Dear Editor,
There is a jewel in San Marcos which serves the residents of the City of San Marcos, Hays County and students of San Marcos Consolidated ISD. It is the San Marcos Public Library. Although the Library is closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, Director Diane Insley and the dedicated staff continue to serve the community by being committed, creative and caring.
Some area libraries are closed with no services, yet the SMPL is still serving the public in many ways. The Front Porch Pickup was started on March 23 and has been very successful. Patrons merely place holds on books via email or by phone. The process is outlined on the library’s website: sanmarcostx.gov/586/Library. A computer is also available on the front porch from 1-4 p.m. for those who absolutely need it. There are also pickup options for printing which is detailed on the website.
For people who miss their book clubs, the SMPL Facebook has an opportunity to join the Virtual Book Club. This is a great way to stay in touch with others during this time of social distancing.
The SMPL YouTube channel has many children’s videos, thanks to Miss Ashley, including information about the Summer Reading Program. This program will be for children, teens and adults. It will start with virtual programs and if safety permits there will be some programs at the library. The local Kiwanis club will purchase Reader Zone, the Virtual Summer Reading Program software.
The SMPL has many volunteers for whom the staff is so appreciative. Susan Smith graciously wrote or called every volunteer to let them know how they are missed during this time. Fortunately there will still be an opportunity for teen volunteers this summer. The Star Teen Program will be available again this summer. Volunteer hours will be obtained by working online for the library.
Our library staff is looking to the future to help our community get back on its feet in regards to jobs. We have a Workforce Development Librarian, Deborah Carter, who is currently working on her certification from the National Resume Writer’ Association. She has created the SMPL’s Jobs and Resource Page so people can see job postings in San Marcos as well as view education and training opportunities which can lead to a better or different job. Ms. Carter will be available to review resumes, cover letters and assist with the job search process. Patrons should call the library, 512- 393-8200 or email her directly, [email protected]. She is also developing an online series about job searching during COVID-19 and will post those to Facebook and to the library’s YouTube channel. When it is safe, Deborah will meet in groups or one-to-one to provide assistance.
The library is always updating information about social services and organizations which can provide assistance to those in need.
Check out the following links:
Link to SMPL YouTube channel
Link to Jobs Facebook group
Link to Virtual Book Club
We are truly fortunate to have a public library which does so much in and for this community, even in these difficult times. The staff is always looking for innovative ways to better serve the public. I am proud to be associated with the San Marcos Public Library.
Martha Moore
SMPL Board of Directors, President
Dear Editor,
This is to thank the Record for its continuous, helpful news coverage during these difficult times. I very much appreciate the fair-minded and unslanted coverage of local government and school affairs and believe that such coverage has a great effect in keeping our local institutions accountable. In addition to the news, I also enjoy your features and coverage of local events. In this regard, please pass along my special thanks to Rachel Sonnier for her articles on March 20 and April 10, "Busting the Boredom of Social Distancing" and "Free Streaming Services for At-home Entertainment." Many other newspapers and information purveyors have put out similar lists and coverage, but Mrs. Sonnier's very local recommendations in the "Busting the Boredom" article stood out from all the rest. Hooray for my hometown newspaper!
Fay Cliett Gillham
San Marcos
Dear Editor,
The Morris snapdragons, the poppies along Craddock Dr. — said to bloom in the Garden of Gethsemane — and the prickly pear bursting forth with such beautiful flowers, all bringing a breath of spring that the coronavirus cannot diminish.
What a beautiful blessing is ours to enjoy!
Sincerely,
Frances Breihan
San Marcos
