October 2024 Newsletter

Happy Fall, Everyone!

If you've visited the library recently, you may have noticed our growing number of members! In September, we hosted two English classes, one Spanish class, three Storytime sessions, Crochet and Sewing groups, Wellness through Music and Art, over 40 Homeschool Meetup kids, Senior Games, Senior Social, The Gift Seminar, an Author Talk, Medicare 101, and numerous community meetings! If you require meeting space, please remember to reserve ahead of time.

If you are a senior citizen or know someone who is, we highly encourage attending a Medicare 101 presentation, as there are numerous changes coming to Medicare in 2025. Attached is a flyer with the dates when Bob Diederich will be available at the library to address your questions.

The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, in partnership with the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, is excited to host the 1st Annual Harvest Street Festival and Business Expo on November 16th from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. This event will take place on the library grounds, with the street closed off and vendor booths set up along the way. The Fall Festival will run from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, followed by a Street Dance featuring a live band from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Expect music, food, drinks, games, bounce houses, a Great Bake Off Contest, Pie Eating Contests, auctions, and much more!

We welcome you to sign up as a vendor or baker. Please refer to the flyers for more details.

If you are a DJ or part of a local band interested in performing throughout the day, please reach out to the library! There is available time between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Make sure to mark your calendars for this fantastic event!

Susan Gregurek

The library is continuing to grow and expand. We invite you to consider applying to become a new Library Board of Directors member. You may click on the link for the application. Applications may be turned in at the library.

Board Meetings are on the Third Tuesday of the Month at 6:00 pm

A BIG Thank You to our fabulous Storytime and Homeschool Meetup Team for your dedication to our community! Everyone please take a moment to thank Kristy Narravette, Shay Stearns, Anita Solberg, Tanya Alvarado-Gavez, Anna Hammon, Steve Hammon, Kathleen DeGrease, and Sterling Levitt for their generosity.

Sept. 28: 10:30 Bob With 2025 Medicare Updates *Many changes everyone urged to attend.

Oct. 1: 9:30 Morning English Class Begins

Oct. 11: 5:00 pm Wellness through Music

Oct. 12: 10:30 Education on Caregiving

Oct. 16: 4:00 Wellnes through Arts and Crafting

Oct. 26: 4:00-7:00 WilCo ESD 5 Trunk or Treat

Nov. 16: 11:00-9:00 pmFall Family Festivities at the Library

October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to addressing and combating domestic violence. This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness, support survivors, and advocate for change.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence involves behaviors used by one partner to control another, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. It affects millions and crosses all demographics. The consequences are severe, impacting victims, their families, and communities.

Key Statistics

• Prevalence: About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence.
• Children: Witnessing domestic violence can lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues.
• Economic Impact: Domestic violence incurs significant costs in healthcare, lost productivity, and legal expenses.

How to Get Involved

• Educate: Learn about domestic violence and share information.
• Support: Donate to local shelters and services for survivors.
• Advocate: Push for policies that protect victims and hold abusers accountable.
• Listen: Offer support to those who confide in you and help them access resources.

DVAM serves as a crucial reminder to continue efforts to end domestic violence and support those affected.

Peer Support Specialist: Ailina Aponte

Hours: Tu/Th: 10:00-3:00 pm, Weds 1:00-6:00 pm, Fri. 10:00 am-2:00pm

Storytimes have long been a cherished tradition in homes and communities alike, but have you ever stopped to consider just why they hold such importance? From sparking creativity to fostering emotional growth, storytimes play a crucial role in our lives and the lives of our children. Here’s a deeper look into why storytimes matter and the impact they have.

1. Fueling Imagination

One of the most enchanting aspects of storytimes is their ability to ignite imagination. Stories transport us to distant galaxies, ancient kingdoms, and fantastical worlds. Whether it’s a daring adventure or a whimsical tale, storytelling lets our minds wander to places we might never visit in reality. This imaginative exploration is not just entertaining; it’s a vital part of cognitive development and creativity.

2. Building Literacy Skills

Storytimes are more than just enjoyable moments; they are fundamental to developing literacy skills. Listening to stories helps build language skills by expanding vocabulary, improving comprehension, and introducing complex sentence structures. Children who are exposed to rich and varied language through stories are better equipped for reading and writing as they grow.

3. Fostering Emotional Development

Stories often touch on a wide range of emotions and life situations. Through characters’ experiences, listeners can explore and understand their own feelings and those of others. This emotional engagement helps in navigating personal emotions and developing empathy, which is essential for emotional intelligence and social relationships.

4. Strengthening Bonds

Storytimes offer more than just individual benefits; they are also an opportunity to create and strengthen bonds. Whether a parent reads to a child or a community gathers for a library event, these moments of shared storytelling create special connections. They foster relationships through shared experiences and can be a source of comfort and joy.

5. Encouraging a Love for Reading

Perhaps one of the most lasting impacts of storytimes is their role in instilling a love for reading. When storytimes are engaging and enjoyable, they can spark a lifelong passion for books and learning. This love for reading can lead to a greater appetite for knowledge and an ongoing appreciation for literature throughout life.

