Friends of Bay County Public Libraries

Friends Celebration
2020-01-07 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Come celebrate the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries! Light refreshments will be provided. Tour musician Sean Gaskell will provide a fascinating concert performing traditional songs on the 21 stringed West African Kora.
Sean Gaskell features traditional songs on the Kora, a 21 string harp that he learned how to play throughout the course of multiple visits to its homeland in Gambia, West Africa. The music is traditionally played by oral and musical historians known as Griots (Gree-ohs). The Kora is a very melodic and seemingly peaceful instrument, which is contrary to its musical repertoire. Many songs tell ancient stories of war and hardship, while others praise people of high political status and those who helped expand the Mande empire.
While the Kora is only 300 years old, some commonly played songs can be traced back 800 years to the founding of the Mande empire. Gaskell has studied extensively under the instruction of Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh, both of Brikama, Gambia. He was first inspired to play by Kane Mathis, a Kora player formerly based in Seattle who has lead “The Kora Band” and “The Sahel Band”. Gaskell relocated from Seattle to Asheville, North Carolina in 2014. He has been featured at a number of music festivals in the US, Gambia, and Senegal.

Friends Presents Concert: Nikki Talley
2020-03-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States

Annual Membership Meeting
2021-03-15 18:00 - 18:30 | FL
Please join us for the Annual Membership Meeting of the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries on March 15, 2021, at 6 PM CT.

Due to the pandemic, we will meet virtually via Zoom. You can pre-register here, and you’ll receive an email with information on how to join the meeting via computer or phone.

Since this will be a virtual meeting, we’ll only have a short business meeting where current Friends’ members can vote on the 2021 Friends’ Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee recommends the following slate:

President: Regina Burgess
1st Vice President: Shelley Clark
2nd Vice President: Sally Mathis
Secretary: Sean Brosnan
Treasurer: Sharon Mayberry
At Large: James McCalister
At Large: Ashley Ice
At Large: Martha Spiva
At Large: Brittany Rock

Additional nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of the nominee.

Annual membership dues remain the same for 2021: Individual ($10); Family ($20); Patron ($100); Corporate ($200). You may pay online at https://www.friendsofbaycounty.org/membership/.

Friends Presents Concert Series: Dionzia Santiago & Lowell Hopper
2022-03-10 18:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Dionzia Santiago has a powerful, earthy voice that bridges the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll.

Lowell Hopper is a guitarist/multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, known mostly for his soulful, funky, and bluesy guitar style.

Performance will follow a short Friends meeting. Concert open to everyone!

Annual Membership Celebration
2022-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
After a short business meeting (see agenda), we’ll enjoy the sounds of local musicians Dionzia Santiago & Lowell Hopper.

Join the Friends or renew your membership before March 10th, and we’ll enter you into a random drawing to win a gift certificate to Ferrucci Ristorante or Los Antojitos.

Friends Presents Concert Series: Leana Carter
2022-05-12 18:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Leana Carter is a a singer/songwriter who has a folk pop sound with a soulful edge! She’ll perform a mix of covers and originals.

Friends Presents Concert Series: Woods the Band
2022-07-14 18:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Woods the Band are a talented, local father/daughter trio of singer/songwriters: Christopher, Emma, and Lydia Woods. They perform a mix of original songs and Americana covers.

Friends Presents Concert Series: Kelsey & Tylor
2022-09-08 18:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Kelsey and Tylor are a duo known for a hauntingly delicate voice, paired with earthy guitar playing. Their sound is rooted in folk and Americana music, which contributes to their unique take on the covers they perform, as well as the originals Kelsey writes.

Murder in the Library
2022-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Will you be able to figure out “who done it?” Join us for an evening of fun, food, and a cash bar (ID required for alcohol purchases).

Our evening begins with a book signing party for mystery author Agatha Mystry, a rather unpopular mystery author. After being toasted and roasted by our suspects, Agatha drops dead.

