9/5/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

​Halloween is creeping closer, and the Nassau County Public Library System is helping families get ready for a spooktacular season, while keeping gently used costumes out of the landfill!

The Hilliard Branch Library is hosting a Halloween Costume Swap for all ages. From now through Oct. 9, bring in clean, gently used costumes and receive an exchange ticket for each complete costume donated.

It’s a fun and affordable way to refresh your Halloween look, discover a new costume and give someone else the chance to enjoy yours. Whether you’re planning to be a superhero, princess, pirate or something completely unexpected, one person’s old costume could become your next Halloween favorite!

Bring your costumes to the Hilliard Branch Library, located at 15821 County Road 108, and join the fun. Let’s swap, save and get spooky!

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Communications Officer

8/29/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

Grow your knowledge with Nassau County Public Library System and UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County!

Through this joint program, residents can enjoy free monthly gardening workshops led by UF/IFAS Extension experts.

September's topic: Foodscapes & Edible Landscapes Learn how to incorporate fruits, vegetables and other edible plants into your landscape for a space that is both beautiful and productive!

📅 Thursday, September 10, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Hilliard Branch Library, 15821 County Rd. 108, Hilliard

To learn more about upcoming landscape matters classes, please visit the Nassau County Extension Office webpage. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/14/26 @ 9:30 a.m. 

Protect yourself from scams! Learn how to recognize scams, protect your money, and make smarter financial decisions at this free educational program at the Callahan Library Branch.
Join Ted F. Doss of VyStar Credit Union for an engaging discussion on effective strategies for saving money and avoiding scams. Ted has presented at locations throughout Nassau County, and we’re excited to welcome him to Callahan!

📍 Callahan Library Branch
👥 Recommended for ages 18+
🎟️ Free event — no RSVP required

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to better protect yourself and your finances!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/13/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

​Planning your next adventure? Whether you're renewing your passport or applying for your first one, the Nassau County Public Library is making the process a little easier!

Saturday, August 22, 2026
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fernandina Beach Branch Library
25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach

Passport appointments are required. Passport photos will be available on-site for just $10! 

Schedule your appointment at www.nassaureads.com or call 904-530-6508.

Can't make Passport Day? No problem! Passport applications are accepted during regular library hours, and additional passport acceptance agents will be available beginning August 22 to help meet increased demand.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

6/28/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

Bird watching is a fun and rewarding activity for all ages, and now the Nassau County Public Library System is making it even easier to explore the birds of Northeast Florida. Following the popularity of bird watching programs at the Yulee Branch library, the library has partnered with the Duval Audubon Society to provide bird watch backpacks for patrons at each of the system’s five branches.

These backpacks are available for checkout for two weeks and include binoculars for both children and adults, a guide to backyard birds in Northeast Florida, and a copy of Sibley Birds East. Whether you are spotting birds from your porch, along a wooded trail, or at the beach, these backpacks are a great way to discover the variety of birds found in our area. Stop by your local branch and check one out for your next outdoor adventure!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

6/24/26 @ 9:00 a.m. 

The Art of the Book Cover
An Exhibit Presented by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library
July 7 – August 27
Fernandina Beach Library, the Community Room
 
Art is all around us. Walk into our public library and you will see a kaleidoscope of color and imagery.  Books line the shelves and are sometimes displayed with the covers facing out to entice the reader.

Before a reader turns a single page, before a critic writes a review, before a story finds its audience, the cover speaks first. It whispers mystery, announces authority, seduces curiosity, or radiates emotion. With thousands of books lining the shelves, the cover often determines whether a reader pauses or moves on.
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The art of the book cover sits at the intersection of literature, marketing, psychology, typography, and visual storytelling. It is both commercial and artistic. It must attract attention while remaining faithful to the spirit of the text inside.
So why are covers designed the way they are? How do they influence our reading decisions?
 
The art committee of the Fernandina Beach Friends of the Library decided to find out.
 
