9/8/20 @ 2:45 p.m. - Each year on September 8th, International Literacy Day is observed around the world to raise awareness on the importance of adult and child literacy. The day was established by the Untied Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by proclamation in 1966. Although much progress has been made in improving literacy rates, UNESCO has indicated that illiteracy remains a global problem. In fact, it is estimated that there are currently 773 million adults and young people around the world who cannot read. To learn more about International Literacy Day, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/29/20 @ 11:40 a.m. - The Nassau County Library System will open for library visits beginning Monday, August 31st by appointment. Please read the below announcement carefully and contact the Library directly with any questions.

From Library Director Dawn Bostwick:

Notice to our patrons:
As information surrounding COVID-19 continues to develop, we hope everyone is taking care as needed.  The health and safety of our patrons and our staff are important.  We are following guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Nassau County Public Library System will open for Library Visits beginning August 31st; at the Fernandina Beach, Callahan and Hilliard Branch Libraries.  Please make your appointment online or call to reserve your visit.  Library visits are for one hour. New safety measures are in place for Library Visits and for Passport Application Processing:
 
Fernandina Beach Branch
Library Visits: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Curbside continues: Mon-Fri 10:00 an-6:00 pm
Curbside Phone (FB Only): 904-574-3586
 
Callahan Branch
Library Visits: Mon, Wed, Thurs, & Fri 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Tuesday 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Curbside continues: Mon-Fri 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Hilliard Branch
Library Visits: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Curbside continues: Mon-Fri 10:00 an-6:00 pm
 
Bryceville Branch
Curbside Pickup Service ONLY
Mon-Thurs: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Closed daily from 12:30-1:00 pm
 
Yulee Branch
Curbside Pickup Service ONLY
Mon-Thurs: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed daily from 12:30-1:00 pm
 
Passport Application Processing Continues
Processing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY
For appointment use our online calendar or call 904-530-6508

Want to know what new books are in?  Try one of our reading lists.  Choose from 25 different genre lists!  The lists are sent once each month, at the beginning of the month.
 
Love the New York Times Best Sellers?  Why not sign up for the latest list!  Arrives in your inbox every Tuesday.

Sign up on the Library website at nassaureads.com, click on NEWS, then click on SUBSCRIBE HERE.

5/14/20 @ 11:45 a.m. - Beginning June 1st all Nassau County Public Libraries will offer curbside pickup service!

In order to prepare for curbside pickup, the Library requests that all library materials be returned to one of the five branches. All materials returned will be sanitized and quarantined before they are checked-out again.  All book returns remain open 24/7 for your convenience.

Curbside pickup will be available, by appointment only, at the Fernandina Beach, Callahan and Hilliard Branches Monday thru Friday from 10 am -11:30 am and again from 4 pm-5:30 pm.  Curbside pickup will be available from the Bryceville and Yulee Branches Monday thru Thursday from 10 am-11:30 am and again from 4 pm-5:30 pm. 

New books are ready to be checked out!  Easy to do!  Go to the library online catalog and place your request on hold!  A library team member will call you, or you will receive an email, when your items are ready to pick up.  Schedule your pickup time online or call.  Your books will already be checked-out to you.

They are also offering reusable, curbside pickup bags for $2.  Order your bag online or when you speak to a library team member.  Pay for your purchase online from your library account.

4/15/20 @ 3:40 p.m. - On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, the Board approved Resolution No. 2020-80 proclaiming the week of April 19 through April 25, 2020 as "National Library Week".

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming communities and improving lives.  The library is a place where all people are welcome regardless of age, interests or background. Today's libraries strive to develop and maintain technology, programs, and collections that that are as diverse as the populations they serve. 
 
The theme for National Library Week 2020, "Find your place at the library," was chosen by the American Library Association before any of us could imagine a global pandemic that would force most libraries to temporarily close their physical space.  While  the Nassau County Public System is currently physically closed, we invite the public to visit online at www.nassaureads.com. Library card holders have continuing access to Cloud Library and Hoopla.  This means you have access to downloadable e-books,
e-audiobooks, movies, music, comics, and TV shows.  While at home, if you would like to brush up on your job skills and career opportunities, visit the Learning Express Library link sponsored by the Fernandina Beach Friends of the Library for all Nassau residents.  In addition to these resources, there are other links to Homework Help and in-depth databases on the website's Research page. 
 
