Public library announces new databases supporting veterans and continuing education

The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) is excited to join libraries of all types to celebrate National Library Week now through April 9 by providing critical resources, programs, and expertise to build strong communities.

National Library Week is a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This year’s theme is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, classes, and books. Most importantly, libraries also connect communities.

SJCPLS is proud to announce that we are also launching two new databases, Brainfuse VetNow and Universal Class, that will continue to support its mission of bringing a variety of resources that promote lifelong learning and connection to the digital world.

Brainfuse VetNow provides St. Johns County veterans and their families with crucial access to live online trained assistants to help navigate VA bureaucracy and connect them to benefits and community resources. In addition, VetNow’s job tools and educational resources are designed to assist veterans with career coaching, resume building, live interview preparation, live tutoring in a wide range of college-level subjects, and more. VetNow is available to all SJCPLS library cardholders and may be accessed from any computer or mobile device.

SJCPLS is also launching Universal Class through the Libby app. Universal Class brings more than 600 lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas, many of which offer continuing education units (CEUs). Courses include computer literacy, career training, cooking and baking, self-help, and many more! All courses are self-paced and accessible at any time. Patrons will be able to access this database by tapping “Extras” on the library’s homepage in the Libby app.

SJCPLS strives to go above and beyond to keep St. Johns County connected by expanding resources and embracing inclusion in its programming, resources, and collections. “The St. Johns County libraries inform, enrich, and strengthen our community,” said Debra Rhodes Gibson, Library Director for SJCPLS. “These new electronic resources will take our work to the next level with expanded learning and cultural opportunities for everyone in St. Johns County. We’re thrilled with the possibilities of these new services.”

With six full-service branch libraries throughout the county, two traveling bookmobiles, and a user-friendly website, connecting with your library is easier than ever! To learn more about the library system, visit www.sjcpls.org.