They researched “The Art of the Book Cover” and put together a show that will be on exhibit in the Community Room of the Fernandina Beach Public Library.
 
Come and learn about the history of publishing book covers, the science of the book cover design, the influence of e-books and independent book sellers and much more.
 
We hope you will be enlightened and entertained by “The Art of the Book Cover” show that opens July 7th and runs until August 27th.
 
A book cover is a promise.   And we promise to make this exploration enjoyable and informative to all.
 
Please join us this summer at the Library.  It’s going to be fun!

6/22/26 @ 2:00 p.m. 

The Tiny Art Contest has been a tremendous success, with dozens of creative entries submitted by talented artists of all ages. Inspired by this year's Summer Reading theme, Unearth a Story, participants transformed small canvases into unique works of art using a variety of mediums and plenty of imagination.

Now it's time for the community to get involved! All submitted artwork will be on display at the Library from June 17–26 for public viewing and voting. Stop by to admire the creativity on display and cast your vote for your favorite piece.

The contest will conclude with a Winners Reception on June 29 from 3:00–5:00 p.m., where the Friends of the Library will recognize the top three artists. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate the participants and their incredible miniature masterpieces.

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

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/29/26 @ 7:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Library are inviting the community to take part in a creative new program, “Tiny Art! Big Fun!”, open to participants of all ages.

Inspired by this year’s Summer Reading theme at the Fernandina Beach Library, “Unearth a Story,” the project challenges artists to express their imagination on a small canvas. Beginning May 13, supplies and entry information will be available at the library, with a limited number of 75 kits distributed.

Participants can use a variety of mediums, from watercolor and colored pencil to crayons, oil, or mixed media, to bring their ideas to life. Finished pieces will need to be returned by June 10.

Once submitted, the artwork will be displayed at the library from June 17 through June 26, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites. The program will conclude with a reception on June 29, when the Friends of the Library will recognize the top three entries.
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Community members are encouraged to start imagining the story they want to uncover, and turn it into a miniature masterpiece.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Manager

3/10/26 @ 2:00 p.m. 

Reminder! The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library will host their Spring Book Sale from March 11 - March 14, 2026, at the Peck Center Gym located at 510 S. 10th St, Fernandina Beach. 

Thousands of books will be on sale, all sorted into categories that will make it easy to find your favorite authors and subjects. Whether you like fiction or non-fiction, hardcover or paperback, there’s a treasure trove to pick from that includes mysteries, romance, history, WWII, biographies, memoirs, cookbooks, poetry, gardening, decorating, religion, philosophy, arts, and hobbies. The available materials will also include coffee table books, old and unusual books, large print editions and a selection of children's and young adult books, CDs, DVDs, LPs, puzzles, and games.  There is something for everyone and most items are $3 or less!

The Book Sale is open for a Friends of the Library members-only preview sale on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 3:006-6:00 p.m. Non-members may join at the door or you can sign up now at fernandinafol.org or by calling 904-321-6529.

The Book Sale is open to the public (non-members) the following dates/times:

• Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
• Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

All proceeds from the Book Sale will benefit the Fernandina Beach Library. 

3/5/26 @ 8:45 a.m. 

Looking for your next great read or a few books to add to your TBR pile? The Hilliard Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale has something for everyone—from bestsellers and classics to children’s books, cookbooks, audiobooks, and DVDs.

Sale Hours:
• Thursday, March 26: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Friday, March 27: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Saturday, March 28: 9 AM – 12 PM

Every purchase supports the Hilliard Friends of the Library and helps fund programs, events, and special enhancements at the Hilliard Branch Library.

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Communications Officer

2/19/26 @ 4:00 p.m. 

​The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library will host their Spring Book Sale from March 11 - March 14, 2026, at the Peck Center Gym located at 510 S. 10th St, Fernandina Beach. 

