Hello and happy summer to all! As the temperatures rise, our dreams of travel expand. Whether you are planning real-world adventures or using the library collection to engage in armchair travel, SJCPLS is here to help.

Start in the Dewey 910s, where we keep a large collection of travel books and DVDs. Don’t squander your costly investment in travel by skipping free checkouts of up-to-date items that will help you choose great destinations and find special sights, activities, and accommodations.

For those trips where packing light is imperative, we also have a fantastic collection of digital travel resources. You can download books from our OverDrive collection through the Libby app to your tablet or mobile device, making them perfect for on-the-go reading. Want to be even more immersed in the culture of your destination? Check out Pronunciator, our free online resource for learning over 80 foreign languages, including Spanish, French, German, and many more. In addition, don’t forget to download a few movies, television shows, or music albums from Hoopla for some travelling entertainment. Access all of these resources in our eLibrary. Our digital resources are available for kids and adults!

If you need to journey vicariously, our Reference Librarians can point you in the direction of many great travel writers. Try Wally Koval’s book, “Accidentally Wes Anderson,” which documents the stories behind more than 200 of the most beautiful and interesting places on Earth. Or, J.J. Brito’s travels to find the “perfect waves” in “The World’s Richest Busboy: A True Story of One Guy’s Unpredictable Life on the Road.” Want to include the whole family? Try Dan Kois’ book, “How to Be a Family: The Year I Dragged My Kids Around the World to Find a New Way to Be Together.” Most of all, maintain your sense of humor, with Dave Barry’s laugh-out-loud travel advice in “Dave Barry’s Only Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need.” Once you are back home, check out “Artful Journals,” by Janet Takahashi, to create your own travel album of memories!

Heat too much for you? Kristin Hannah shares 1970’s life in Alaska in “The Great Alone.” Jess Walters’ novel, “Beautiful Ruins,” reveals a glittering world filled with unforgettable Italian characters. Or, Kevin Kwan’s “Crazy Rich Asians” explores a summer vacation in Singapore. Hunt for treasure around the globe in the adventures of James Rollins, Steve Berry, or Matthew Reilly, or simply chill out at the beach with authors like Elin Hilderbrand, Mary Alice Monroe, or Mary Kay Andrews.

Looking for something to do a little closer to home? Don’t forget SJCPLS is participating in the Florida Reader State Park Pass program. SJCPLS library cardholders are able to check out a park pass that provides free admission for up to eight people in a vehicle for single day-use entry into most of Florida’s state parks. The park passes will be available until September 12, 2022.

However and wherever you’re travelling this summer, make your first stop a visit with your local librarian! We may be behind a desk, but we’re ready to help you hit the road!