1/14/22 @ 8:30 a.m. - Do you need a new passport or to renew your existing passport? Then you're in luck! The Fernandina Beach Library Branch will host Passport Day on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 9am-5pm. Appointments are strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

Visit www.nassaureads.com or call (904) 530-6508 to schedule your appointment today.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/6/22 @ 2:30 p.m. -

The Fernandina Beach Library is hosting "Knife Making with John Thompson" on February 3, 2022 at 6pm.

Join local knife maker, John Thompson, as he talks about how he got started making knives, how knives are crafted, different styles, and what materials are used to craft them. He will also teach you how to choose a quality knife.

This event is free to the public and registration is NOT required. However persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in this program should contact (904) 530-6500 or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770(v) or (800) 955-8771(TDD) at least 72 hours in advance to request such accommodations.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/5/22 @ 3:45 p.m. - The Nassau County Public Library System is hoping to implement a one-on-one technical program for patrons wishing to expand their technical skills and are currently searching for tech-savvy individuals who would be willing to volunteer their time and services.

The dates/times for the programs have not yet been determined, however their plan is to have the tech program available at the Fernandina Beach, Callahan and Yulee locations.

Position Overview:
Share your expertise by coaching adults as they learn tech skills
• Work with adult learners at all levels of tech knowledge
• Tutor one-on-one at your preferred branch
• Help adult students learn at their own pace
• Tech subjects include: basic computer, tablet, eReader or smartphone skills; internet and browser skills; setting up email and social media accounts; learning how to use apps and websites; and streaming or downloading free library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines

Benefits of Volunteering:
• Make a big difference in a person’s life
• Opportunity to use your computer and training skills
• Earn community service hours
• Gain new skills and experiences
• Be a part of the library team

Requirements:
• 16 years or older, if under 18, must have permission from parent or legal guardian
• Ability to convey a positive, friendly attitude
• Ability to work with adults of all tech levels with patience and politeness
• Computer, internet and mobile device skills
• Dependable transportation and phone number or email
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Want more information? Please contact Julie Cannavino at jcannavino@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/20/21 @ 4:50 p.m.

Join Amelia Island author Tom Hitchcock for the story behind the story, a free ranging discussion of his latest novel, Drowning. How the plot, the characters, and the settings-the Chesapeake, Fernandina Beach, and the Caribbean-set the stage for a taut drama.

WHAT: Author Talk with Tom Hitchcock
WHEN: Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fernandina Beach Library Branch

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in this program should contact (904) 530-6500 or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770(v) or (800) 955-8771(TDD) at least 72 hours in advance to request such accommodations.

-Julie Cannavino
 Asst. Library Director

12/15/21 @ 10:00 a.m.

Once again it is the season for gifting!  This year the Nassau County Public Library has received an ARPA grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  A grant of $100,027 to upgrade several areas of library service.

First on the list is to upgrade the network of all five library branches.  After installation, all five libraries will have fiber lines to access the internet.  With four 50 mg fiber lines and one 100 mg fiber line, sluggish connections will be no more!  Upload of documents such as online job applications and financial assistance forms will be smooth and quick.  Included in this package is static IP addresses which will greatly reduce down time of our third-party software offerings, such as Ancestry Library Edition (ALE) and the content in the online catalog.  The Library will receive managed routers, updated as needed, that reduce budget costs and the staff time required to manage the network and a guaranteed maintenance window.

Another upgrade with this grant is the replacement and upgrade of the Library System’s AWE computers.  These AWEsome children’s computers offer several hundred educational games in the areas of: math, science and nature, social studies and geography, reading, writing and computers skills, reference materials and music.  The new hardware will still feature color coded keyboards and a small mouse, the perfect size for a child’s small hand, but they will also be bilingual English and Spanish, and include new learning games.  The funds will allow the Library to replace all existing nine work stations; and in addition add six tablets.  The tablets can be used anywhere in the Library.  We find adults enjoy these literacy stations as much as children!

Finally, the funds granted will allow the Library to purchase 250 new non-fiction titles, to add to the virtual cloudLibrary collection.  We will be asking all residents to participate in surveys to let staff know what new materials we should add to the collection.

Look for these new services, and more, Coming in 2022!  This project is funded 100% under the provisions of the DLIS Florida American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Florida’s DLIS Florida ARPA program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.

Do you need a library card?  You can get yours online!  Visit the Library’s website at www.nassaureads.com.  Need help?  Or more information? Contact your Public Library at 904-530-6500.

-Dawn Bostwick
 Library Director

12/7/21 @ 10:10 a.m. - The Nassau County Library System is hosting several holiday events for you and your family to enjoy! Please see below for details. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Forde at (904) 530-6506 or via e-mail at mforde@nassaucountyfl.com.

TEEN HOLIDAY PARTY

Date: Thursday, December 9, 2021
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Fernandina Library, 25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach

Open to all teens ages 12-19.

This event will include:

• -games
• -scavenger hunt
• -ugly sweater contest
• -coffee and hot chocolate bar (provided by Starbucks in Fernandina)

TEEN HOLIDAY PARTY

Date: Thursday, December 16, 2021
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Fernandina Library, 25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach

Open to all teens ages 12-19.

This event will include:

• -games
• -scavenger hunt
• -ugly sweater contest
• -coffee and hot chocolate bar (provided by Starbucks in Fernandina)
  

FAMILY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fernandina Library, 25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach

This event will include:

-holiday music
-crafts
-games
-touch-a-truck
-costume characters
-face painting
-musical instrument petting zoo

11/10/21 @ 8:30 a.m. - There will be a Free Fall Family Fun Day at the Bryceville Library this Saturday, November 13th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The event includes:

• Crafts
• Games
• Hayrides
• Activities
• Florida Ranch Petting Zoo
• Musical Instruments
• Balloon Art
• Special Appearances by Sparky the Fire Dog, Smokey the Bear and more

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
 Public Information Officer

10/22/21 @ 8:25 a.m. - The Fernandina Beach Branch Library has another reason to love your local library; we are offering a Passport Day!  The Fernandina Beach Branch Library will have extended hours for passport application processing on Saturday, November 20th, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.  Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome! Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library. Make your appointment by visiting www.nassaureads.com or calling (904) 530-6500.
 
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in this program should contact (904) 530-6500 or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770(v) or (800) 955-8771(TDD) at least 72 hours in advance to request such accommodations. 


-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/21/21 @ 1:00 p.m. - The Fernandina Library will host a book discussion and book signing event with NYT best selling author, Karen White. The featured book is The Attic on Queen Street which is the 7th and final installed in the best-selling Tradd Street series.

Seating is limited so participants are requested to register for the event at www.nassaureads.com.

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

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/12/21 @ 11:15 a.m. - Author and folklorist, Christopher Balzano, has been documenting the unexplained since 1944. Join him at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch on Thursday, October 21st at 6pm, as he discusses his latest novel, Haunted Florida Love Stories.

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

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Event sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library and the Fairbanks House.