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Our Friends Make All the Difference @ the Library
Letter from the Library Director
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Debra Rhodes Gibson
Library Director
St. Johns County Public Library
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Welcome to fall and a "new year" for SJCPLS! It's not the kind where you stay up until midnight and hope you can keep all your great resolutions. October is the beginning of our new fiscal year. SJCPLS has several public service enhancements planned for FY2024, including the restoration of Sunday afternoon hours at our four larger libraries and Monday hours at our two smaller libraries, additional copies of new and popular materials, a replacement bookmobile, and the migration to a new circulation system and online catalog of resources.
While St. Johns County provides the majority of SJCPLS' funding, we could not do all that we do without the continued support of our seven Friends of the Library organizations. The work of the Friends of the Library highlights that our libraries are the cornerstones of the community, providing opportunities for everyone to engage in the joy of learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from the past to the present.
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Oct. 15-21, 2023, is National Friends of Libraries Week and the perfect time for us to give our Friends a huge shout-out! SJCPLS would not be able to accomplish half of what we do without help from generous community members who volunteer their time and work so hard on our behalf. Our Friends help raise funds for programming, library renovations, new technology purchases, and more. Visit our website to learn about our Friends and how you can get involved today. | | | |
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Free Financial Strength, Investment Ratings, and Planning Tools @ SJCPLS | |
How do you know if your Bank or Credit Union is financially stable? Did you pick the Best Life Insurance or Property Insurance Company? Are you getting the best deal on your Medigap Insurance? Which Mutual Fund will give you the best return? Which Stocks are the best to choose? The Financial Ratings Series Online, powered by Weiss Ratings and Grey House Publishing, gives you accurate, independent ratings, and financial planning tools you need to make informed decisions about your insurance, banking, and investment options.
During Medicare’s Open Enrollment, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, you may have questions about Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) coverage if you are turning 65 in the next year. You will have six months to select your Medigap coverage, with no options to change afterward (unless you move out of state). You’ll want to choose your Medigap coverage wisely. Weiss offers FREE ratings and analysis of rates and benefits of plans appropriate to your age, zip code, and circumstance. You can even get quotes anonymously if you'd prefer.
Visit any of our six branches to ask staff how to access this powerful database and take advantage of these important financial planning tools today! Check out the resource for yourself on our website.
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Small Business Development Day - Oct. 23 | SJCPLS is hosting the Small Business Development Day resource fair from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd., to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community. In partnership with St. Johns County Economic Development, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida, CareerSource Northeast Florida, the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE, and Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, the event will feature a panel discussion from key industry mentors followed by an informational fair. This event is made possible with support from the Friends of the Library Ponte Vedra Beach Branch. To learn more about the Small Business Development Day or register to attend, call 904-827-6950 or visit sjcpls.org/event/small-business-development-day. | | | |
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Celebrate Your Freedom to Read! | We're celebrating our freedom to read this October! Libraries nationwide encourage a love of reading and advocate for the American citizen's right to access books and information. Join us, celebrate the power of knowledge, and help us let freedom read! | | | |
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Annular Solar Eclipse - Oct. 14 | |
On Saturday, Oct. 14, St. Johns County will experience approximately 60% coverage of the annular solar eclipse. An annular solar eclipse event occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth while at its farthest point from Earth. Because of this distance, the moon appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover it, creating a "ring of fire" effect. Transit will be around three hours, from 11:51 a.m. to 2:59 p.m.
Most of the SJCPLS branches will be hosting educational programming for this event and will provide protective glasses from the Betty and Gordon Moore Foundation grant.
We encourage following these steps to safely view the eclipse:
- Do not view the eclipse with the naked eye or through sunglasses, cameras, telescopes, smartphones, or any other optical device not specifically designed for eclipse viewing.
- Be aware of distracted drivers.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage from the sun.
Visit 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse Safety for more information on preparing for the eclipse. Stay safe, and happy viewing!
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Find Your Next Spooky Read | Feeling in the mood to get a little scared this Halloween season? Browse our collection of creepy reads that are sure to keep you up at night. Whether you're looking to be thrilled and chilled or ready to solve some mysteries, we've got you covered! | | |
Medicare Supplement Insurance: How to Pick the Right Medigap Plan
& Get the Best Rate Webinar
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Weiss Financial Ratings is offering a free webinar to help our patrons navigate through the Medicare and Medigap maze. The meeting will take place online at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12.
The webinar will go through the basics and help answer some of the following questions:
- What are the Hidden Costs of Medicare?
- Do I need Medicare Supplement Insurance?
- Which Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan is Right for me?
- How Much Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost?
- Am I Getting the Best Rate? How Can I Compare Prices?
Download the informational flyer with QR code here. Click here to register.
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