Dear Placentia Library District Patrons,

Hope.

Such an uplifting word, but one that seems, at times, unattainable. No matter how dismal our current situation may seem, or how difficult our pandemic experience has been – there is always light beyond the darkness of doubt and discouragement. Let us allow the light to shine brightly in our lives and continue to hold on to hope.

Most of us are probably relieved 2020 is behind us and hoped 2021 would be much better. Unfortunately, it did not start out that way. But, despite the initial grim news about the covid19 deaths and new variant strands, there was encouraging news as vaccines became available and more people adhered to face mask requirements. Today, hope is lit – hope to hug parents, grandparents, and loved ones outside our bubble, hope for children to be taught in-person, hope to have dream weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc. in front of families and friends, hope to be present with a sick family member who’s in the hospital, hope for normalcy.

Hope is alive at your Placentia Library District. We could not have imagined after a yearlong renovation and planning for our centennial, we would be faced with more challenges. Yet, March 2020 happened. Our library board and staff acted quickly to keep hope alive for our staff and patrons. We understood the need for us to maintain some light for our patrons during such time of darkness and uncertainty. We provided hope through our various programs and services. Our programs included virtual storytime, STEAM, cooking series, take home kits, and makerspace activities. Services provided included opening our doors for in-person visits, curbside, passports, literacy, book-a-librarian, and our new Grab & Go service.

Spring is about hope as new life emerges. One sure sign of spring is our annual Eggcitement. This year it will look a bit different, but its spirit of joy and celebration endures. Please join us on March 27th in the Civic Center parking lot for our “drive-thru” event for the whole family. There will be fun Spring treats and a picture with the Easter Bunny.

True hope is remaining optimistic so we can all get through this darkness together. We must not let discouragement override hope. Let us continue to encourage one another to be positive and be the light of hope for others. Our goal is to continue to keep everyone safe during in-person and virtual visits. Our hope is to return to normal hours as soon as it is safe for all. The light is near.

Respectfully,

Jeanette Contreras
Library Director

Check out our spring and summer library programs and services, including free craft and supply kit pickups for all ages, in our spring newsletter: www.bit.ly/placentialibraryspring