Letter From The Executive Director

Hi Syracuse Public Library folks,

I hope this finds you well, reading and continuing your journey of lifelong learning!

I’m grateful to have recently represented the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library at the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) conference Sept. 16-20 in Montgomery, Ala.

ARSL and the Andrew Carnegie Foundation awarded SPL a $25,000 Literacy Bridges grant to support digital literacy for adults in our community. Receiving the grant funds requires attendance at two ARSL conferences — Alabama in September 2026 and Milwaukee, Wis., in September 2027.

Working with our cohort, we’ll provide opportunities for adults to build digital literacy skills, including computer, software, internet and social media, and smartphone/tablet skills. This is just the beginning; programs will be tailored to community needs and feedback.

The conference offered more than 100 sessions. I attended programs on community resilience, cultural connections, strengthening Friends of the Library, patron experience, staff learning, building relationships, and engaging communities around AI. I also participated in networking opportunities with library administrators and directors from across the country.

​I look forward to working with our staff to bring new educational opportunities to our community and applying what I learned at the opportunity to serve our community. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. 

---

Kindest Regards,
​Jon