By Elissa Andre

After many months of planning, Johnson County Library is beginning construction on its newest branch, the Merriam Plaza Library, co-located on a campus with the Merriam Community Center in the 6000 block of Slater Street.

On Nov. 29, Library staff joined the Johnson County Library Board, members of the Board of County Commissioners, Merriam City Council members, employees and volunteers from both the city and county, and partners Dake Wells Architecture and Titan Built to officially kick off construction with a groundbreaking ceremony.

Two members of the Webb family were also in attendance; Merriam Plaza’s meeting room will be named after Alfonso and Mary Webb, Merriam residents whose 1949 school desegregation lawsuit paved the way for the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision.

The 15,000-square-foot branch, expected to open in 2024, will replace the much-loved but outdated Antioch Library, which has served Johnson County since 1956 at the corner of Antioch Road and Shawnee Mission Parkway. Merriam Plaza Library will have the same staff and collection as Antioch.

The new library will be built with many patron suggestions in mind, including a convenient drive-thru, a comfortable modern early literacy and Kids area, a large meeting room, two study rooms and a variety of seating options across the branch.

Another community request was to maintain some of the area’s green space, which the architects honored in a creative way with an attractive green roof that preserves the roof ’s lifespan while providing a place for pollinators and native vegetation. Spacious windows will allow in lots of natural light, and a covered front porch will provide a welcoming outdoor gathering spot.

Public art has also been commissioned for both indoors and outdoors.

Library officials anticipate Antioch Library will close just prior to the new branch opening, to allow for transferring the collection and staff to the new location. The Library Board of Directors owns the Antioch branch and plans to sell the property after Merriam Plaza Library opens.

We would love to hear your memories of the Antioch Library! If you have stories to share, or questions or comments about the new building, please contact us at 913-826-4600 or on this page.

Elissa Andre is external communication manager at Johnson County Library.