Thousands of books will be on sale, all sorted into categories that will make it easy to find your favorite authors and subjects. Whether you like fiction or non-fiction, hardcover or paperback, there’s a treasure trove to pick from that includes mysteries, romance, history, WWII, biographies, memoirs, cookbooks, poetry, gardening, decorating, religion, philosophy, arts, and hobbies. The available materials will also include coffee table books, old and unusual books, large print editions and a selection of children's and young adult books, CDs, DVDs, LPs, puzzles, and games.  There is something for everyone and most items are $3 or less!

The Book Sale is open for a Friends of the Library members-only preview sale on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 3:006-6:00 p.m. Non-members may join at the door or you can sign up now at fernandinafol.org or by calling 904-321-6529.

The Book Sale is open to the public (non-members) the following dates/times:

• Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
• Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

All proceeds from the Book Sale will benefit the Fernandina Beach Library. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

2/4/26 @ 9:15 a.m.

​February was declared as Black History Month in February 1976 through a Proclamation issued by President Gerald Ford. Annually, residents around the country celebrate the achievements of African Americans through various events and activities. 

This month, the Nassau County Public Library System NCPLS will host Black History Read-Ins to encourage communities to read together and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to literature and the arts. During these events, residents are invited bring and share a brief reading (1-2 minutes) from your favorite African American author. However, if you don't want to read, you're welcome to join and listen.

Below is a schedule of read-ins being hosted by the NCPLS: 

Annual African American Read-In at the Fernandina Library
Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  
25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Annual African American Read-In at the Yulee Library
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
76346 William Burgess Blvd., Yulee, FL 32097

If you have any questions, please contact the NCPLS at (904) 530-6500 or email [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

2/3/26 @ 2:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library is hosting their next book sale March 11-14, 2026. At this time, they are seeking donations of gently used books and puzzles to be sold during the event. 

If you have any items you would like to donate, please deliver them to 511 S. 11th Street on Tuesday or Friday between 9am-11am.  The last day for donations is Tuesday, March 3, 2026. All proceeds from the Book Sale will benefit the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library. 

About the FOL
The Friends of the Library is a local, nonprofit organization that supports the library system to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement with programs, advocacy, fundraising and volunteer efforts. For more info, visit https://fernandinafol.org/. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

12/23/25 @ 10:00 a.m. 

At the Wednesday, December 17, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized two County employees for their outstanding years of dedicated service to Nassau County.

Celebrating 25 years of service this month is Scott Lear, a Truck Driver with the Road Department. Road Director Darren Marsh shared that Scott was originally hired as a Maintenance Helper before advancing into his current role. “Scott is now one of our lead, senior truck drivers, and we rely on him to train future truck drivers,” Marsh said. “He is a true team player and is always one of the first to step up when help is needed in other areas. That kind of effort and dedication is hard to find, and I appreciate Scott for all he has done.”

Also recognized was Youth Librarian Michelle Forde, who is celebrating 20 years of service to Nassau County. Director of Strategic Advancement Brandy Carvalho highlighted Michelle’s tremendous impact on the community, noting that she facilitates at least five youth programs each week. That's more than 260 programs annually! “Over 20 years, that’s 5,200 times Michelle has introduced children to curiosity, learning, and often their very first library card,” Carvalho said. “She has inspired Nassau County youth to become lifelong learners. It takes a special person to do this work, and we are grateful she has chosen to share her talents with Nassau County.”
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The Board of County Commissioners extends its sincere appreciation to Scott Lear and Michelle Forde for their years of dedicated service, professionalism, and commitment to serving the residents of Nassau County. Their contributions have made a lasting, positive impact on the community, and the Board thanks them for their continued service to Nassau County and its citizens.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

11/25/25 @ 9:00 a.m. 

​The holidays are here, and the Nassau County Public Library is ready to celebrate! Join us this December for free holiday programs including crafts, storytimes, and festive activities for the whole family. Come make memories and share the holiday spirit with your community!

For full details and a schedule of events, visit nassaureads.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer