April Newsletter 2026

Dear Library Community,

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

Unfortunately, the Flower and Art Festival has to be canceled due to the weather. Stay tuned, we will have a LARGE plant sale at Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center once the rain ends and Deb will be hosting a Paint and Sip at the Library on May 9th. We will keep you posted.

In addition to the upcoming event, we are also preparing for our move in June. While we have loved our time at our first location, we are excited about the future ahead! We have made a down payment to order materials for our new temporary portable building! The next step involves making a payment to start construction, followed by the final payment upon delivery in June. This journey is both a challenge and a leap of faith for our board and staff! We still need $40,000 for the final payment. If you’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village,” it rings true! Your donations have already made a significant impact and will continue to do so! Each dollar contributed has created this opportunity! We will need your support to bring our site to completion, including a road, a paved parking lot, and more as we “sail on over” to Boatright Blvd!

Once we settle into our new location, we will launch the Capital Campaign for our STATE OF THE ART 5,000 sq ft LIBRARY! This new building will harmonize with the Eastern Wells community on the outside while offering community-centric spaces inside, including private areas, community gathering spots, a Gaming Room, a Podcasting and Greenscreen Room, moveable shelving for activities, and a café leading to outdoor spaces for hosting events for Jarrell residents. After moving into our permanent building, the portable structure will provide financial sustainability as a rental space for our library.

Mark your calendars! On May 29th, we will celebrate with a “BBQ and Bounce Houses for a Building” event. Join us for a day of family fun as we introduce you to our new location! We will also distribute FREE back-to-school supplies while supplies last. The event will run from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Our small team is eager to continue serving our community; we genuinely love what we do! Curious about what we do besides checking out books? Check out our article in VoyageAustin Magazine for more details about the amazing happenings at your local library: https://voyageaustin.com/interview/life-work-with-susan-gregurek-of-jarrell

We would also like to express our gratitude to Daniel Gomez of KVUE and Olivia Alderidge of KUT for their interviews with us! Look for us spotlighted in the Temple Daily Telegram next week!

Wishing you a wonderful Easter Holiday filled with family and friends! If you have a moment, hop over to Zeffy https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/building-jarrell-community-library-and-resource-centers-future-library to support our future! We raised $5,000 in just one week to complete our second payment! If we maintain this momentum, we could reach our $40,000 goal in 8 weeks! Let’s achieve this together as a community! We are the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center!

A special shoutout to Ailina, Taylor, Gina, and P.J. – you are an AMAZING TEAM! Thank you for stepping in and creating fantastic marketing videos! Your enthusiasm is infectious! Keep up the great work!

Warm regards,
Susan

We would like to give a special shout out to the businesses which have joined our Business Directory.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to introduce the Jarrell Community to the local businesses, so the residents can shop local for services.

DR Horton: The Villages of Schwertner Ranch and Eastern Wells http://www.drhorton.com/

Red Dog Plumbing LLC: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586290925834

Forward Financial: www.financial-forward.com

A-1 Coring: https://www.a1coring.net/

Mexicano Bar and Grille: https://mexicanogrillejarrell.net/

Jarrell Montessori: https://jarrellmontessori.com/

Pulseslayer Technologies: https://pulselayertech.com/

Kid Zone Christian Academy: https://www.kidszonelearningcenter.org

Welcome In App: https://www.welcomeinapp.com/

Aslea Myrthil Photography: http://www.ashleamyrthilphotography.com

Alert 360: https://www.alert360.com/

The Ecomm Builder: https://theecommbuilder.com/

Reanimation Designs: https://www.reanimationdesign.com/

Mystic Mermaid: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JLRkpanBf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

April 6: MEXICANO MONDAY All Day

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

April 26: Smash Bro.s Tournament: 5:00 pm

May 29: BBQ and Bounce Houses for a Building Party 10:30 am-2:30pm

Magic the Gathering: Mondays at 5:00 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

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/

We are excited to share the new Ebook Library App. Download to your device today and begin reading!

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 April 8th 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!

Libraries have always been more than books. They have long since been places of information, acceptance, and quiet refuge for anyone who walks through their doors. Today, that role is expanding even further as libraries become essential spaces for mental health and well-being.

Free, welcoming, and judgment-free, libraries offer a place where people can simply exist, find calm, and access basic resources like internet, information, and support services. For those facing anxiety, depression, or instability, they provide consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center is a strong example of this approach, having intentionally built its foundation around mental health and wellness to better serve our communities.

While not a replacement for professional care, libraries play a powerful role in reducing isolation and reminding people that they are not alone.

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.

As March draws to a close, libraries for health can promote "Mindful March". Here are curated mindfulness thoughts and daily actions for the end of March:

Daily Mindfulness Actions for the Last Week

• Mindful Morning Tea: Drink your beverage consciously, focusing on the aroma, warmth, and flavor, rather than rushing to start the day.
• Transition Breathing: Take 3 deep breaths during key changes in the day, such as switching from work mode to home mode.
• Mindful Chores: Pick one routine chore, like washing dishes, and do it slowly, focusing only on the movements and sensations.
• Declutter One Space: Clean your desk, a drawer, or a corner of a room to create mental calm through physical organization.
• Reflect on the Month: Spend 5 minutes writing down which small mindfulness habits you enjoyed most this month and plan to keep th

Mindfulness Thoughts of the Day (End of March)

• "Be the Sky" — "You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather." — Pema Chödrön. Remember that your thoughts and emotions are temporary, but your core self remains calm.
• "Mindful Transitions" — As March ends, use transition points (e.g., leaving work, entering the house) to take 3 deep breaths before starting the next task.
• "Presence over Productivity" — "Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." — Mark Black.
• "Reflecting on Growth" — "Just like flowers bloom in their own time, you're also evolving at your own pace. Be patient with yourself.".
• "Non-Judgmental Awareness" — Notice your thoughts and feelings today without labeling them as good or bad; simply observe them as they pass.

Library & Health Resources

• Nature Therapy: Encourage a 5-minute walk, focusing on the sensations of walking and the sounds/smells of nature.
• 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: 5 see, 4 feel, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 love about yourself (grounding exercise).
• Digital Break: Dedicate one hour (or an evening) to being totally device-free to reduce stress.
• Mindful Moments: Use 5 minutes of silence daily to just "be" rather than "do.".

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 our Top Readers since the Month of March!

Adult: Destiny Migliore - 12 Christine Hanley - 9

Senior: Susan Gregurek - 6 Sheryl Scott - 6

Child/Teen: Savanna Cantone - 9 Kadence Hodges 9

Thank you for your continuous support! Keep Reading! Every cent counts towards saving our library!

• 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 continue to issue 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're currently working on the new e-Read access called Cloud Library. Once we've completed the onboard process, we will have all the information for patrons to access.
• Thank you for your patience! Every dollar amount counts towards saving our library!

• These milestones emphasize early literacy, digital access, and historical longevity in library services worldwide.
• National Reading Month (March)
• Imagination Library Global Expansion: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library celebrated continuing its work with 3.4 million books gifted monthly.
• 150th Anniversary of the American Library Association: celebrating a century and a half of library advocacy.

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! 💫