January 2025 Newsletter
Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center
A Message from Library Director, Susan Gregurek
Happy New Year! We hope you had a fabulous Holiday Season!
In December we spent time celebrating the holidays with our community and our staff. We'd like to Thank Santa and Mrs. Claus (Jim and Corin Sherry) for their time and participation for a GREAT end of the year Storytime and Sing-A-Long with Santa! It was a joy to see the families enjoying their time together.
Our library is looking forward to all of the new activities and classes in the library in 2025! In the coming weeks we will be adding an Autism Playgroup with Katie Ware, a Family Playgroup with Georgia Barrett, GED classes with WilCo Literacy Council, WilCo Master Gardeners- Green Thumbs Up Gardening Seminars on the 2nd Saturday of the Month, as well as continuing our adult and children's literacy classes and Storytimes.
As we move into 2025, please bear with us as we transition and adapt our library space. Storytime will be moving to the Children's Room which means there will be a max capacity of 15 children and one adult per child. Our Teen Room will transition to our Training/Meeting Room and our Main Library will host workspace as needed for visitors. Our Main Library is a flex space; therefore, we will utilize the larger space for special events and activities.
We appreciate Sonterra MUD continuing to provide our library space this year. Our gratitude extends to the City of Jarrell, Jarrell EDC, WilCo Commissioner Russ Boles, Mexicano Grille and all other donors for their financial support to continue to provide essential services to our Jarrell community.
Together we can create a beautiful future in Jarrell.
Let us thrive in '25!
Susan
* An article explaining the transformation of libraries if you are interested.
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/
Take What You Need and Share What You Have Food Bank
If you have food to share, our food cabinet is been in need. We have had many people utilizing our food bank over the past month. You generosity is appreciated.
Foundations Community Organization
Carts Country Bus Schedule:
Jan. 6: Mexicano Monday
Jan. 11: 10:30 WilCo Master Gardeners Green Thumb Seminar
Feb. 4-8: All weekly Storytime and Activity Groups begin for the new year
Feb. 5:30 Wednesdays Autism Support Playgroup
Visit the website for updated calendar events: https://jarrellcommunitylibrary.org/
New Year, New Me: Embracing Mental Health and Wellness in 2025
As we start the first week of 2025, let’s focus on small, intentional changes that nurture our mental health and wellness. This week, set the tone for a balanced year ahead with these simple practices:
1. Set Intentions for Your Well-Being
Instead of resolutions, aim for flexible intentions like “I will prioritize my mental health this week.”
2. Practice Mindfulness
Take just a few minutes daily to pause, breathe, and be present—whether during a walk or in quiet moments.
3. Make Self-Care a Priority
This week, schedule time for activities that recharge you—reading, meditating, or spending time with loved ones.
4. Move Your Body
Try incorporating a short walk or stretching routine into your day. Even small movements can boost mood and energy.
5. Connect with Others
Reach out to someone you care about, whether it's through a call, text, or spending time together in person.
6. Practice Gratitude
End each day by reflecting on three things you're grateful for—this simple habit can transform your mindset.
7. Seek Support If Needed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or professional for support.
This week is a fresh opportunity to focus on your mental health. Let’s embrace it with intention and compassion.
The Magic of Storytime: Not Just for Kids
Storytime is often seen as a special time for children, but it offers significant benefits for parents, grandparents, and caregivers as well. It’s a chance to bond, connect, and form a supportive community with others navigating similar challenges.
Building Connections
While children enjoy the stories, activities, and songs, caregivers share in a unique experience that fosters a sense of community. Participating in interactive songs like "The Wheels on the Bus" or simple rhymes like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" encourages caregivers to engage with their child in a fun, non-judgmental space. Parents, grandparents, and others can connect with fellow caregivers, share advice, and provide emotional support. It’s a reminder that no one is alone in their parenting journey.
Bonding Moments
Storytime strengthens the bond between caregivers and children. It offers quiet, focused interaction, encouraging communication and emotional development. Interactive activities like hand puppets, hand clapping games, or simple crafts related to the story give children the chance to be active participants. Parents and grandparents can observe their children’s reactions, providing valuable insights into their needs and preferences.
A Community of Support
Storytime brings together caregivers from all walks of life, creating an opportunity to build a support network. Sharing stories, singing songs, and doing crafts can alleviate feelings of isolation, whether you're a new parent or a seasoned grandparent, and create lasting friendships.
Emotional and Social Benefits
For adults, storytime provides an emotional break from the pressures of daily life. It’s a time to relax, laugh, and connect with others facing similar challenges. These moments help combat loneliness and strengthen social ties, contributing to a healthier, more balanced life.
Fostering a Love for Learning
Storytime is also a chance for adults to rediscover the importance of learning. Activities like learning new songs, creating art from the story’s theme, or playing related games encourages curiosity, exploration, and the joy of reading, fostering a lifelong love of learning for both children and adults alike.
Storytime is more than just an activity for kids. It’s a powerful tool for building emotional, social, and intellectual connections between caregivers and the community. With stories, activities, and songs, it’s a chance to bond, share experiences, and support one another on the journey of raising and caring for children.
Songs With Santa Event at The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center
On December 17th, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center hosted a festive Songs With Santa event, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community. The morning began with a heartwarming reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, delighting children with the classic story’s magic and wonder.
The young attendees had plenty of fun singing cheerful Christmas songs, crafting holiday decorations, and enjoying festive snacks. They also had the chance to write their own letters to Santa, sharing their Christmas wishes. Each child could take a family photo with Santa, making for lasting memories of this special event.
The highlight of the celebration was a visit from Santa Claus himself, who took time out of his busy schedule to spread holiday joy. Santa was joined by Grace the Elf, who helped keep the festive spirit alive as they interacted with the children, listening to their wishes and spreading cheer.
The Songs With Santa event was a wonderful way for families to come together and celebrate the season of giving, joy, and community.
Book Review: Weaving Peace: A Memoir of My Time with Paul by Dianne Brazell
Dianne Brazell's Weaving Peace marks her debut novel, offering a heartfelt and intimate look into her experiences with her husband, Paul. In a powerful narrative, Brazell details her transition from bride to widow in just five months, a life-altering shift that deeply influences the memoir's emotional core.
Through her evocative writing, Brazell weaves together personal anecdotes and reflections that explore themes of resilience, connection, and the transformative power of relationships. The memoir captures not just the essence of her time with Paul, but also the broader context of peace-building efforts and personal growth. It includes a tapestry of photos, letters, poems, and vignettes that enrich the narrative and provide deeper insights into her journey. Her storytelling is both reflective and engaging, making the reader feel as if they are walking alongside her on this profound journey.
One of the notable aspects of Weaving Peace is Brazell's ability to convey deep emotions within a place of raw vulnerability. She balances her narrative with moments of humor and lightness, providing relief amid the weight of her experiences. The profound shift from bride to widow creates an emotional landscape that resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own paths toward peace and healing.
Overall, Weaving Peace is a beautifully crafted memoir that resonates on multiple levels. It serves as a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring pursuit of peace, leaving readers inspired to contemplate their own journeys—whether you are going through something similar or dealing with grief or loss. This memoir is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of building a peaceful life amidst profound change.
Ailina Aponte
