4/2/19 @ 3:00 p.m. - National Library Week is celebrated annually in April to recognize the importance of libraries as a resource for all members of the community. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners will be approving a Resolution at the Monday, April 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., declaring the week of April 7 through April 13,2019 as National Library Week in Nassau County. Next week, residents are encouraged to visit a local library branch to explore what's new and to engage with a librarian.

Also, Tuesday, April 9, 2019 is National Library Workers Day. Do you have a favorite local librarian that you would like recognized? Visit the American Library Association's Galaxy of the Stars to make a nomination and view the "stars" among the librarians nationwide.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/22/19 @ 3:00 p.m. - On Saturday, March 30, 2019, the Fernandina Beach Library Branch will be hosting a Spring Festival. In addition to the fun, family friendly activities and character appearances listed on the flyer, the branch will be showcasing many Local and State Organizations to educate families about the wonderful services and programs offered by each organization.

This event is free and open to everyone!

What: Spring Festival
When: Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Fernandina Beach Library Branch, 25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

If you have any questions, please contact Youth Services Librarian, Michelle Forde, at (904) 530-6506 or via email at mforde@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/6/19 @ 4:50 p.m. - The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library held their annual building earlier this month and presented a $25,000 check to Library Director, Dawn Bostwick, to be used for improvements to the Fernandina Beach Library Branch. The group also heard a presentation from State Librarian, Amy Johnson, on how libraries serve their communities.

The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and lifelong learning through programs and supports the Fernandina Beach Library through advocacy and fundraising events. Additional information can be located on the Friends' website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

2/28/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - Each year, the Library announces a new book for for their One Book, One Community Program. This county-wide initiative encourages residents to read the selected book and participate in numerous discussions and special events throughout the year. What a great way to meet other reading enthusiasts in your community!

Last week, Library Director, Dawn Bostwick, and Assistant Director, Janet Loveless, announced this year's One Book, One Community topic Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. The announcement was made an event held at the Fernandina Beach Middle School where about 400 people in attendance cheer in excitement.

Outlander is a historical romance novel about Claire Randall, a former combat nurse who is leading a double. She travels in time from her current married life in the 20th century, back to the 18th century where she finds romance and a renewed meaning to life. This book is one in a series of #1 New York Times bestsellers which has been published in 26 counties and in 23 languages.  

Discussions and programs will be announced on the Library's website. If you have any questions, please call (904) 530-6500 or email libraryinfo@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

2/25/19 @ 1:15 p.m. - In celebration of Black History Month, a Read-In was held on February 4, 2019. The Read-in is a national event that focuses on African American literature, heritage and culture. This year was the 18th year that this event was held at the Fernandina Beach Library branch.

The event was co-hosted by Neil Frink, President of the Association for the Study and Preservation of African American History, and Chuch Comeau, President of the Friends of the Library. Participants shared excerpts from their favorite piece of literature written by an African American.

Group Photo
Right to left from Front: Host-Neil Frink, Thea Seagraves, Marsha Phelts, Jennett Wilson Baker, Joyce Frink, Charles L. Albert, Nanette Autry, Beverly Davis, Christine Meehan.  Back Second Row: Rutha Jones, City Manager-Dale Martin, City Attorney – Tammi Bach, Gary Autry, Ron Kurtz, City Commissioner – Len Kreger, Marilyn Wesley, Friends of the Library president – Chuck Comeau, Denise Dinkins, Sherald Wilson, Joan Singleton, Viola Walker, Rev. Anthony Daniel

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office
 

2/5/19 @ 5:00 p.m. - As you may already know, library card holders can currently download hundreds of e-books at no charge through the library's website. On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, the Library's CloudLibrary software will be updated resulting in many new and exciting features. A new virtual wallet will allow you to store yours and your family's library cards in one place. The process for downloading e-books will also be shortened allowing for less clicks to reach your desired content!

Be one of the first one hundred people to receive a demonstration from Library staff and receive a free library tote sponsored by Barnes and Noble and the Friends of the Library.

For more information, please contact the Library at (904) 530-6500.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/24/19 @ 3:00 p.m. - The Library Advisory Board is currently seeking a resident from Amelia Island to fill a vacancy.

The Library Advisory Board acts as the liaison between the communities of Nassau County, the public libraries, and the Board of County Commissioners. They gather information for suggested improvements for the library system, develop plans for facilities, and make recommendations to the Library Director.

The Board is made up of seven members as follows: 3 representatives from Amelia Island; 1 representative from Hilliard; 1 representative from Callahan; 1 representative from Yulee; and 1 representative from Bryceville.

Their meetings are held quarterly and the location alternates between the five library branches. Members are strictly on a volunteer basis as they do not receive compensation for their time and/or travel expenses.

If you are an Amelia Island resident and are interested in serving on this Board, please email your resume to Library Director, Dawn Bostwick, at dbostwick@nassaucountyfl.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Bostwick at (904) 530-6500.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/8/19 @ 11:00 a.m. - A group of citizens are working to establish a Friends of the Yulee Library with the long-term goal of locating a new facility for the Yulee Library Branch. A Meet & Greet event for those interested in being part of this initiative has been set for Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. (James S. Page Governmental Complex).

For more information, please call (904) 530-6560.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/28/18 @ 3:00 p.m. - The Nassau County Public Library System recently recognized Mr. Fred Ash for his 13 years of volunteer service to the Fernandina Beach Branch Library.
Mr. Ash was recognized for his outstanding service and dedication to volunteering in the Cataloging Department – Processing Division.  He has processed thousands of materials that are then sent to all five library branches. In addition to processing, Mr. Ash was involved in the preparation of materials for the RFID program and other special projects. 

For those interested in volunteering at the library, training is held at each library branch. For more information call your local branch at 904-530-6500. 

-Janet Loveless
 Assistant Library Director

12/18/18 @ 4:20 p.m.

Beginning January 18th, adults who have a Nassau County Library card will be able to check out a ukulele kit from the Fernandina Beach Branch Library. The Fernandina Ukulele Network (FUN) will give a free concert at the Fernandina Beach Branch Library on January 17 at 6 pm to launch a unique partnership with the Library.  Four kits have been donated by FUN that include a ukulele, tuner, and information packet of instructions, Internet resources and music. The objective of the program is to make a musical instrument available to the public to inspire a love of music through this easily played instrument.

Library policies and circulation procedures will apply to the ukulele kits.  More details will be presented at the program or visit the library website. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in this program or activity should contact (904) 548-4660 or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770(v) or (800) 955-8771 (TDD) at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance to request such accommodations.

Janet Loveless
Assistant Library Director