Washington - The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) named Johnson County Library in Overland Park, Kansas as the 2010 Federal Depository Library of the Year. GPO selected Johnson County Library for its excellent customer service and ongoing commitment to open government. The library has implemented many initiatives in order to better provide the public with access to federal government information. Through the annual GovFest event, Johnson County Library connects government agency representatives and business owners to create and expand economic opportunities. The library is also an active participant in GovDocs Kids Group, a national group of government document librarians that provide government information and resources to K-12 students, teachers and librarians. During the 2009 tax season, the Johnson County Library's government information web pages and Tax Tips blog assisted over 5,000 people with federal tax-related issues. Public Printer Bob Tapella presented the award to library officials at the annual Fall Federal Depository Library Conference and Depository Library Council Meeting in Washington, D.C.

"I congratulate Johnson County Library for their efforts in making government information open and transparent to the public," said Public Printer Bob Tapella. "Federal depository libraries are an important component of the open government process, linking the American people with government information."

"The Johnson County Library is honored to be awarded Library of the Year by the GPO," said County Librarian Donna Lauffer, who participated in the ceremony.  "We find that government documents are a valuable tool for the public in that they are free and reliable information.   The public views all forms of government as one and the same.  Our library works to raise the public's awareness by being relevant to their everyday information needs.   Raising awareness of the importance of an open government moves everyone forward in these difficult economic times."