When we are open for public visits, the Nassau County Public Library System offers an array of programs.  Programs include: Time for Tots, Family programs, Teen Makerspaces and adult programs on computer skills, health, countries and their culture, art, ukulele music, author talks, history and other topics.
 
Numerous partnerships enable the library to provide additional services.   A few examples include: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), the Supervisor of Elections Office, the Nassau County Extension Office, the Amelia Island Genealogical Society, Nassau County Family Support Services, Passport Services and the Fernandina Ukulele Network. 
 
 Each Nassau County Library Branch has its own Friends of the Library organization. The Friends serve as a local advocacy and support organization.  They co-sponsor children's, teen and adult programs, as well as support new technology like a 3-D printer for Makerspaces and educational virtual reality programs.  These dedicated, volunteers hold book sales, special events, author talks, book club meetings, poetry readings, and art displays, all in support of the library.  For now, please visit the website for online resources, and upon re-opening visit your local library branch in Bryceville, Callahan, Fernandina Beach, Hilliard and Yulee.  See you @ the Library!
 
-Janet Loveless
 Assistant Library Director

4/13/20 @ 4:50 p.m. - Youth Librarian, Michelle Forde, has made some new Story Time videos. This week's videos focus on feelings. 

Michelle said, "Due to COVID-19, I selected some books related to feelings our youth may be experiencing such as being sad or lonely, tips on how to be a friend to someone who has an illness, how to care for someone who is sick, and other encouraging stories. 

To view the new videos, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ County Manager's Office

4/7/20 @ 5:15 p.m. - Are your kiddos missing Time for Tots at the Library? Don't worry! Your favorite Youth Librarian, Michelle Forde, has been recording Story Time Videos for your children to enjoy from home. We've created a tab here on The County Insider under Library System, however it can also be reached here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ County Manager's Office

4/7/20 @ 9:30 a.m. -Earlier this week, we told you about the Library's new video streaming service, hoopla, where you can access over 750,000 items including ebooks, audio books, movies, music, and more. All are free to access using your Library card.

Don't have a card? No problem! Nassau County Public Library System is now offering an Online library card! The card is valid for six months, and allows you access to the digital resources on the Library website. Send a copy of your photo ID, showing you live in the state of FL, and your phone number to Libraryinfo@nassaucountyfl.com. A library staff member will email you with your card information.

When the Library re-opens you can pick up your card, or upgrade it to a permanent card.

If you have any questions, please contact the Library at the email address above, or by phone at (904) 530-6500.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ County Manager's Office

3/6/20 @ 11:30 a.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library Branch will host a Spring Festival on Saturday, March 28th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

The event will feature music, dancing, games, balloon art, face painting, petting zoo and more. There will be special appearances by Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog and other fun characters your children are sure to recognize and love. Be sure to catch the butterfly release hosted by your County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi, for a unique and exciting experience to kick-off the spring season.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library and is free for Nassau County residents.

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

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/4/20 @ 1:00 p.m. - In honor of Women's History Month, the Library is hosting a program featuring guest speaker, Ms. Vella Mbenna, a retired U.S. Diplomat and Award Winning Author.

As a child, Vella dreamed of escaping the small town of Midway, Georgia and traveling the world. In 1989, that dream came true when she accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Foreign Service. During her 26 year career, she served 13 foreign countries, in addition to two assignments in Washington, D.C. What an exciting and interesting life she has led!

To learn more, please consider attending this free event on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Fernandina Library Branch.

If you have any questions, please contact the Library directly at (904) 530-6500.


-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

2/26/20 @ 4:30 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library Branch currently  has a Native American Art Exhibit on display through April 30, 2020.

On Saturday, March 14th from 5:00-7:00 p.m., the Library will host a Show & Tell Reception in which residents who own Native American Art can share their pieces.

If you have any questions, please contact the Library at (904) 530-6500 or email libraryinfo@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office