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

2/20/20 @ 3:45 p.m. - In celebration of National Puzzle Month, the Nassau County Library System will be holding a Lego Building Fun Event on Tuesday, February 25th from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Fernandina Library Branch.

For additional information, please contact Youth Librarian, Michelle Forde, at (904) 530-6506 or via email at mforde@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

2/10/20 @ 11:40 a.m. - The Fernandina Beach Branch Library participated in the National African American Read-In on Monday, Feb. 3rd. The National Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.

This year the readers selected  favorite quotes, speeches, poems, historical facts, their own original writings and fiction selections.

Pictured in the photo are:
Front Row from left to right: Joyce Frink, Denise Dinkens, Nanette Autry, Beverly Lawrence Franklin. Second Row: Mike Kegler, Marsha Phelts, Len Kreger, Vice Mayor; Dale Martin, City Manager; Chip Ross, City Commissioner, Chuck Comeau, Friends of the Library;
Ron Kurtz, Neil Frink, Program Host.  Back Row: Michael Lednovich, City Commissioner; Tammi Bach, City Attorney, and Gary Autry.

Not pictured: Veronica Martin.