Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is a time for Johnson County families to honor those who have served in the United States military. While the library will be closed on the holiday, it provides a suite of resources that help residents explore military history, trace family heritage, and connect veterans with job and educational opportunities.
1. Search military records with Fold3 Library Edition
The library’s subscription to Fold3 Library Edition gives patrons access to more than 470 million searchable records. Users can view service documents, photographs and personal papers from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War and beyond. This free tool is especially useful for anyone looking to verify a relative’s service or learn more about the nation’s military legacy.
2. Dive into heritage and history
HeritageQuest Online offers extensive U.S. and Canadian census collections, including Indian Census Rolls and military records, making it easier to build a family tree rooted in American heritage. The Associated Press Collections Online adds post‑World War II news articles and images from nine U.S. city bureaus, providing context for mid‑century events that shaped our country.
3. Explore local history with JoCoHistory Collections
JoCoHistory Collections houses over 40,000 historical photographs, newspapers, maps and other primary sources that document Johnson County life from the 19th century to today. The JoCoHistory Obituary Index also offers citations for local newspaper obituaries dating back to the late 1800s, helping families preserve the stories of their ancestors.
4. Preserve family memories at the Genealogy Desk
Located in the Central Resource Library in Overland Park, the Genealogy Desk provides knowledgeable volunteers from the Johnson County Genealogical Society to assist with research. The Memory Lab, a free digitization space, lets patrons convert photos, videos and other personal records into digital formats for safe, long‑term storage.
5. Find support and community for veterans
The library serves as a hub for lifelong learning and connection. Veterans can use the eLibrary 24/7, reserve meeting rooms, or attend library events that foster camaraderie. Job‑seeking tools include Brainfuse JobNow, which offers live coaching and resume templates, and Universal Class, which provides self‑paced online courses. The Mature Workers Roundtable meets the third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for job seekers age 55 and older.
Volunteering with the library or Friends of Johnson County Library is another avenue for veterans to give back and build community ties. Additionally, the library’s Peterson’s Test & Career Prep program helps veterans’ dependents research colleges and locate scholarships specifically for them.
Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary
As the United States marked its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, the library encourages residents to reflect on the nation’s history and the contributions of its service members. A Pocket Constitution is available at every Johnson County Library location, offering a concise guide to the nation’s founding principles.
For more information on any of these resources, visit jocolibrary.org or stop by your nearest Johnson County Library branch.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
