September 2025 Newsletter

Dear Library Community,

Get Ready for the Fall Celebration This Month!

The Library is thrilled to announce that we are now proud landowners, thanks to the generous support of Marie Boatright! We are currently seeking assistance to purchase our temporary building. Although we have applied for numerous grants, the demand is high at this time, and we have not yet secured a significant grant for the down payment. Construction on the building will take approximately 14 weeks, so it’s crucial to get started soon, allowing us to transition to our new space. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation and sharing our need with others.

Upcoming Exciting Library Events

We have a variety of fun activities lined up, sponsored by the Library! Here’s what’s coming up:

• “Resume Writing” Class - September 9th

• “Homecoming Mum Making Party” - September 10th

• “A Sunday Drive With Vineyard Vibes” Wine Tour - October 5th

• “Trunk or Treat” - October 25th

• “Stand Up for Books and Vets” Comedy Show - November 7th

• “Harvest Street Festival” - November 15th

Be sure to check out the flyers for more details!

September is National Library Card Month!

As a nonprofit library, sustainability is key to our success. Following the example of other libraries, we will begin requesting a donation for library cards starting this September. If you already have a library card, there’s nothing you need to do right away; we’ll inform you when it’s time for renewal. The new fees will help cover the library's operational costs.

The new pricing will be as follows:

• $10 per card

• $25 for families (two adults and all children 18 and younger (each household member will receive a card)

• Military personnel will receive a 50% discount.

We will continue to offer our regular programs, including:

• Three Storytimes

• Homeschool STEM activities

• Teens Teaching Tech on Saturdays

• Crochet and Sewing groups

• Neurodivergent Friends

• Teen, Veteran's, Grief, Hope for Healing/Serenity Seekers, Wellness Through Music, and Calming Crafts groups

• Senior Social Games

Additionally, we’ll host special events for the community.

We would like to remind donors that Zeffy is a free platform for donations. It is run by the highly secure Stripe system. Zeffy (like gofundme.com) will ask if you would like to donate to their cause, click no or donate "$0". Thank you for your support to the library. Every dollar counts towards our building fund!

We would like to THANK Alliance Collision Center for their generous donation to Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center! We appreciate your continued support of Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center.

https://www.alliancecctx.com/

Ruby enjoyed her time being read to during Reading With Ruby. Ruby and her owner Barb Horak volunteer with Central Texas Go Team Therapy Dogs. Thank you Barb and Ruby!

Sept. 1: All Day Mexicano Monday

Sept. 4: 6:00 pm Serenity Seekers Self Care Day

Sept. 9: 1:00 pm Resume' Writing Class

Sept. 10: 5:00 pm Mum Making Party

Oct. 5: 1:00 pm Sunday Ride with a Vineyard Vibe Wine Tour

Oct. 25: 4:00 pmTrunk or Treat

Nov. 7: 7:30 pm Stand Up for Books and Vets

Nov. 15: 11:00 am -5:00 pm Harvest Street Festival

Senior Games Group: Tuesdays 1:00 pm

Seniors That Sew: Wednesdays 10:00 am

Crochet for Charity: Wednesdays 5:30 pm

Dungeons and Dragons: Fridays 5:00 pm

Magic the Gathering: 2nd ,3rd, and 4th Monday at 5:00 pm

Wellness Through Music Exploration: 1st Monday of the Month 5:00 pm

Veterans Support Group: 3rd Monday of the Month 6:00 pm

Teen Support Club: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:00 pm

Grief Support for Adults: 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursdays of the Month 6:30 pm

Serenity Seekers and Healing Through Hope: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month 6:00 pm

Neurodivergent Friends: 2nd and 4th Thursday 6:00 pm

ASL - American Sign Language Community Coffee Social: 3rd Friday of the Month 6:00 pm

Green Thumb Gardeners: 2nd Saturday of the Month 10:30 am

Visit the website for updated calendar events: https://jarrellcommunitylibrary.org/

This fall, the library is excited to host a fun and educational homeschool meet-up designed for students of all ages. Families are invited to join us as we dive into hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These engaging sessions encourage kids to explore, create, and collaborate while giving homeschooling families a chance to connect in a welcoming community environment.

📅 When: 2nd Wednesday of each month
🕒 Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
🎓 Grades: PreK–12th

Our meet-up will be organized by grade levels to ensure age-appropriate activities and learning opportunities:

• PreK–2nd Grade: Led by Anne Hamman

• 3rd–5th Grade: Led by Kathleen DeReese

• 6th–12th Grade: Leader needed

We are currently looking for a dedicated leader to guide activities for the 6th–12th grade group. If you’re interested in volunteering for this role, please reach out by email at ailinapeerprofessional.jarrell@gmail.com.

This program is a wonderful way for children to discover new skills, spark curiosity, and form friendships, while parents and guardians gain valuable support and community connections.

