Submitted by Evelyn C. McDonald
Arts & Culture Reporter
February 11, 2016 3:17 p.m.
Last Thursday evening, the Friends of the Library held a gala to celebrate the newly refurbished Fernandina Branch Library. “Food for Thought” featured local chefs with food menus suggested in books, special book-themed drinks (Tequila Mockingbird was one), and individuals dressed as characters from books.
The new library has a large community room just off the lobby. It was filled with artwork created by local artists. The Friends of the Library put together a committee to select the art. It is impressive to see what talents we have in this community. The artwork can be purchased and donated to the library. As a matter of fact, there are various ways you can donate to the library. If you join the Friends at a higher level than their basic membership, the library will buy a book and put your name in it as a donor.
The library looks great. It’s bright and airy with seating areas and space to browse. Of course, space was at a premium at the gala as it was well-attended. That’s a tribute to the enthusiasm for the library as it had rained all day. There was also a surprising attendee.
At one point, I pointed out someone to a friend and noted that he was a dead ringer for Jacques Pepin. Yes, the friend replied, that is because it is Jacques Pepin. Apparently Pepin, well known from TV and cookbooks, spends time here in the winter. What a nice gesture for him to come to the celebration. I tried to put myself in the place of one of our local chefs who would look up and realize that the man nibbling on their food was a renowned chef. For those who may be interested, Pepin is scheduled to do a book signing on February 27 at the Book Loft.
Had it not been pouring outside, there would have been a dedication ceremony honoring the donors who helped make the library renewal a reality. The city and the county both contributed funds. The city provided oversight of the construction project. They are to be thanked for their contribution.
In addition to those who provided funds, the new library benefitted from the dedication and hard work of the Friends of the Library. They had a vision and the stamina to stick to it despite sometimes hostile criticism. What I find interesting is that a number of the members of the Friends can easily buy whatever books they want yet they remain steadfast in their belief that libraries are essential to a free and productive society.
To which I can only add, “Bravo.”
Editor’s Note: Bill Flynn, president and Dee Torre, vice president of the Friends of the Library announced Thursday, that the FOL is close to reaching its capital campaign goal to raise 2.4 million dollars. $53,000 is needed to meet their fundraising efforts. Donation can be made by clicking here.
Evelyn McDonald moved to Fernandina Beach from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. in 2006. She is a chair of Arts & Culture Nassau, a city commission charged with support of the arts in Nassau County. She serves on FSCJ’s Curriculum Committee for the Center for Lifelong Learning. She is also the chair of the Dean’s Council for the Carpenter Library at the UNF. Ms. McDonald has MS in Technology Management from the University of Maryland’s University College and a BA in Spanish from the University of Michigan.