3/14/23 @ 12:40 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library will host a free beading class for teens ages 13-17. During this class, you will learn how to make a stretchy bracelet from start to finish.

WHAT: Beading Class
WHEN: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 3pm-7pm
WHERE: Fernandina Library Branch, 25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

RSVP at www.nassaureads.com.

This class is sponsored by Front Porch Beads. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Fernandina Library at (904) 530-6500, option 1. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/2/23 @ 10:00 a.m. 

In January, the Library announced a new informational series "Welcome to the Library" where residents can come in, have a cup of coffee and learn more about everything the Nassau County Public Library System has to offer. Examples include issuing of passports, foreign language programs, e-Books, movie streaming services, technology assistance, and more! 

The next two sessions have been scheduled for Wednesday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. and Monday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. at the Fernandina Beach Library. 

RSVP at www.nassaureads.com. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer 

2/23/23 @ 3:45 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library will host an Author Talk with Olivia deBelle Byrd on Thursday, March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. Join them and enjoy a humorous talk of Southern anecdotes. Like many Southerners, Olivia has a knack for turning ordinary happenings into entertainment. This award-winning author's books will be available for purchase at the event. 

There is no fee to participate in this event. Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations in order to participate in this program should contact the Library at (904) 548-4660 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. 

Event sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/20/23 @ 12:00 p.m.

The Hilliard Library Branch will host an African American Read-In event on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6pm. Join us as Reverend Johnnie Green leads us in reading poetry and other selections by African American authors. You may participate by bringing a 1-2 minute reading from any material written by an African American. Participation is not required, but encouraged.

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

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/17/23 @ 10:15 a.m. - 

Last week, Dawn Bostwick retired after 27 years of outstanding service to the County. Dawn began her employment as a Librarian in June 1995 and was promoted to Library Director in October 2000. During her 22 years as Director, Dawn was instrumental in growing our Library System into what it is today. 

In 2001, Dawn led efforts to partner with Florida State College at Jacksonville to open the Yulee Library Branch. Then in 2003, she led the Library to partner with the Bryceville Community Club to open the Bryceville Library Branch. Dawn also fostered relationships within the community. Those partnerships led to establishment of various "Friends" groups which work closely with the Library system on library programs and fundraising initiatives. In 2014, the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library raised $2.5 million to expand and remodel the Fernandina Library Branch. At this time, the County has five Library branches to serve the residents of Nassau Count, all of which Dawn was responsible for staffing and operations. 

Dawn is also credited for implementing the Passport Program at the Library, a program in which residents can get renew their passports or obtain new passports. This program proved to be successful as it raises almost $100,000 in additional revenue for the Library System each year. She worked hard every year to obtain grants to assist the Library in costs for operations and purchase of new materials, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dawn secured a grant that allowed the Library System to introduce the library lockers. These lockers allow residents to checkout and return library materials outside of normal business hours.  

Dawn's last day of employment with the County was Friday, February 10th. The Board extends best wishes to Dawn and wishes her many years of health and happiness in the years to come. At this time, Assistant Library Director, Julie Cannavino, is serving as Interim Director. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/31/23 @ 12:15 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library will be hosting a new program: The Fighting Baileys: Florida's Black Military Experience event on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM

During World War II and Korean War, seven brothers from a black Punta Gorda family served overseas. Yet, the family received no acclaim for over fifty years for their exploits. From a high-flying Tuskegee airman to a grunt in the Red Ball Express, the Bailey brothers’ struggles in a Jim Crow south speak to the hidden and ongoing struggle to accord black Americans in their place in the military. The library’s seating capacity is limited. Please pre-register to attend by calling 941-764-5562 or visiting the registration link.

James Abraham is a former journalist who now edits and publishes books. His Book-Broker Publishers, which he founded in 2004, has produced and edited more than 500 books in a variety of genres. Abraham is a writing coach, critic, and lecturer. He has conducted the longest-running race relations class in Charlotte County. A graduate of Oberlin College, Abraham is the author of Century: A People’s History of Charlotte County.

This Florida Talks program is a partnership between Florida Humanities and the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library. Funding for this program was provided by Florida Humanities.

ACCOMMODATIONS

​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

1/25/23 @ 8:30 a.m. 

Kick off Black History Month by attending the annual African American Read-In at the Fernandina Beach Library on Monday, February 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. This event is free and open to everyone. Anyone wishing to participate in the Read-In can bring a 1-2 minute reading material written by an African American. 

If you have any questions, please contact Julie Cannavino at (904) 530-6500 or via e-mail at jcannavino@nassaucountyfl.com. 

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Library and will be hosted by former Assistant Library Director, Janet Loveless. Janet retired in May 2021 after 25 years of service to the Nassau County Public Library System. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/11/23 @ 2:15 p.m. - Everyone knows that the library offers a variety of books for you to read. However, did you also know that Nassau County's Library offers a variety of other services at no cost to you? Examples including issuing of passports, foreign language programs, e-Books, movie streaming services, technology assistance, and more! 

Join the Library for "Welcome to the Library", two informational sessions on everything the library has to offer.

The first event will take place on Wednesday, January 18th at 10am. The second event will take place on Monday, January 30th at 5:30 p.m. Both will be held at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch located at 25 N. 4th Street. 

Coffee will be served. Both events are free however you are requested to RSVP at www.nassaureads.com. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/19/22 @ 3:50 p.m. - On Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., popular local author, Joe Palmer, will lead an animated discussion on his writing process and update everyone on a book he’s currently writing. He also has some exciting news to share about his most recent novel A Mariner’s Tale. The event will take place at the Fernandina Beach Library located at 25 N. 4th Street. 

The event is free, however pre-registration is required. Reserve your spot today at www.nassaureads.com. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer