Sharing the holiday spirit while giving back to your community and clearing up your library record is currently underway in your local libraries and bookmobiles. Our annual Food for Fines program is a way to reconnect with the library by returning your overdue materials and “paying” with non-perishable food items. Return your overdue items, clear your record, and help replenish the inventory at St. Johns County’s food pantry. All food collected remains in our community, assisting local residents during the holidays and beyond.

And speaking of giving back, SJCPLS is once again participating in the St. Johns Cares, Inc. “Giving Trees” program. The trees are up in four of our branch libraries, Anastasia Island, Bartram Trail, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Southeast. Those interested in participating may take a tag from the tree containing a “wish” of a person in need from one of the 40 local non-profit organizations who serve the elderly, veterans, those experiencing homelessness, children, and animals in St. Johns County. Then, they may fulfill the “wish” for that recipient and place the unwrapped items back under the tree for collection and distribution. This annual collection is one way you can help those in our community who need a little extra help.

One of our most popular resources is downloadable media. This includes music, audiobooks, magazines, movies, television, and books that are accessible digitally. Gone are the days of having to pay for entertainment! SJCPLS provides access to thousands of free ebooks through services such as Libby and Hoopla. Check out the eLibrary page on the website or online catalog for more details on these resources.

From all of us here at SJCPLS, we’d like to wish you a most joyous holiday season. We look forward to assisting you with your library needs in the New Year!