New beginnings, fresh starts, reaffirmations of love, and promises for a brighter future all come to mind as we ring in a New Year. There are the superficial, yet purposeful promises we make to ourselves. We resolve to get in shape, lose weight, improve career paths, and so on. Then there are the heartfelt promises we make to others, whether aloud or in our minds. The beginning of each new year provides us with a few moments to reflect on our previous 12 months and gives us meaningful time to plan out an even more extraordinary year to come.

Thanks to supporters like you, 2022 was a successful year for SJCPLS! We were able to meet and exceed many of our operational goals, and even expand a few of our services through the generosity of our library Friends, Patrons, and dedicated library staff. We sincerely thank you so much!

What’s next for you? Your library’s programs and resources can help you fulfill your resolutions. Take time to learn a new language with our free online database, Pronunciator; learn a new skill set or craft with Universal Class; share your love of books and reading at one of our library book discussion sessions; or make new friends and support your local library with a Friends of the Library membership. With six libraries and 2 bookmobiles, there’s something for everyone at SJCPLS.

The Library System will host its annual St. Johns Reads, One Book, One Community event this month. This year’s programming will be based upon “Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef’s Journey to Discover America’s New Welting-Pot Cuisine,” by Chef Edward Lee. Community book discussions and special programming will be held throughout the month of January in each of our libraries. We will also be hosting the author at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, at the First Coast Technical College’s Character Counts Conference Center. Visit our St. Johns Reads webpage for more details. Mark your calendars now!

As 2023 begins, we are filled with hope and promise. Let your library help you fulfill these goals. Happy New Year!