This time of year is one of reflection, wrapping last-minute gifts, spending time with family and friends over the holidays, and making resolutions for the New Year. I want to thank you for your continued support of SJCPLS. Your investment in your local libraries has helped us grow into a quality organization, and it is an honor for me and all of the library staff to serve you.

We all know there’s no shortage of festive movies on TV and holiday music on the radio. If you’d rather get your dose of cheer from a good book, we have plenty of options for you! Through the years, many authors have become well-known for their Christmas fiction and have released new Christmas fiction again this year. Or, how about tapping into your “inner DIY” and sampling some new recipes for your holiday gatherings or making a few seasonal decorations or gifts? Kids, teens, adults, your local library has something for everyone! Try one of these titles from our catalog and online resources and unwrap a good read!

Looking for something to do with friends and family during the holiday season? Check out our Calendar of Events for a variety of holiday programs for all ages. And be sure to mark your 2023 calendar for our St. Johns Reads author event with Chef Edward Lee, author of “Buttermilk Graffiti,” at 2p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the First Coast Technical College Conference Center. Chef Lee is a natural-born storyteller, and his presentation is guaranteed to keep you entertained.

While shopping for gifts and gatherings with loved ones this season, please keep the St. Johns County Public Library System in mind. There may be people on your list who might truly appreciate having a donation to SJCPLS made in their name rather than receiving a tangible gift. This is a perfect option for people who “have everything.” Libraries have a powerful impact not only on the people we work with directly, but also on the larger community as a whole.

We have simplified the donation procedure, allowing supporters to donate online, in person, or by mail. Visit our “Donate” page on our website to make a gift using a credit card, or send a check to your local branch library along with details on where to send the gift acknowledgement. Donations can be made in any amount. All funds raised through holiday gifts will go directly to support the work of SJCPLS.

For those of you who have been donating to the library food and storm collections, our collections have been extremely successful and we thank you for your generosity.

From all of us here at SJCPLS, we’d like to wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to serving you in the New Year!