Beach for Books keeps magic alive

PANAMA CITY BEACH — This year's Beach for Books is going back to where the magic happens — the library.

"This year is a new approach, bringing it to the library itself," said Deborah Davidson, secretary of the Panama City Beach Library Foundation. "As a child I was always at the library, a magical place for me with books you could get lost in — still is."

Beach for Books is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Panama City Beach Library, 12500 Hutchison Blvd.

"Bring people into the library and let them see what we're doing. It's still going to have that intimate feeling with food, beverages and silent auctions that aren't possible without sponsorship from the local community," said Davidson, who added past events have taken place at area convention centers. "It started out as just a little reception with a little food and beverages, but it has evolved to a bigger meal than planned."

Guests will enjoy a sampling from area restaurants, including She Crab Soup from Firefly, hummus platters from Zoes Kitchen, and sandwiches from Chicken Salad Chick, as well as Olive Garden's salad, bread sticks and pasta with marinara. Sweeten the evening with peach cobbler from Shane's Rib Shack, rolls and cinnamon buns from Texas Roadhouse and Fatty Patty's cakes. Tastings from Nivol Brewery and Panama City Beach winery also are included in the $30 ticket price. Each ticket also include two drink tickets to use for sodas, water, beer or wine.

All funds from Beach for Books go directly to support library's programs and purchase books and supplies.

"Since our inception in 2010, due to our generous sponsors and supporters, the Panama City Beach Library Foundation has provided over $30,000 in supplemental funding to the Panama City Beach Library. These funds have been provided for the purchase of additional reading materials, technology, to fund the children’s summer programs, and much more," Davidson said.

Silent auction items include gift certificates for area restaurants, such as Bayou On the Beach, salons, photography, charter trips, condo stays and gym services; gift and wine baskets and jewelry. Sponsors of the 2017 Beach For Books include Bayou on the Beach; Bill Cramer Chevrolet; Innovations Federal Credit Union; Tipton, Marler, Garner & Chastain; Hill Family Properties.

Robin Shader, Northwest Regional Library director, is a member of the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews that will be providing the evening's musical entertainment.

"We did two performances at the beach library for the summer reading program. The foundation paid for kazoos and egg shakers. It was really noisy but a lot of fun," said Shader, who added the group performs songs for children and adults. "We're always looking to provide memorable wow experiences for our audiences, and we want people to leave with a positive experience from the library."

The Northwest Florida Regional Library System currently has 10 ukuleles.

"These can be checked out for three weeks just like a book," Shader said. "Currently, we have 10 in our library system. You can go into the computer system and make a request."

Ukuleles were donated by the Friends of the Bay County Libraries, an individual donor and the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews, which plans to donate even more.

"Two will go and live at the beach library," Shader added. "The library is really more popular than ever. We have books to check out, but we have so much more to offer — 3D printing, opportunities to get access to information and fun, the ukuleles. It's important to keep activities with peer groups to learn and explore with your peer group; there's something for all ages. We can help them."

In addition to Book Babies and Storytime, Beach Kids recently was added for ages 5 and older to the children's programming at the Panama City Beach Library.

"The third program features S.T.E.A.M. and S.T.E.M. activities each week. It's very well attended," said Laura Laspee, Panama City Beach branch manager. "In January, I'm hoping to start a homeschool book club."

Beach Kids has included Color Mixing, while Panama City Beach's Summer Reading program included Animal Architects and STEM. During STEM, Shader and Sam Hudson, Bay County Public Library Teen Librarian, introduced the 3D printer and other STEM technologies.

"The number of people coming to the programs is sheer evidence we are providing education and fun," Laspee said. "Reading to kids even from tiny babies helps with basic speech and listening skills and teaches them how to communicate with new experiences. Also, it helps them to concentrate and know reading is fun. I always say if you can start children very small they can continue as lifelong readers."

On Sept. 19, National Talk Like a Pirate Day, Book Babies featured pirate stories, crafts and buried treasure.

"Our program was packed with 75 people here yesterday for Talk Like A Pirate Day," Laspee said Wednesday. "I think the foundation has been wonderful and show so much caring and love for library and the programs. Many members have brought their children to these programs. The community as a whole loves the library so much, shows so much support and wants to see is grow. I'd like to see the money be used for further development of the programs."

What: Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews, tastings from local restaurants, beer tasting from Nivol Brewing, silent auction, beer and wine; hosted by The Panama City Beach Library Foundation

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28

Where: Panama City Beach Library, 12500 Hutchison Blvd.

Tickets: $30 each (includes two drink tickets); available at the library in advance or at the door, or online at Eventbrite

Details: 850-233-5055 or www.nwrls.com

Beach for Books

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