February is a great time to express your love, and not just because Valentine’s Day is around the corner. It’s Library Lovers’ Month! This month (and every month) is a great time to show you care about the St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS).
Whether you are already an avid library supporter or looking for a way to get involved with your favorite branch, here are some ways you can share your appreciation for libraries.
1. Get a Library Card
While this may seem like an obvious way to support libraries, it is easily the most important one. A library card gives you free access to everything SJCPLS has to offer, including books, movies, digital resources, programs, and more. Getting a library card is simple, free, and open to all ages. It is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to use library services.
2. Tell us Your Library Story
There are stories everywhere you turn in a library, but the one that matters most is yours. We want to hear how SJCPLS has impacted you, your family, friends, or community. By sharing your library story, you help show others how libraries strengthen our county and shape our future.
3. Discover more than just books
Did you know that we have more than just books? Over the years, we have expanded our collection to meet our community’s needs. From physical DVDs to digital resources and even our recently expanded Library of Things. All for free! Start exploring our collection today by searching our catalog online.
4. Visit one of our branches (or Bookmobile)
SJCPLS has six branches throughout the county. Each offers a welcoming space to browse our collection, attend programs, or enjoy library services. In addition to our branch locations, the Bookmobile helps bring the library to the community by visiting neighborhoods, events, and other areas. With three regional library parks projects underway, there will be even more opportunities to connect with the library in the future.
5. Participate in a library program with a friend
With a wide variety of programs available for all ages, the library offers something for everyone. Attending a program with a friend is a great way to share the experience and try something new together. From educational workshops to fun activities and special events, participating in library programs is an easy and enjoyable way to spend time at the library. Be sure to explore our events calendar to see what upcoming programs your local branch has to offer.
6. Shop our bookstore or book sales
Several library branches feature bookstores run by the Friends of the Library, offering gently used books and other materials at affordable prices. Shopping at these bookstores is a great way to add to your personal bookshelf while also supporting library programs and services. Additionally, the Friends of the Library hosts book sales throughout the year. All proceeds from bookstore sales go directly back to the library.
Bookstores located inside the library include:
- Seymour’s Bookstore in the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library
- Southeast Branch Library Bookstore
- Main Branch Library Bookstore
7. Become a Friend
SJCPLS has a Friends of the Library organization for each branch and even one for the bookmobiles. Friends groups are volunteer, nonprofit support organizations that help their libraries grow and thrive. Join the Friends and help your public library.
8. Volunteer with us
We are always looking for good volunteers! Their service is absolutely vital to the SJCPLS’ day-to-day operations. Volunteers help with shelving, children’s programming, book processing, special events, and many other projects within the library.
Plus, volunteering is a great way to meet new people, give back to your community, and gain valuable experience that can be useful in future endeavors.
9. Make Your Voice Heard
Share your love of the library with friends, family, and local officials. Your voice can make a difference in the growth and development of our Library System and its services.
Here are some ideas to help advocate:
- Share information on social media about the library
- Get involved with the Library Advisory Board
- Stay informed on what is happening in St. Johns County
10. Donate to your favorite branch
When you donate to your local branch, you help us offer programs and services beyond those funded by community tax dollars. Your donation could help further develop our collection, resources, technology, programming, and so much more. All donations benefit the Library System and are tax deductible!
Celebrate Library Lovers’ Month with a Delicious Treat
Discover a sweet new collaboration between the St. Johns County Public Library System and Mayday Ice Cream, launching a limited-edition flavor “Where the Wild Flavors Are,” a wild blueberry and dark chocolate ice cream with a hint of sea salt, created by library staff and chosen by public vote. Available Friday, February 13, through mid-March (or while supplies last) at all St. Johns County Mayday locations. Stop by, enjoy a sweet treat, and you might even meet some Friends of the Library!
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