The State Free Ebook services have migrated to Boundless by Baker Taylor. You can get the app through Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Look for the Boundless App. Ebooks are FREE to check out online. To sign in use your library card number as your login and your phone number as the password. It's easy! For more information: https://www.boundless-app.com/

Just a friendly reminder to RSVP for the Self Care with Serenity Seekers event before September 4th. We’d love for you to join us! Let us know if you can make it. Looking forward to seeing you there! Warmly, Suheiley Montanez

Autumn is a natural time to pause and reflect, much like farmers gathering their crops. This season invites us to notice the “harvest” in our own lives—the growth, lessons, and joyful moments we’ve collected throughout the year. Too often, we focus on what’s unfinished or what didn’t go as planned, but fall reminds us there is always something worth gathering. Celebrate small wins, from restful mornings to meaningful conversations, and practice gratitude for the simple pleasures of the season—a warm drink, colorful leaves, or the company of a friend. And remember, joy multiplies when shared, whether through kindness, connection, or giving back. Your harvest doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.

Join Crystal Collins for an exciting and engaging Teen Time session! The Teen Support Group warmly invites all teenagers to come together, connect, and share their experiences in a supportive and friendly environment. We can't wait to see you there!

We are excited to announce the start of our ASD Support Group, beginning this September. The group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00–7:00 PM and is designed for children ages 0–12 and their parents.

This program offers a safe and supportive space where families can come together to share experiences, gain resources, and build connections. While children engage in fun, age-appropriate activities, parents will have the opportunity to participate in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and find encouragement from others who understand their journey.

The group’s goal is to provide both children and caregivers with a sense of community and support, while also offering practical tools and positive social interaction. Whether you are looking for guidance, friendship, or just a place to belong, this group is here for you.

This is near and dear to my heart as it has a personal and professional impact in my life. So the hope is to have open conversations, embrace the vulnerability and not allow stigma behind someone wanting and needing the help. Be aware of cultural differences as some are more open than others, it's TABOO.

Give "SPACE". It's ok to not have the right words to comfort or support someone struggling. It's also not our place to just offer up what we think someone should do. Just be there. Ask them, "How can I support you?" Don't compare someone else's situation to theirs. I would think that my feelings aren't validated and should get over it just because someone else did.

September includes: National Suicide Prevention, National Recovery and National Self-Care Awareness Month.

Focusing on raising awareness and supporting those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. This is also a chance to promote prevention and check in on others to include ourselves.

September's mental health and wellness prompts often focus on self-care, the transition to a new season, and national observances like National Suicide Prevention Month. These prompts can help you reflect on your emotional landscape, build resilience, and establish new, positive habits.

September self-care and seasonal transition

The start of autumn offers a chance to reset and create new habits. These prompts help to reflect on the change of seasons and prioritize self-care.

• What is one goal to achieve this month? What's one small step to take today?
• How to embrace the change of seasons, both literally and figuratively?
• Reflect on a cherished memory from last autumn. What emotions does it bring up?
• What is one thing ready to let go of from this past summer?
• How does the feeling of "back-to-school" affect the mental state, even if not a student?
• Write about an ideal fall morning. What does it look, sound, and feel like?

Growth and reflection

These prompts encourage you to take stock of personal growth and define what mental wellness means.

• When do you feel most like yourself, and what environments help you thrive?
• What does the term "mental well-being" mean? Has that definition changed over time?
• If strength had a color, sound, or image, what would it be?
• What is a part of your story that you are still learning to accept or embrace?
• How do you recognize when holding stress in your body, and what helps you release it?

Connection and community

National Suicide Prevention Month (observed throughout September) highlights the importance of social connection and supporting those who are struggling.

• How to better show appreciation for the people in life this month?
• Who in life helps feel seen and heard? How can you reciprocate that feeling?
• What are three things valued most in a friend or partner?
• Reflect on a time you supported someone else. What did that teach you about connection?
• How to contribute to the community this month?

Practical wellness check-in

Use these prompts for a straightforward mental and emotional check-in.

• How do you feel right now, and what is contributing to those feelings?
• What are five things that make you feel most fulfilled in life?
• List 10 favorite stress-busting activities.
• If your feelings could talk, what would they say?
• What is one kind thing that can be said to yourself today?

Lets make well-being a Priority! Normalize the conversation! Battle Buddy Check In!

In Community, Gina

The Friends of the Jarrell Library Group is the fundraising branch of the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center's library system. This group's mission is to engage with the community to gather sponsorships, generate fundraising ideas, and spearhead initiatives to secure the funds necessary for the library's continued operation. If you would like to request a volunteer form, please contact jarrellfriends@gmail.com.

We're calling on passionate and dedicated individuals like YOU to help us create unforgettable events and raise essential funds. Whether you can lend a hand with event logistics, help spread the word through marketing, or bring fresh and exciting ideas for new events, we need your talents!

Every bit of help counts, and your support will directly impact our success. If you're ready to make a real difference, we’d love for you to be part of our amazing team.

Sign up today and help us create something special! 💫