive playground at Strang Park after it opens this fall.
Lenexa City Center
8778 Penrose Ln, Lenexa, KS 66219 | Website
The entire top floor of this branch is dedicated to children’s and teen books and
programming. You’ll find lots of comfortable seating including desks with outlets, perfect for getting some work done while your kids play.
There are lots of kid-sized table and chairs, as well as toys and a fun story room shaped like a house (it even has a little child-sized back door they can crawl through.) Take the doors upstairs out to a balcony, with kid-sized chairs and benches, that overlooks the area.
After you visit the library
Grab something to eat or drink at Lenexa Public Market or the Made in KC Marketplace.
Monticello Library
22435 W 66th St, Shawnee, KS 66226 | Website
Before entering the library, make sure you visit its outdoor children’s story walk. It is
part of the 6 by 6 program, and you can read a short story to your kids as they explore the path.
The children’s area features a large story room, and a play area for young kids. Upstairs, you’ll find the teen section as well as a huge outdoor balcony with lots of seating.
I love that the staircase to the second floor has been built with a cozy reading area underneath and large green stairs that kids can climb and sit on.
After you visit the library
Visit Wilder Bluff Park (in the summer, it has a great splash pad). Pizza West is a great spot to stop for lunch or dinner with your family.
