The library will be closing at 3 PM on December 5th.
The library will be closed from December 23rd through the 26th.

World AIDS Day, on December 1st, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV and mourning those who have died. HIV attacks the immune system and reduces its resistance to other diseases. Thanks to improved access to treatment, the death rate has decreased by 64% since 2004. The World AIDS Campaign's focus is on year-round communication, prevention, and education.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. The first recorded celebration was in Rome in 336 AD, where the earliest Christmas hymns appear. They're among the oldest compositions still sung. At the Reformation, many Protestants changed the gift bringer from Saint Nicholas to the Christ Child or Christkindl, corrupted to Kris Kringle. The Moravians in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, had the first Christmas trees and Nativity scenes in America. In Britain, Christmas trees were introduced in the early 19th century by the German-born Queen Charlotte. During WWI, informal truces took place for Christmas, from promises to not shoot to socializing, gift-giving, and sports.

New Year's Eve is the last day of the year, December 31st. It's celebrated with dancing, eating, drinking, and fireworks. The Line Islands and Tonga, in the Pacific Ocean, are the first places to welcome the New Year, while American Samoa, Baker Island, and Howland Island are among the last. Many Christian denominations have "Watch Night," where services continue past midnight, people give thanks for the blessings of the outgoing year, and pray for favor during the upcoming year. Watch Night took on special significance in 1862, as enslaved people anticipated January 1, 1863, when the Emancipation Proclamation became effective.

(via Wikipedia)

November Recap!

The little dinosaurs made trouble in our children's department again this year for Dinovember!

We participated in the Junior League of the Emerald Coast's annual Child Clothing Project. This project provides new clothes, shoes, and school supplies to over 300 elementary school students in need from Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The kids were able to "shop" for their items from a pop-up store and do activities with the community partners.

Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade

We'll be closing at 3 PM on Monday, December 5th to participate in the FWB Christmas Parade! The theme this year is "Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes." Be on the lookout for us! How many fairy tales will you be able to spot on our float?

Winter Wonderland Pallet Town

We'll be participating in the city's Winter Wonderland Pallet Town for the first time! Come by Chester Pruitt Park on December 9th from 6-10 PM for family fun and to meet Santa! Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots as admission. If you miss the party, the houses will be up over the weekend for you to go see!

Covenant Care

If you have questions about home health and hospice care, Melody Gaeta from Covenant Care will be here on December 13th from 10-11 AM. She'll be able to guide you to better understand the different options and services and answer your questions. For more information, contact Melody at 857-225-1248 or [email protected].

FWBFD Toy Drive

The FWB Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys, clothing, books, wrapping paper, and tape for their annual Christmas for the Kids. The goal is to give the kids a Christmas they'll remember! Santa is trading in his sleigh for a big red fire truck and will be delivering the donations on Christmas Eve with the firefighters! FWBFD will also be hosting their Firehouse Cruz-Thru Toy Drive on December 10th and 17th from 9 AM-2 PM. Visit Station 6, at 5 Hollywood Blvd NE, to drop off a donation and meet the firefighters! To donate at another time, visit the Library or any other place listed.

Click Here For More Information