Jane Austen Friends Fundraiser
The Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries hosted a Jane Austen Friends Fundraiser on February 1, 2026. Many participants dressed in Regency era costume ready for an afternoon worthy of Pemberley. The activities included a tea with delicious tea cakes and finger sandwiches, making shadow silhouettes, faux embroidery bookmarks, flower arranging, dancing a simple Scottish Reel country dance, listening to live music, and trying one’s hand at calligraphy. Photographer, Lou Columbus, took portraits transforming the library setting to a Georgian manor. The event concluded with a lovely raffle from Rifle Paper Company and then of the floral arrangements by Summer Garden Flower Farm.
Thank you to everyone who made this event an absolute delight including: Musicians (Cellists Don Brown and Katja Chatfield), Summer Garden Flower Farm, Suzanne Miller Calligraphy and Lettering, Public Eye, Rifle Paper Company, and Main Street Antiques.
Friends Annual Celebration
March 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The highlight of the evening will be a performance by the impressive Panama City Youth Orchestra! The musical compositions will range from classical to contemporary. Light refreshments will be provided. Join us at the Bay County Public Library for this after-hours event. The program is FREE and open to the public. This performance is generously sponsored by the St. Joe Community Foundation.
A short Friends meeting will follow the performance. Learn what the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries have accomplished in 2025 and the goals for 2026. Thank you for your support of the Friends and our local Bay County libraries!
Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries
Jane Austen Friends Fundraiser
February 1 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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 Dance
Calligraphy: Suzanne Miller Calligraphy & Lettering
Floral Arranging: Summer Garden Flower Farm
Jane Austen Tea Room (25 minute time-slots): Email [email protected] 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 Eventbrite
Held at the Bay County Public Library (898 W. 11th Street, Panama City)
Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries
The Little Mercies Performance
The Talented Tallahassee folk trio, The Little Mercies, performed at the Bay County Public Library on February 26, 2025 generously sponsored by the Friends of the Bay County Public Library. The concert was free for the public and had a full house of attendees from families to winter visitors. The Little Mercies performed their original tunes and old-time folk tunes making it their own. The band includes Bronwyn Chelette on bass and banjo, Rosalee Walsh on fiddle and banjo, and Shanice Richards on fiddle and guitar.
