March Newsletter 2026

Dear Library Community,

Can you believe it’s already March? The library has been bustling with preparations for our Spring Break activities, the Flower and Art Festival on April 11th at Axis Winery, and our upcoming move in June.

In February, VoyageAustin Magazine reached out to me for an article about our services for the community. They have written a beautiful article truly embracing the essence of what we do here at Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center. https://voyageaustin.com/interview/life-work-with-susan-gregurek-of-jarrell. We are proud to say this is the seventh national article written about our little nonprofit library and resource center.

We are thrilled to introduce our three new Administrative Assistants: Taylor Cox, Michele Todd, and P.J. Jumonville. They have quickly adapted and are already contributing alongside the rest of our team.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the community for your unwavering support. We are especially grateful to the City of Jarrell, Jarrell EDC, Georgetown Health Foundation, Rural Investment Impact Foundation, Walmart, Central Texas Community Foundation, and the American Library Association for their generous support and grants funding salaries, programming, and workforce training.

Update: Preparing for our Future

We warmly invite you to take part in a transformative project within the Jarrell community. The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center (JCLRC) is more than just a library; it serves as a vital hub for education, support, and community connection. We are actively working towards establishing a new, permanent facility; however, we have yet to secure funding for a portable building to use in the interim. The construction of this building must begin by March 15th to be completed in time for our move in June. Without raising the $94,000 needed for the portable, the library may have to resort to storage.

It is essential that we secure capital to construct our temporary building in preparation for the permanent facility in Jarrell. The project has already received remarkable support, including generous contributions from individuals and community partners, such as:

• Two acres of land:** Marie Boatwright
• Engineering, permitting, and utility construction:** Parker Communications (Nate Chessher)
• Waiver of all zoning/permitting fees:** City of Jarrell
• Water/utilities donation:** Anonymous Donor
• Civil Engineer:** Monty Clark
• Architectural and design services:** Gary Wang, Architect
• Commercial appraisals:** Appraiser Pat Mitchell
• Survey:** Quick, Inc.

The JCLRC is a cornerstone for Jarrell and surrounding communities, serving over 3,000 families with memberships—nearly 500 new families joined last year. We offer essential services and activities for all ages, including:

• Educational resources: Comprehensive training in technology, languages, and resume writing
• Essential access: Free computer use and dedicated assistance
• Community support: Two trained Peer Support Specialists available to assist residents in need of housing, employment, mental health resources, and other challenges

We act as a vital lifeline, helping individuals acquire new skills, find jobs, and access crucial support systems.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Crafting Craziness
• K-Pop Party
• STEM Adventures Party
• 1st Annual Flower, Art, and Wine Festival

The Business Directory is now live on our website. If you own a small or large business and wish to attract more customers, you can advertise for one year at a rate of $25 for Jarrell residents and $50 outside of Jarrell. Please refer to the flyer below for more information.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Warm Regards,

Susan

March 2: MEXICANO MONDAY All Day

March 8: Daylight Saving Time All Day

March 14: Green Thumbs Up Seminar 10:30 am-12:00 noon

March 16: Veteran/First Responder Support Group 6:00-7:00 pm

March 17: Crafting Craziness - Coolwater Clubhouse 2:00-4:00 pm

March 18: K-Pop Party- Coolwater Clubhouse 1:00-4:00 pm

March 19: STEM Mania- Coolwater Clubhouse 2:00-4:00 pm

March 20: ASL Coffee Social Night for All 6:00-9:00 pm

March 25: Investigating AI Tech Training 1:00-3:00 pm

March 26: ASD Neurodivergent Friends Group 6:00-7:00 pm

April 11: Frost Bank Class- Banking Options 10:30 am

April 11: Flower, Art, Wine Festival at Axis Winery 11:00 am 6:00 pm

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

Smash Bro.s Tournament: 3rd Sunday of the Month 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

Grief Support for Adults: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the Month 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/

Exciting Classes Scheduled by Marquita Fagan, Our DigitalLift Navigator

Marquita Fagan, our DigitalLift Navigator, has organized a series of engaging classes for the community. Be sure to mark your calendars and sign up to participate!

Class Highlights

• Introduction to A.I. Apps:

  • Discover practical uses for A.I.

  • Understand how to differentiate between "real" and "not real" information

• Introduction to Nutrition Apps:

We welcome your suggestions for other topics of interest for future classes. We are grateful for Marquita's expertise and her willingness to share her knowledge with us!

