Honoring Black History

Letter from the Library Director

Debra Rhodes Gibson, Library Director

St. Johns County Public Library

During February, we honor and recognize African Americans' diverse and rich history. Carter G. Woodson founded Black History Month in 1926. It was called "Negro History Week," a term that African Americans used during that time. It was celebrated during the second week of February because it coincided with the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1969, Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University proposed Black History Month as we know it today. In 1976, the federal government officially recognized African American History Month for the first time.

FEATURED ARTICLES

SJCPLS Patrons Donate More Than 3,600 Food Items Through the Library

Our patrons showed their love for their community in a big way through our annual Food for Fines program! We were able to donate more than 3,600 non-perishable food items to St. Johns County’s Health and Human Services Food Pantry through your generosity. We are so thankful for you all!

The Food for Fines annual program enables patrons to donate food to local families in need and help “pay down” their overdue fines during the holiday season. This program is one of several collaborative efforts that the St. Johns County Public Library System participates in with other County departments, extending its reach to St. Johns County residents.

Black History Month @ SJCPLS

Celebrate Black History Month with us! Check out a variety of special programs and staff-curated booklists. Or visit us at the Resilience Family Fest from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St. This free family event will feature musical performances, food trucks, historical reenactments, pop-up exhibits, arts and crafts activities, oral history interviews, and much more.

Want online content? Tap into Libby to discover books and audiobooks from some of the most celebrated and well-known African American writers, political figures, and artists. Find your next great read on Libby.

Free AARP Tax Assistance in St. Johns County

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation help at locations across St. Johns County to anyone who needs it, with special attention to those who are 50 or older or have low-to-moderate income. This service is free, and appointments are required. Visit our website for more information.

Hoopla Bonus Borrows Return

Hoopla Bonus Borrows are back through February with new themed collections! Numerous top titles are available across formats, and titles checked out do not count toward your monthly lending limits. So even if you're out of borrows for the month, there's no end to the reading, watching, and listening you can do with the Hoopla Bonus Borrows Collection.

From the Collection: All About Love

February is the perfect time to cozy up with a romance novel. SJCPLS has a robust list of books that will satisfy any fan of the genre. From historical and paranormal to contemporary romance and more, we've got you covered!

Presidents' Day Holiday Hours

All SJCPLS libraries will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday. Book drops will remain open, and our virtual services such as ebooks, downloadables, and databases are available 24/7.

Stay connected with us!

St. Johns County Public Library System | www.sjcpls.org