Seeks help from community
Big changes are coming to the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, which plans to begin development on its own property by the end of August.
The library, founded in 2019, has operated from the Sonterra Municipal Utility District building at 113 Limestone Terrace. With the MUD’s growing needs, the library is planning for a permanent home elsewhere.
“Sonterra MUD has been our beginning, but it was not ever meant to be our future,” Library Director Susan Gregurek said. “We’re ready to move forward and look forward to building a beautiful library that is centered around our community and continues to focus on creating a community that is healthy and well.”
The library’s new two-acre property, located on Boatright Boulevard near the Eastern Wells community on the east side of Jarrell, was donated by Marie Boatright.
The expansion project will roll out in two phases. The first includes installing an 18-by-60-foot portable building from Lone Star Portable Buildings in September. Once the library moves into that temporary space, a community committee will launch a capital campaign to fund a permanent 5,000-square-foot facility.
“We’re hoping that this can be a community spot that can be rented,” Ms. Gregurek said. “That there can be events, indoor spaces, and outdoor spaces that allow everyone to be a part of the library.”
Ms. Gregurek said the permanent building is set to have flex space that can be used for meetings, events, baby showers. Additionally, the library intends to have a teledoc station and individual booths for work.
“We're going to be very futuristic in how we design our library to meet the future needs of the people,” Ms. Gregurek said.
Resources offered
As a community resource center, the library hosts several programs and organizations. It offers early literacy programs such as Books and Baby, Pre-K and bilingual storytimes, as well as adult literacy classes, book clubs and a local author series.
The library also provides educational opportunities, including a homeschool Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — STEM — group and summer coding classes through Girls Who Code.
Ms. Gregurek said AT&T sponsored training for “Teens Teaching Tech,” a program where teenagers help patrons with technology challenges.
“It's been wonderful,” she said. “It’s taken [that responsibility] off of our plate when someone doesn’t know how to print from their phone or cannot get into the computer. They’ve been able to tag-team it all summer with our senior citizens with their social activities.”
The library partners with Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area for job searches and resume editing and also operates a food pantry.
On the mental health side, two peer support specialists run groups for veterans, teens and people experiencing grief, along with programs such as Calming Crafts, Hope Through Healing and Wellness Exploration.
The library also hosts clubs such as Senior Social Hour, Crochet Group, ASL Coffee, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and a monthly Super Smash Bros. video game tournament.
“We also really try to listen to the needs of the community and fulfill those needs,” said Ailina Aponte, a peer support specialist for the library. “Even though we’re a mighty team of five and sometimes it’s a little overwhelming.”
Library needs
Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center is aiming to raise at least $100,000 for Phase One — installing a 18-by-60-foot portable building as a temporary home — with an urgent need to raise $47,000 to get work started.
Library Director Susan Gregurek said the long-range goal is $5 million for a new building in Phase Two.
The target is to move into a portable building at the Boatright Boulevard property by January 1, 2026.
“We’re in search of dirt work, site work help,” Ms. Gregurek explained. “We're in search of someone who can provide a 20 by 40 asphalt pad.”
Volunteers are needed for tasks including shredding, tree removal and fencing. Those interested in donating or volunteering can call 512-541-1036 or email jarrelllibrary@gmail.com. More information is available at jarrellcommunitylibrary.org
“We are the safe place of the community that allows people to be themselves,” Ms. Gregurek said.