Celebrate the Magic of Storytelling

In celebrating the magic of storytimes, we not only honor a beloved tradition but also recognize its profound benefits. From stimulating creativity to fostering emotional growth and strengthening connections, storytimes play a vital role in our lives. So let’s continue to cherish and embrace these moments of storytelling.

We are delighted to share the wonderful outcome of our recent partnership with Upwards Preschool-Jarrell for a special storytime event. Held on September 12 at 1 p.m., this memorable occasion brought joy, excitement, and a deep love for storytelling to the preschoolers, and it was a resounding success!

A Heartfelt Collaboration

Our collaboration with Upwards Preschool-Jarrell was rooted in a shared commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a lifelong love of reading. Upwards Preschool-Jarrell, renowned for its dedication to early childhood education, provided the perfect setting for this special event, creating a welcoming and stimulating environment for the children.

A Day to Remember

During the storytime, the children were captivated by the book Bubble Bear, read by the beloved Grandma Shay. Her expressive storytelling brought the book to life, capturing the imaginations of the preschoolers and engaging them in interactive discussions. In addition to the reading, we got the wiggles out with the energetic YouTube video Going on a Bear Hunt, which had the kids moving and dancing along with the fun.

Making a Lasting Impact

The success of this storytime goes beyond the event itself. By fostering a love for literature and engaging with the preschoolers in such an enriching way, we have made a meaningful contribution to their educational experience. The event not only highlighted the importance of reading but also strengthened the community’s connection to early childhood education.

Thank You for Your Support

We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with Upwards Preschool-Jarrell and other community partners in the future. Together, we can continue to inspire and educate the next generation of readers and thinkers.

Let’s keep the magic of storytelling alive and continue making a difference in the lives of young learners!

We’re thrilled to share the highlights from our recent homeschool meetup, where students from PreK to 12th grade engaged in a series of enriching and interactive activities. Our event was a tremendous success, offering a blend of hands-on learning and creative exploration that sparked enthusiasm across all age groups.

PreK-1st Grade: Screenless Coding Adventures

Our youngest learners had a fantastic time diving into the world of computer science with screenless coding lessons. One of the standout activities was using the Hand2Mind Coding Mouse, a hands-on tool that helped students understand the basics of programming. The Coding Mouse allowed them to follow simple commands and navigate a maze, making learning about sequencing and logic incredibly fun and interactive. Through these engaging puzzles and games, they explored foundational coding concepts without the need for screens or devices, keeping them excited and deeply engaged while laying a strong groundwork for future tech learning.

2nd-3rd Grade: Enchanting Stories with Mother Goose and "The Fairytale News"

Meanwhile, our 2nd and 3rd graders embarked on a whimsical journey with Mother Goose and "The Fairytale News” book. This delightful session combined storytelling with interactive activities, allowing students to explore classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales in a fresh and engaging way. Through creative dramatizations and collaborative projects, students not only enjoyed the stories but also developed their language and comprehension skills in a lively and imaginative setting.

4th-12th Grade: Advanced Screenless Coding Challenges

For our older students, the day was filled with more advanced screenless coding challenges. These activities went beyond the basics, delving into more complex problem-solving scenarios and logic puzzles. Students had the opportunity to collaborate on projects and share solutions. The sessions were designed to deepen their understanding of computational thinking and enhance their problem-solving abilities in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Our next Homeschool Group Meetup will be on October 9th from 3-4pm

Matthew Syed’s book You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to Be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything is an engaging exploration of self-belief and personal growth. The book combines insights from psychology, sports, and personal anecdotes to argue that confidence and success are not just innate traits but skills that can be developed.

Syed, who is a former Olympic athlete and a successful author, uses his background to illustrate how mindset and perseverance are crucial to achieving excellence. He builds on the idea that intelligence and talent are not fixed but can be expanded through effort and learning—a concept he refers to as the “growth mindset.” This idea is supported by research and real-world examples, making the book both informative and motivational.

One of the strengths of You Are Awesome is its practical approach. Syed provides actionable advice on how to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and set achievable goals. The book is filled with exercises and tips that encourage readers to apply the concepts to their own lives, making it a useful guide for anyone looking to boost their confidence and performance.

The writing is accessible and engaging, with a conversational tone that makes the content easy to digest. Syed’s use of personal stories and examples helps to illustrate his points effectively, adding a relatable and human touch to the theoretical concepts.

However, some readers might find that the book covers familiar territory if they are well-read in self-help or personal development. The core ideas are not groundbreaking but are presented in a way that is intended to inspire and energize. For those new to these concepts or seeking a fresh perspective, Syed’s approach can be quite refreshing.

Overall, You Are Awesome is a motivational and practical guide for those looking to enhance their confidence and achieve their potential. Syed’s blend of personal experience, research, and actionable advice makes it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in personal development.

Aillina Aponte

The American Library Associations Libraries Transforming Communities grant has enabled us to purchase many devices to assist members. There are various sizes of magnifiers, a Dyslexia reading pen, a World Scan translative pen to translate into 140 languages, and an amplying device. Devices may be used in the library to enhance accessiblitiy and to accommodate the needs of the people. Please ask any of our staff members for the options.