The next language classes will begin April 12th. Classes are $30 for first time students and free for returning students. Last day to register is April 6th.

Please join the Frost Bank representatives as they present a Lunch and Learn on lending and credit on April 11th.

Come be part of our Homeschool Group Meetup on March 11th from 3:00–4:00 PM!

This monthly gathering offers engaging, hands-on STEM activities designed for students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Sessions are led by our wonderful educators: Ms. Anne (Pre-K–2nd grade), Ms. Kathleen (3rd–5th grade), and Ms. Ophelia (6th–12th grade).

It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to explore new concepts, build skills, and connect with fellow homeschooling families in a fun and supportive environment. We can’t wait to see you there!

Storytime is more than just reading a book, it’s about creating moments that matter. For children, it strengthens early literacy, sparks imagination, and nurtures emotional growth. For grown-ups, it’s a chance to slow down, connect, and share meaningful time together. Reading aloud builds routine, comfort, and closeness at any age, making storytime a simple yet powerful way to support learning, bonding, and overall well-being for the entire family.

Storytime Schedule

All sessions take place from 10:30–11:30 AM.

Tuesday – Pre-K Storytime
Ages 3–5
Join us for engaging stories, songs, and activities designed to support kindergarten readiness and early learning skills.

Thursday – Books & Babies Storytime
Ages 0–2
A gentle, interactive session featuring simple stories, rhymes, music, and movement perfect for our littlest learners and their caregivers.

Friday – Bilingual Storytime
All ages
Enjoy stories, songs, and activities presented in two languages, celebrating culture, community, and the joy of reading together.

We encourage families to arrive on time so you can enjoy the full experience. We can’t wait to welcome you for a morning of stories, learning, and community fun!

The ASD Playgroup is temporarily suspended and will not be meeting until further notice. We appreciate your understanding and will keep everyone informed about future plans.

This month we focus heavily on Self-Harm Awareness, Sleep Health, and Workplace Psychological Safety.

Self-Harm Awareness Month

This month is dedicated to "shining a light" on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)

Move from judgement to regulation. Learn the signs. Provide safety, not to "fix" them immediately.

Sleep & Brain Awareness

Focus is on the biological foundations of mental health

Aim for consistent wake-times and "digital sunsets" to regulate cortisol and melatonin.

Encourages learning about the brain's ability to heal and adapt through new habits.

Workplace Wellness & "Continuous Care"

Trend shifted from "perks" to structural psychological safety

Management is encouraged to view burnout not as an individual failing, but as a systemic issue requiring workload adjustments.

Emphasis on creating environments where employees can say "I'm struggling" without fear of professional consequences.

20th - International Day of Happiness

30th - World Bipolar Day

Practical Guidelines for You

• Normalize the Check In and use the Rule of Two
• Save the Numbers: Ensure you have 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) this remains as the primary universal portal for mental health emergencies.

Here's your Mental Health & Wellness Checklist:

• Daily 'digital sunset' (no screens 60 mins before bed)
• Practice the 'Rule of Two' check-in with one person
• Identify one workplace boundary to maintain today
• 15 minutes of sunlight or outdoor time for circadian rhythm
• Review and save the 988 Crisis Lifeline in contacts
• Practice non-judgmental listening if someone shares a struggle

Themes and practical Guidelines are recognized by major health organizations for this month

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

Shout out to our Patrons for Most Check Outs since the beginning of the Year!

Adult: Ashlyn Morris

Senior: Judith Scott

Child/Teen: Abdiel Walker & Sayuri Duron

Thank you for your continuous support! Keep Reading!

• We have a fee for all new library card holders with three Categories (Individual, Family and Military.) This applies for existing members with your renewal. Ask your friendly front desk staff for assistance.
• We will issue a TexShare Card after 30 Days. Ask at the front desk. There is no fee and is issued each year.
• Patrons will be notified if items are not returned in a timely manner. You will be charged if a book is lost or destroyed.
• We currently do not have an eBook service. The State Library is working to obtain a new service. We will update you as soon as we have information.

• This is a vibrant month for literature, designated as National Reading Month to honor the birthday of Dr. Seuss. It is a time for libraries to highlight literacy..
• National Borrowed Books Week: The first full week of March is a lighthearted time for libraries to encourage patrons to return those long-forgotten titles. It's the perfect "spring cleaning" for your bookshelf.
• Global Library Milestone: The oldest continuously operating library in the world is at Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt, built between 548 and 565 A.D..

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! 💫