Foundation Stories

The Monticello Library at 22435 W. 66th Street in Shawnee, is the first new library location in Johnson County since 1994. The new building opened for business August 5 – and we invite you to check it out!

Design for Monticello Library benefited from extensive public input and deep analysis of evolving needs for Library services in the 21st century.  The two-story, 30,000+ square foot building features floor-to-ceiling glass along three sides designed to let in lots of natural light and to be stylishly visible to those driving by on Shawnee Mission Parkway.

The Library and County identified a site in 2010, and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System made a generous donation of adjoining land to provide adequate parking.

The building’s interior incorporates flexible spaces and design strategies so it can adapt to future uses and public needs without requiring physical expansion. There are a number of study rooms and meeting spaces, Mac and PC computer stations, and lots of cozy seating throughout to enjoy the collection. View a PDF of the Monticello Library floor plan tour 

The Foundation is proud to support Monticello Library and extends a heartfelt thank-you to all of our supporters who have contributed financial, in-kind, and volunteer assistance to help open the doors on this newest addition to the JCL system.

A special shout out to the Timken Foundation, which funded the Burgeon unit in the Kids’ 6×6 activity center. This interactive display engages preschoolers and their caregivers in exploring 6 early literacy skills by the age of 6.

Be sure to check out all the great features and offerings at Monticello Library. And, as always, help us to continue to support the great programming and collections at all of the JCL locations.

Global engineering and construction company Black & Veatch is continuing a successful partnership with Johnson County Library as part of the company’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach with a renewed 3-year, $90,000 commitment to the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Central Resource Library. The JCL Foundation held a reception July 25 which celebrated this re-commitment.

Johnson County Library named the facility the “Black & Veatch MakerSpace” after an extensive 2016 renovation and enlargement of the space. The partnership is the first of its kind in the Library’s history, with the Library’s Foundation joining Black & Veatch’s Building a World of Difference Foundation to expand the MakerSpace’s size and scope.

The renewed gift permits the MakerSpace to pursue some interesting new projects.

• The Makers of JCL will debut brand-new virtual reality hardware. Library patrons will be able to develop their own VR projects and explore the cutting-edge intersection of 3D modeling, virtual reality and digital fabrication.

• Youth Services librarians will work with teachers to book field trips to the Black & Veatch MakerSpace. Library Makers are also working with teachers and administrators about how they can integrate these technologies in their schools.

• Makers will expand development and circulation of the popular Maker Kits, which will contain equipment that can be checked out.

“The MakerSpace has become a valuable resource that makes science, technology, engineering and math accessible and fun for problem-solvers of all ages,” said Steve Edwards, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Black & Veatch. “Having our name attached to the MakerSpace helps the library expand its offerings and keeps STEM-focused activities within reach of the young people in our community.”

“Black & Veatch’s commitment has definitely made a difference in the worlds of our patrons,” said County Librarian Sean Casserley. “The MakerSpace is Johnson County’s home for builders and innovators of all kinds, and we’re pleased to continue this important work with Black & Veatch’s generosity.”

To learn more about Black & Veatch’s growing STEM outreach with the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Central Resource Library, watch the video here.