Letter from Stephanie Murphy, Executive Director
2023 was an exciting year at SJCPL. Our circulation saw a significant increase over last year, with printed books continuing to outpace their digital counterparts. We impacted lives on a personal level, in one case offering technology and space for a gentleman to attend his brother’s out-of-state funeral. On a larger scale, we’ve had more participants in our Summer Reading Club and Babytimes than we’ve seen in years. You'll read more about our impact, large and small, below.
We also held community conversations, focus groups and a survey to get feedback for Our Next Chapter. We are excited about the future of our neighborhood branches, and we're itching to get started on those improvements, beginning with some much needed and sustainable upgrades in our mechanical systems. We invite everyone to join us Monday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Learning Center to learn more about Our Next Chapter.
We are moving enthusiastically into 2024 as we continue to impact lives and create space for EVERY story.
Stephanie Murphy, Executive Director
Board Members
Throughout February, a stream of school buses rolled up to the Main Library. Over 950 kindergarten students representing all 55 classrooms from the 16 public elementary schools got their first library card and checked out a book. By working together, the South Bend Community School Corporation and the Library help students become ready to read.
Over 2,900 people enjoyed live theatrical performances at the Library. The South Bend Civic Theatre performed Pride and Prejudice and Midsummer's Night Dream for the second annual Classics in the Courtyard. Local theater group Art 4 brought three productions, including Godspell and The Lightning Thief, to the Leighton Auditorium.
We partnered with La Casa de Amistad to offer beginner computer classes in Spanish. This year we expanded the program, which covers everything from typing basics to cybersecurity, from Canva to Google Drive. Twenty people graduated and received free personal computers. This program is unique to our area. It teaches people necessary skills and gives them the confidence to use this knowledge in their daily lives.
In November 2023, we installed a community freezer at Main Library, stocked with frozen meals from Cultivate Food Rescue. This project reduces food waste, promotes food security, and fosters a sense of community.
The Library collaborated with the Casaday Costume Company to create a new digital collection in Michiana Memory. Casaday Costume Company is a local nonprofit theatrical costume rental service founded by beloved director James Lewis Casaday.
During National Poetry Month, we hosted our second annual Spill the Ink poetry contest. Spill the Ink is one of our most popular intergenerational programs: poets as young as five years of age and as old as 85 took the stage during the ceremony to share their best work and stories.
In the spring, we added play spaces to every library branch. Play and reading go hand and hand, and rich play experiences help children develop early literacy skills. Now, when families visit the library they make a beeline for the play area. Beyond the act of play, many parents hang out together, talk, and get to know each other because of these spaces.
Birthday parties, baby showers, public gatherings, debates, nonprofit and for-profit staff meetings, theatrical performances, movie screenings, lectures, workshops, job fairs, book clubs, and bagpipers, it seems like almost everyone used one of the Library's gathering spaces this year. There were even six weddings!
The Main Library Gallery and smART box showcased incredible art exhibits. In May, Kamika Perry of KP Art Studio debuted her vision of Freedom. In the fall, we shared in the healing journey of Caley Prichard through her exhibit Opening John's Eyes.
Thank you to our supporters.
The St. Joe County Public Library flourishes thanks to the unwavering generosity of our donors. Your invaluable support enables us to create a profound impact within our community. With heartfelt appreciation, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every individual and organization who contributes to the success of our library. Thank you for recognizing the vital role libraries play in enriching lives, fostering learning, and building a brighter future for all.