Help chief of police Sam Slayed (played by Michael Lister) discover who done it:

Kimberly Kashingin, Hollywood movie star (played by Neysa Wilkins, WJHG evening news anchor)Lotta Books, the head librarian (played by Lois Carter of the Kaleidoscope Theatre)Dell Doubleday, the writer’s publisherDalton B. Walden, the local booksellerPaige Turner, the cynical book criticThe Governator, the politician

Author Agatha Mystry will be played by Sarah Burris.

Friends Presents Concert Series: Janelle Frost
2022-11-03 18:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Janelle Frost is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She is a singer of songs and a teller of stories!

Friends Presents Concert Series: Michael R. J. Roth
2023-01-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Michael R. J. Roth has been called “a cool dark troubadour” with songs known for intriguing imagery and “deep, profound truth.” He is a three-time lyric winner of the The Great American Song Contest, and lyric winner of the NSAI Song Contest, the Dallas Songwriters Association, the Austin Songwriters Group and the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. See more at http://easyheroes.com/. Free admission and no reservations required to attend the Friends family-friendly, after hours concert series held at the Bay County Public Library. The performances are sponsored by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.

Annual Friends of the Library Celebration
2023-03-09 17:45 - 19:30 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Join us for a quick business meeting and then stay for refreshments and a great concert with Marc Black!

Marc Black: Boppa Chua! The History of the 1950s and 60s through Popular SongNew York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Marc Black, will be your guide through an evening of song, storytelling and laughter through these two historically defining decades. Marc will also perform his own group’s top forty hit from his tour with The Doors, Neil Diamond, The Dave Clark Five and Van Morrison (‘Happy’ by the ‘Blades of Grass’).

Free admission and no reservations required to attend the Friends family-friendly, after-hours concert series held at the Bay County Public Library. Performance sponsored by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.

Friends Presents Concert Series: Corey Hall
2023-05-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States

Friends Presents Concert Series: Michael Lister and Friends
2023-07-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States

Escape the Library Fundraiser
2023-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Dive into a world of enchantment and mystery with the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries as they host “Escape the Library,” an immersive escape room experience. This fundraiser event promises an evening of thrilling puzzles, teamwork, and a touch of whimsy inspired by the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland.

About the Game: Librarian Emily returns to the library after hours to retrieve her forgotten cardigan. However, much like Alice, she tumbles down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world. Participants will form teams and race against the clock, solving a series of puzzles to help Emily “Escape the Library.” The first three teams to successfully guide Emily out of this wonderland will win exciting prizes.

Don’t have a team? No worries! The organizers will ensure everyone gets a chance to participate by forming teams on the spot.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Recommended ages: 13+

Why Attend? Not only will attendees enjoy a captivating evening, but they will also be supporting a noble cause. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Bay County Public Libraries in their mission to provide quality resources and services to the community.

About Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries: Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting and enhancing the services provided by the Bay County Public Libraries. Through fundraisers and community events, they aim to ensure the library remains a vital resource for the community.

Decked Out for Death
2024-02-17 18:00 - 20:30 | One Thirty-One Harrison – Events by Trigo, 131 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Decked Out for Death – Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser

SOLD OUT

Join us for a thrilling evening of mystery, suspense, and delicious food at the One Thirty One Events by Trigo in Panama City, FL. Get ready to solve a captivating murder case while enjoying a mouthwatering dinner.

The Captain of this chaotic cruise has his hands full! It’s an event that promised love was in the cards, but the hot tub isn’t working, the speed dating session got cancelled, and bingo and shuffleboard seem to be the highlight of the trip. Join the crew and find out what what’s in store for all these singles “looking for love.” They might find it… or they might not!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us and immerse yourself in the world of crime and intrigue. With professional actors from Act4Mystery, this event promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

There is no set dress code for this event, but guests are welcome to dress glamorously as if they are on a cruise ship during formal night!

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Book your tickets now and prepare to be decked out for death!

Annual Membership Celebration
2024-03-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Our Annual Membership Celebration is scheduled for March 14 @ 6 p.m. at the Bay County Public Library.

