Welcome to fall and a new format for the SJCPLS electronic newsletter! We recently migrated to this new “look” and hope you enjoy the colorful themes and interconnectivity with the library’s website within each monthly edition. Share the information with your friends and family, and encourage them to subscribe, too!

And, speaking of friends… October 17-23, 2021, is the 16th annual National Friends of Libraries Week and the perfect opportunity to give our 7 Friends of the Library groups a big shout-out for all they do to make a difference in the SJCPLS libraries every single day!

The work of the Friends of the Library highlights the fact that our libraries are the cornerstones of the community, providing opportunities for everyone to engage in the joy of learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present.

Our Friends are the foundation of community support for the St. Johns County Public Library System. They understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our libraries get the resources needed to provide a wide variety of service to all ages, including access to print and electronic materials, and expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services.

The Friends provide outstanding fundraising assistance to enhance our libraries and bookmobiles. In 2020, the Friends donated over $266,076 to enhance the library’s budget. These funds are used for many items that the county does not provide. For example, did you realize the Friends fund all program costs, from purchasing the movies for our film series, to author visits, musical events, youth and children’s demonstrations, and craft supplies? In addition, the Friends make a difference in our library collections, funding the purchase of books, CDs, DVDs, and databases for our libraries.

We could not do what we do without the continued support of our Friends. The gift of their time and commitment to our libraries sets an example for how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community.

The Friends are always looking for new members and volunteers. Visit the Friends of the Library page on the SJCPLS website and make a few new friends of your own.

Sincerely,