By Elissa Andre

We have been making areas of Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, even better over the last year, and now the wait is almost over!

Construction began in February 2021, with the majority of work — including improvements to the building’s exterior and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems — completed by November 2021. Furnishings, collection and equipment are being moved back in over the winter.

The building’s grand reopening celebration is set for Feb. 22!

Until then, the front lobby of the building (what we are calling Little Central) is still open for holds pickup and public computer use. For all other services (including access to the collection), please use another location. Oak Park Library, 9500 Bluejacket St.,
Overland Park, is the closest in proximity to Central Resource and features curbside holds pickup and a drive-up materials return bin.

This project is a continuation of the Central Building upgrade, the first phase of which was completed in 2015. Central is home to many departments that support all locations, including library administration, materials handling and information technology and is considered the hub of the Johnson County Library system. This project is making better use of space throughout  the building, addressing changes and growth the system has experienced in the last 25 years with a focus on future flexibility.

When renovations are complete, visitors will enjoy the following amenities:

• A drive-thru for picking up holds – including an improved exterior return for materials.
• Additional and reconfigured study and conference rooms.
• A relocated and expanded children's area with more access to natural light and a dedicated story time room.
• Behind-the-scenes upgrades that will result in materials being available more quickly throughout the entire library system, such as a reorganization of our staff spaces, a new materials sorter and improvements to our delivery dock.

Some in-person programming will also return to Central upon reopening, including genealogy and career and finance events—visit jocolibrary.org/events for dates and details. Art exhibitions in Central’s new gallery space will resume later in the year.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Central Resource Library on Feb. 22!

Elissa Andre is external communication manager at Johnson County Library.