SJC GIS Staff Earn Two Awards for Innovative Bookmobile Mapping Project

• 8 October 2026
• Category: Community Well-Being Organizational Excellence SJC News
• Tags: 2026

Award-winning map identifies potential locations to expand access to library services

St. Johns County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division staff members Stacie Amolsch and Christine Kury were recognized with two major awards at the 2026 Central Florida GIS Workshop in Orlando for their innovative use of GIS technology to help expand access to library services.

Their map, titled “The Bookmobile: A Novel Solution,” earned both the 1st Place Popular Choice Award – Map Category and the Keynote Choice Award. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in cartographic design and innovative applications of geographic information systems.

The project uses GIS analysis to identify potential Bookmobile stops throughout St. Johns County by examining areas with high housing density that are underserved by existing library locations. The analysis helps identify communities where Bookmobile services could help reduce geographic gaps in access to library resources.

The Bookmobile currently provides library services at three public stops. Over the next two years, the St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) plans to open three new branches, two of which will be in areas currently served by the Bookmobile.

To prepare for these changes, SJCPLS collaborated with the GIS Division to identify communities with significant population density that lack a library facility within a six-mile drive. The analysis also considered parking options, availability of power, and restroom access for staff.

The GIS analysis identified seven potential service areas. SJCPLS is conducting site evaluations and has selected the Trailmark and Murabella communities to replace the current Mill Creek Park stop on Fridays, improving access to library services in the World Golf Village area beginning in December.

West Augustine and Palencia, which were also identified through the GIS analysis, are being considered for future public Bookmobile stops once new library branches open and Bookmobile service is no longer needed in those areas.

This project supports the County’s Strategic Plan priorities of Organizational Excellence and Community Well-Being by using data-driven technology to inform service planning and help connect residents with accessible library resources.

SJCPLS continues to evaluate community needs and public stop data to identify opportunities to expand library services and connect more residents with resources throughout St. Johns County.

For more information about library services and programs, please visit sjcpls.org.

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