The holiday spirit inspires many of us to be kind, to give and to share what we have so that others may enjoy the spirit of the season. If you’re looking for a unique way to give, consider this very special gift that will lift your spirit all season long and honor a person for a lifetime. Make a contribution 
to the Alachua County Library District Foundation (ACLD) Endowment Fund by placing a name on Katherine’s Tree. A beautifully etched leaf will honor someone and create a lasting recognition that can be enjoyed for many holidays. A contribution of $2,000 or more places a leaf on Katherine’s Tree, a 10-foot etched-glass rendition of the Tree of Knowledge. This glass structure, adorned with the names of donors and framed in impressive oak, greets visitors as they enter the Reading Room on the 3rd Floor of the downtown Headquarters Library.
When you visit the glass tree with the shining names of those who have contributed to help others enjoy and share in the Tree of Knowledge, pause for a moment to read its inscription – “The only true equalizers in the world are Books. The only treasure house open to all comers is a Library. The only wealth which will not decay is Knowledge.” That message embodies the spirit of the Library District’s mission - to help build a better community by creating opportunities for all the participate, connect and discover. At the present time there are 125 dedicated leaves on the tree with 525 available for dedication.
Katherine’s Tree is named for Katherine Ann Tubb (1976 – 1991), a young woman, who during her brief life, was an avid reader and library user.
If your library is on the top of your list of favorites, please consider joining an extra special group of supporters on Katherine’s Tree. Your support will help all Alachua County citizens access the Tree of Knowledge for seasons to come. For more information go to ACLD Foundation at http://www.acldfound.org/katherin.htm, or contact Marjorie Alexander, Chair, ACLD Foundation, marj1994@gmail.com.
System status
A new library system and online catalog will debut on May 30. Here's the current status of:
- Checkouts: May 24-29 you must have your physical library card in hand to check out materials.
- Due dates: All checkouts will have a due date of June 22, except DVDs and GRU watt meters, which still have 7-day limit.
- Holds and requests: New holds and purchase requests cannot be placed until May 30, but those placed previously will continue to be processed.
- Returns: Please "Babysit Our Books" — keep them until the new system is running smoothly (mid-June).
- Registration: Continues as usual today, but cannot be done May 24-29, as our entire system will be down.
- Interlibrary loan: Continues as usual throughout the transition.
- Digital checkouts: OverDrive checkouts and holds will work normally throughout the transition.
- My Discoveries: Will be retired with the AquaBrowser catalog on May 24. Please retrieve any saved book lists before then.
- Website: The Library District website (www.aclib.us) will be up as normal throughout the transition.
- My Account: Account info will be available through May 24. Your account will appear on the new system on May 30.
- Bill payment: All payments including PayPal are working today. No payments can be accepted May 24-29
- New catalog: Watch for its debut on May 30, with new features.
More about the transition.
More about the new online catalog.
Have any questions? Please Ask Us!
