“This is not the year to get everything you want. This is the year to appreciate everything you have.”   –  Anonymous 
 

Dear Placentia Library District Patrons,

The holidays are sure to look a little different this year for your family. We are battling an invisible enemy that has caused our community physical and mental illness. Despite the challenges expected this year, we will embrace and appreciate our families this Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Though we may not be able to get together in person to celebrate the holidays, there’s still time to borrow library materials (books, library of things, dvds, video games, etc.) to share with families -- whether in-person with your immediate family or via a virtual presence. On a personal note, my nine siblings and I will be dropping off dishes for our 80-year-old parents on Thanksgiving day and meeting via zoom to pray together. Like most families, we had to cancel getting together – but we will find comfort in being able to see our faces and hear our voices, albeit in a virtual setting.

Though 2020 was challenging, to say the least, the year has provided us with an opportunity to be more innovative in our service responses to our community. We wanted to share with you some highlights of our virtual services since March and how we have responded to your needs.
 

• 64,199 virtual programming viewership
   
• 85 storytimes with an attendance of 52,273·
   
• 23 makerspace programs with an attendance 6,447
   
• 2,685 take home kits distributed
   
• 1,536 lunches and enrichment kits distributed
   
• 2,740 curbside requests filled
   
• 2,215 passport applications processed
   
• 24 home deliveries
   
• 74 literacy programs with an attendance of 554
   
• 37 teen programs with an attendance of 266
   
• 28 Director’s messages
   

We are delighted to offer our community so many programs and services during a time when families need a place that is welcoming and safe. You can depend on us for opportunities to learn, explore, connect, and gather in a socially-distancing environment. We are thankful to all our staff -- who are nothing short of amazing! This year I have 21 additional staff blessings to thank – Alyssa, Ana, Angie, Beatrice, Deanna, Erich, Estella, Fernando, Jon, Katie, Laura, Lori, Megan, Michelle, Sabrina, Sally, Shellie, Tim, Venessa, Victor, and Yesenia. They are the reason for your reading pleasures, your children’s smiles and giggles, and our community’s vitality.

Even in a pandemic, the holidays should remain focused on food, family and gratitude.  This year, it is also a holiday of hope and faith. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and New Year. We look forward to serving you in 2021!

Respectfully,

Jeanette Contreras
Library Director