Greetings, Team Library!

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could make our lives just a little simpler? I was struck by one of the training articles in last month’s newsletter, and it made me think. How can we find balance in a world of change and simplify our lives more? Many changes are coming for SJCPLS staff and patrons over the next several months. Finding balance to both is mentally and physically simplifying. Maybe a space in your house, car, or library is so unorganized it drives you crazy. Start there. Or, perhaps you feel overextended with all the social commitments or library committees you had to say yes to. Consider pulling back and only doing what you must or what truly brings you joy. If you can make ONE change that would make your life easier and more stress-free….DO IT!!! Give it a try by:

• Meditating for 5 minutes a day.
• Organizing a space in your house/car/office for 15 minutes daily.
• Cleaning out your closets.
• Going to bed early.
• Writing down what you’re grateful for each day.

Remember to slow down, breathe, and consider what’s really important. Make sure you’re stopping and enjoying the view, the time with kids or friends, the weather outside, or whatever you are grateful for.

I’m delighted to announce that our new Public Services Manager will join us in Library Administration in mid-October. Heather Sostrom has been working as the Branch Manager of the Anastasia Island Branch Library since 2017. She came to SJCPLS through the Alachua County Library System and NEFLIN. Part of Heather’s transition into her new role will include site visits to the branch libraries so each of you will have a chance to meet her and offer insight into ways we can enhance our public service encounters for staff and patrons.

It is the time of year when employees begin the Performance Appraisal process. Again this year, all employees are asked to complete the self-evaluation component of the appraisal form, identifying accomplished goals and areas where they would benefit from additional support or mentoring. Please complete your self-evaluation by Oct. 13 and send it to your supervisor to complete the appraisal form. 

As students get more involved in their classes and assignments, I hope each of you took some time to review our Brainfuse database, especially the HelpNow module, and to familiarize yourself or “refresh” yourself with all that’s included within. Our students would be particularly interested in the live tutor access for homework help, test-taking preparation, essay feedback through the Writing Lab, the MEET whiteboard, which accommodates online group study sessions, and the 24/7 Center for live help with subjects such as math and science. SJCPLS has resources for all of our students, regardless of age or topic of study….all they need is a library card and one of our trained staff to help them navigate their path to knowledge.

St. Johns County has scheduled two public meetings to get more input on the uses of the World Golf Village property that will be vacated at the end of this month by the World Golf Foundation. The meetings will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, in the County Auditorium and televised live on GTV.

Light a candle, pour your favorite beverage, and cozy up with a good book. Have a wonderful, simple month!

Thanks for all you do on behalf of SJCPLS and your local patrons.