By Elissa Andre

Did you know that Johnson County residents benefit from not just one but two high-quality library systems? Residents only need one library card to access materials and most available features at both Johnson County Library and Olathe Public Library, thanks to an interlocal agreement that has been in place since 1989.

A new, enhanced agreement was approved this year, setting the stage for an even stronger relationship and many more positive collaborations in the future.

Olathe Public Library was formally founded in 1909. Johnson County Library began in the 1950s. Both systems take great pride in their own operations but also realize the advantages of working together.

“[The partnership] provides us a lot of efficiencies and just good customer service across the entire county,” said Olathe Library System Officer Sara Eccles.

“All of us are working to provide a good library experience for the residents of Johnson County, whether it’s the Olathe Library or Johnson County Library.”

The two library systems already have a seamless structure, with a shared collection and web catalog in which patrons can check out materials from both systems using either a Johnson County or Olathe Public Library card and return materials at any of each other’s locations.

The libraries also share electronic resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. Olathe Public Library pays its share based on population, which benefits Johnson County Library financially and saves Olathe the larger costs it would incur if it had to duplicate those services independently.

Each system also offers unique resources for patrons, such as Johnson County Library’s genealogy resources, including the recent addition of the Memory Lab for digital preservation, and Olathe Public Library’s Discovery Passes, which allow Olathe cardholders to check out free tickets to the Museum at Prairiefire.

The updated agreement provides the framework for more regular collaboration in ways that could directly benefit the public, such as shared in-person programming and cross-promotional cooperation.

With 14 Johnson County Library and two Olathe Public Library locations, it’s easy to find a branch near you.

To learn about resources offered and locations, contact Johnson County Library via jocolibrary.org or 913-826-4600, or contact Olathe through olathelibrary.org or by calling 913-971-6850 (downtown location) or 913-971-6835 (Indian Creek location).

Elissa Andre is external communication manager at Johnson County Library.