Can't see this email? Click here to view this message in browser window.
St. Johns County Public Library System Logo
St. Johns County decorative graphic
St. Johns County Public Library
January 2026 Newsletter

The St. Johns County Public Library System encourages a love of literature, the arts, and lifelong learning by providing a variety of information, resources, and entertainment to the community. 
Connect, Learn, Enjoy @ Your Library
 
Palm tree
New & Noteworthy

The Library Director sits at a table in a library, holding a puzzle piece and smiling, with an unfinished jigsaw puzzle in front of her.
Message from Library Director Debra Rhodes Gibson
New beginnings, fresh starts, reaffirmations of love, and promises for a brighter future….all of these aspirations come to mind as we ring in a New Year.
Read More

Discover An Immense World by Ed Yong
We’re excited to announce that the St. Johns Reads 2026 selection is An Immense World by Ed Yong!
 
This fascinating book explores how animals experience the world through senses both familiar and extraordinary. Copies are available in Adult and Middle Grade print editions, as well as e-book and e-audiobook formats on Libby.
St. Johns Reads Finale 2026
Join us for the St. Johns Reads 2026 Finale on Saturday, January 24! We're hosting a sensory-filled celebration at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre's Front Porch with music, dancing, and fun for all.
 
Silent Disco Sessions:
Checkout a Copy of an Immense World
Save the Date on Upcoming Programs

Food for Fines Program Collects More Than $4,000 in Donations for Families in Need 
During the holiday season, St. Johns County Public Library System patrons generously donated non-perishable food valued at more than $4,000 for St. Johns County’s Health and Human Services Food Pantry.
 
In addition to these food donations, a new partnership with Firefighters for Families this year resulted in over $400 in cash donations to purchase bike lights, promoting safety by increasing visibility for young riders. The annual Food for Fines program allows patrons to support local families while reducing their overdue fines.
Read More About Food for Fines

New Year, New Things to Explore at the Library!
Make 2026 the year you try something new from our Library of Things! We’re adding many recreational and educational items to borrow, along with unique gadgets you won’t find anywhere else.
 
We regularly add more Things to our catalog. Check back often for exciting new ways to learn, create, and have fun with your library card.
Discover your next Thing

Meet Bartram Trail Branch Library's New Branch Manager
St. Johns County Public Library System announces Julie Bartley as the new Branch Manager of the Bartram Trail Branch Library. In this role, Bartley will oversee daily operations, manage staff, engage with the community, and guide the continued development of programs and services that advance the library’s mission. 
Read More about Julie

Vote for Your Favorite Scoop!
This Library Lovers Month, we’re turning stories into scoops! Our staff teamed up with Mayday Ice Cream to create original flavors inspired by beloved books, and now it’s your turn to vote for your favorite.
 
Cast your vote by January 11. The winning flavors will be released at Mayday locations across St. Johns County in February. Celebrate your love of libraries the sweetest way possible!
Discover the Flavors and Vote

January Holiday Closures
In observance of the New Year's holiday and Martin Luther King Jr. day, all St. Johns County Public Library System locations will be closed:
 
New Year's:
  • Thursday, Jan. 1 and Friday, Jan. 2: Libraries will be closed for New Year's.
  • Reopens Saturday, Jan. 3
Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
  • Monday, Jan. 19: Libraries will be closed for MLK Day.
  • Reopens Tuesday, Jan. 20
Book drops will remain open and virtual services, including ebooks, downloadables. and databases are available 24/7.

Two books
SJCPLS Highlights

A full moon surrounded by clouds, the text reads Spooky Reads.
Ease Into 2026 With the Right Books
Start the year at your own pace with books that encourage reflection, growth, and mindful beginnings.
 
A Fresh Start for the New Year is a curated selection from our librarians, designed to help you welcome the year ahead with intention and motivation without rushing.
Start Fresh With a Book
A book inside a heart with text that reads Celebrating National Friends of the Library Week
Discover Trusted Health Information
Your journey to wellness begins today. Gale Health and Wellness offers reliable, up-to-date information on hundreds of topics. Browse, search, and explore a variety of sources and formats from home or in the library. Discover the information you need to stay healthy and informed.
Explore Gale Health and Wellness

A lightbulb
Share Your Library Story

Tell us how SJCPLS has impacted you
There are stories everywhere you turn in a library, but the one that matters most is your story. We want to hear about how SJCPLS has impacted you, your family, friends, or community. By sharing your library story, you are helping to show others how libraries strengthen our communities and our futures!
Tell Your Story

Stay Informed
A graphic indicating information.
Want to connect with your county government? Click the button below to learn the different ways you can stay informed on all things St. Johns County. 
Catch Up on St. Johns County News
Read County Administrator's Community Letter
Waves
 
web social icon
facebook social icon
instagram social icon
MSefHcOoedx social icon
 
 
Click here to unsubscribe

Please do not reply to this message. Replies will not be routed to or seen by library staff. If you have any comments, please contact us at  Library-Marketing@sjcfl.us or 904-827-6900.

St. Johns County Public Library System
6670 US 1 South St Augustine, FL 32086
Phone: 904-827-6900
My company logo