January Newsletter 2026

Dear Library Community,

Happy New Year!

We hope you've had a wonderful holiday season! Our celebrations included a card-making class, community gift wrapping, and a delightful Santa Sing-Along. A big thank you to Santa and Mrs. Claus for visiting the library and bringing joy to our Very Merry Jarrell! You truly made Christmas special for so many!

As we look ahead to the new year, we're excited to partner with Sonterra Parks and Recreation to offer some engaging activities. We invite our community to participate in our survey, helping us identify the activities that will interest the residents of Jarrell.

The library is thrilled to announce a new coding class for students in grades 5-8, led by our new instructor, Joe Moorman, an industry professional. Additionally, Maria Ramirez will begin offering English and Spanish classes on Sundays starting January 11th. Please register for the activities listed below.

Susan Gregurek

Due to the unexpected closure of Baker & Taylor, access to Boundless ended on December 15, 2025. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is exploring all options to move the E-Read Texas program to another vendor, but a new app likely won’t be available until March 2026 at the earliest.

Unfortunately, this means there will be about two months with no e-book/audiobook access. If you have any questions, please contact your local library staff, and thank you for your patience as we work through this unexpected challenge.

Jan. 5: All Day MEXICANO MONDAY

Jan. 6: Storytime Begins

Jan.11: Language Classes Begin

Jan. 25: Super Smash Bros Tournament 5:00-7:30pm

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, 4th &5th 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

Crafting with Deb: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 4:30pm

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

Grief Support for Adults: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the Month 6:00 pm

Serenity Seekers : 3rd Saturday of the Month 2:00 - 4:00 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/

Join us for our Homeschool Group Meetup on January 14th from 3–4pm! This monthly meetup features hands-on STEM activities for students Pre-K through 12th grade, led by our fantastic teachers: Ms. Anne (Pre-K–2nd), Ms. Kathleen (3rd–5th), and Ms. Ophelia (6th–12th). It’s a great way for students to learn, explore, and connect with other homeschooling families.

Storytime isn’t just about books—it’s about connection. For kids, it builds early literacy skills, imagination, and emotional understanding. For adults, it offers a chance to slow down, be present, and share meaningful moments together. Reading aloud creates routine, comfort, and connection at any age, making storytime a simple but powerful way to support learning, bonding, and well-being for the whole family.

All Storytimes run from 10:30–11:30 AM:

• PreK Storytime – Tuesdays for ages 3–5

  • Jan 13: Dinner

  • Jan 20: Me Too!

  • Jan 27- Play Time

• Books and Babies – Thursdays for ages 0–3

  • Jan 15: Penguin

  • Jan 22: Quail

  • Jan 29: Rabbit

• Bilingual Storytime – Fridays for all ages

  • Jan 16: Sombreros

  • Jan 23: Figuras para el alumerzo

  • Jan 30: Llego el invierno

Please arrive on time to enjoy the full experience. We look forward to seeing families join us for fun, learning, and community connection!

January comes with a lot of pressure to start fresh, make big plans, and feel motivated right away. But for a lot of people, this month actually feels quiet, heavy, or just plain exhausting—and that’s totally normal.

After the holidays, routines change, energy drops, and feelings from the past year tend to show up. Add shorter days and potentially colder weather, and it’s no surprise if you’re feeling tired, stuck, or unsure. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it just means you’re human.

You don’t have to reinvent yourself in January. Growth doesn’t run on a calendar, and progress can be as simple as resting, taking things one day at a time, or getting through a tough day.

Starting slow is okay. One small goal, a little extra sleep, or asking for help is enough. Having it “together” doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being kind to yourself.

January isn’t a test. You’re allowed to start the year exactly where you are.

Families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are invited to join our ASD Support Group, meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00–7:00 PM. Designed for children ages 0–12 and their parents, this program offers a safe, supportive space to connect, share, and learn together.

While children enjoy fun, age-appropriate activities, parents can engage in open discussions, exchange ideas, and gain valuable resources. The group’s goal is to build community, provide encouragement, and offer practical tools for families navigating the ASD journey.

December is recognized as Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

How to focus on wellness in December

• Address seasonal depression: Recognize the signs of SAD and prioritize self-care, such as getting as much natural light as possible and maintaining a routine.
• Practice holiday stress management: Focus on self-care, exercise, and sleep, and use resources like workshops or online articles for strategies to manage holiday stress.
• Prioritize safety: Take steps to prevent impaired driving and ensure any gifts are safe and age-appropriate.
• Stay informed: Follow health observances on social media or through professional organizations to access tips and resources throughout the month.

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! 💫