We’ll begin with an hour’s entertainment: Mountain Sam Wheelock is an authentic part of the heritage of the music and subculture of the southern Appalachians.His knowledge of the region’s music runs deep. A Story and a Song is a one-man production about growing up in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, the grandson of a convicted moonshiner. The extended Carter Family often played in an aunt’s front yard. The mission is to be respectful of that form while being active in the evolution of roots music. For more information about Sam Wheelock, visit www.samwheelockmusic.com/.

This after hours program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

A short Friends membership meeting will follow the performance.

Please considering become a member of the Friends or donate to help us support the library.

The Bay County Public Library is located at 898 W. 11th Street, Panama City. For more information about the Bay County Writers Fest or other library programming, call 850-522-2100 or visit www.nwrls.com.

Blood on the Bayou: Murder Mystery Fundraiser Dinner
2025-02-28 18:30 - 21:30 | Holley Center at FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Come join us for a thrilling evening at the FSU Holley Center for our Murder Mystery Fundraiser Dinner! Get ready to put your detective skills to the test as you try to solve a mysterious crime while enjoying a delicious meal and a cash bar.

Also, bid on some fantastic items in our silent auction. This in-person event promises to be a night full of suspense, laughter, and great food. Don’t miss out on the chance to support a good cause while having a blast!

Step into a world of intrigue and suspense at the Blood on the Bayou, a captivating murder mystery dinner event!

You’re cordially invited to the prestigious annual masquerade ball hosted by the enchanting Claudette La’Rue, now the sole heiress of the vast Sweet Dreams sugar empire, following the untimely demise of Daddy La’Rue (Lord, bless the dead!).

As Claudette navigates her promising new union with Caleb, the scion of the Louis family, all appears prosperous in both love and business. However, the night takes a sinister turn when a ghastly murder threatens to shatter her sweet dreams.

Don your finest Mardi Gras mask and join forces with the astute Detective Gunn to unearth the truths hidden behind masks of betrayal, vengeance, and startling revelations. Will you help crack the case in this thrilling tale of deception?

Join us and become part of the detective’s elite krewe at this unforgettable evening of mystery and drama!

Purchase Tickets

Friends Annual Celebration
2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Our Annual Membership Celebration is scheduled for March 20 @ 6 p.m. at the Bay County Public Library.

Join us for a concert by Lucky Mud with special guest, Sierra Everly. The set will be a combination of Lucky Mud’s original Americana folk tunes and several Celtic tunes. Free and open to the public to attend. Program generously sponsored by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.

This after hours program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

A short Friends membership meeting will follow the performance.

Please considering become a member of the Friends or donate to help us support the library.

The Bay County Public Library is located at 898 W. 11th Street, Panama City. For more information about the Bay County Writers Fest or other library programming, call 850-522-2100 or visit www.nwrls.com.

Jane Austen Friends Fundraiser
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Join us for a charming afternoon inspired by the world of Jane Austen! Enjoy tea, tea cakes, finger sandwiches, live music, and delightful activities worthy of Pemberley itself. Regency attire is warmly encouraged, but not required. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries, helping support programs and resources at our local libraries.

Musicians: Katja Chatfield and Don Brown with the opportunity to learn a simple Scottish Reel Country DanceCalligraphy: Suzanne Miller Calligraphy & LetteringFloral Arranging: Summer Garden Flower FarmJane Austen Tea Room (25 minute time-slots): Email membership@baycountylibraryfriends.org if in a group.

Attendees may bring additional cash donations to participate in a raffle generously donated by Rifle Paper Company. This bundle includes a Jane Austen ‘In Bloom” Book set and Ladies Night Book Club items. Additional raffle items include the Jane Austen inspired floral arrangements by Summer Garden Flower Farm. $5 for 1 ticket or $20 for 5 tickets.

Sunday, February 1 from 2 – 4 p.m.Ticketed Event – $75 on EventbriteHeld at the Bay County Public Library (898 W. 11th Street, Panama City)
