February 2025 Newsletter
Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center
A Message from Library Director, Susan Gregurek
Happy Heart Month!
The library staff has been working diligently to prepare for our upcoming adult and children's literacy classes! We have two full ESL classes, a Spanish class with a few openings, and three Storytimes that will kick off the week of February 4th. We look forward to our Calming Crafts group with Trinity, Autism Support Group with Katie, and Wellness Through Music with Ailina. These three volunteers have been trained to create a supportive atmosphere to enhance peace and wellness. We hope our community will join us for these activities. All of the resources and training were provided by A.L.A.'s Libraries Transforming Communities grant. We are also looking forward to having our Crochet group, Sewing for Charity group, and Senior Game Activities return to the library!
In January, we were able to redesign the library to meet our year-round needs. Please be patient with us as we adapt to the reduced space.
It is important to understand there is a fire code; therefore, Storytimes will be limited to the first 15 children and parents who arrive for activities. Activities begin at 10:30 am. Please be patient with us. We are trying to alleviate confusion and disturbances for our Storytellers.
Our library has been a hub of community services and this will continue. Edith from Foundation Communities Organization will continue to be in the library on the First and Third Thursday of each month to register residents for SNAP, CHIPS, Medicare, Affordable Health Care, and Medicaid. Sherry Smith, Director of the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce will also continue to host office hours the third week of each month.
Since many citizens use our computers and workspace, we ask patrons to respect noise when guests are present. Our reduced space has also reduced the private space to be used in the library. If you need a quiet space, you might want to call ahead to book our available room. There are many spaces available to work in the main library. The Library Board is diligently seeking options to find the library a new larger space to accommodate our community. We hope you'll continue to join us in the library as we strive to thrive in 2025.
We want to give a shout-out to American Legion Post 317 who provided us with funds to ensure our staff is paid and can continue to be open on Fridays and Saturdays in 2025! Their generous gift along with the City of Jarrell, and the Jarrell EDC have afforded us the peace of mind of knowing our staff is paid through 2025!
Our fundraisers and donations in 2025 will help to pay rent for our library space this year. We have been overwhelmed by the generous donations over the past week. A portion of every donation is added to our Capital Campaign account to build a new home for the library. We are seeking every avenue, grant and lead to help us gain access to our future location.
2025 will be our year to THRIVE!
Susan Gregurek
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, bring it into the library. We have had many people utilizing our food bank over the past month. You generosity is appreciated.
Foundations Community Organization
Feb. 3: All Day: Mexicano Monday
Feb. 4-8: All weekly Storytime, Homeschool and Activity Groups begin for the new year
5:30: Wednesdays Autism Support Playgroup
5:00: 3rd Monday of the Month: Wellness Through Music
2:00: 2nd Weds.of the Month: Homeschool Meetup K-3rd Grades
3:30: 2nd Weds. of the Month: Homeschool Meetup 4th-12 Grades
4:00: 3rd Weds of the Month: Calming Crafts
1:00: Weekly Tuesdays Senior Games Group
10:00: Weekly Wednesdays Sewing for Charity
5:30: Weekly Wednesdays Crochet Group
Feb. 15: 10:00-12:00: Key Club Tutoring Social
March 1: 10:30 Smash Bro.s Gaming Tournement
Visit the website for updated calendar events: https://jarrellcommunitylibrary.org/
Expressing Yourself Through Art, Music, Writing, and Movement: A Path to Better Mental Health
Mental health challenges are increasingly common, and creative self-expression through art, music, writing, and movement can be powerful tools to improve well-being. These activities help individuals release emotions, find relief, and foster mindfulness, ultimately promoting emotional balance.
Art: Creating art allows for emotional release and reflection. Whether drawing, painting, or sculpting, it helps individuals process complex feelings like sadness or anger without judgment. Art fosters mindfulness, boosts self-esteem, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Music: Music has a unique ability to soothe and elevate emotions. Listening to or playing music can reduce stress, enhance mood, and increase feelings of joy. Engaging with music helps process emotions and creates a sense of comfort and connection.
Writing: Writing, whether journaling or creative writing, helps individuals explore their emotions and gain clarity. Putting thoughts on paper offers a cathartic release and increases self-awareness, leading to emotional relief and a deeper understanding of oneself.
Movement: Physical activities like dance, yoga, or simple stretches promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase endorphins. Movement helps connect mind and body, fostering inner peace and emotional balance.
Conclusion: Art, music, writing, and movement are not only enjoyable but powerful ways to improve mental health. These creative outlets help individuals express emotions, find meaning, and gain a sense of control over their well-being, fostering emotional growth and healing.
Book Review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a witty, charming romantic novel featuring Nora, a ruthless literary agent, and Charlie, an editor. Their professional rivalry leads to tension when Nora takes a break in the picturesque town of Sunshine Falls. The town's small-town charm and quirky residents create a perfect backdrop for this enemies-to-lovers story. A must-read for book lovers!
Ailina Aponte
