St. Johns County Public Library System

The Name of the Librarian on record was John C. Wilson, president and the library reported that (1000) books had been issued during the year for home use.

By the 1970s there were three independent libraries in St. Augustine, Hastings and Mill Creek serving the residents of St. Johns County.

Through the hard work and dedication of many supporters, especially the members of the Association of American University Women, a Library System was born.

[6] The library systems six branches are: Anastasia Island, Bartram Trail, Hastings, Main (Downtown, St. Augustine), Ponte Vedra, Southeast and the Bookmobile-Extension Services.

[9] The Anastasia Island Branch is the newest of the St. Johns County Libraries, first opening its doors on August 11, 2007.

This is due to its proximity to the beach, which attracts a large number of long term visitors from other states and countries.

This was especially evident after Hurricane Matthew, as many came to the Library for emotional support, a free meeting place, and for recovery information.

The County paid the rent, electricity and the salary of one branch manager, Nancy Tanzler and was only open about 20 hours a week.

[11] The Town of Hastings’ first free-lending library was started in 1906 by the St. Johns Methodist Episcopal Church until the building was torn down in 1930.

[6] The Main Library is located in the downtown St. Augustine area, at 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd.

[12] The Northeast Corner of Florida was dubbed “The First Coast” in the 1980s to pay tribute to the place where Europeans first set foot on U.S. soil in St. Augustine (the new name was also a marketing ploy to attract more tourists).

In 1895 the Wilson family purchased a home on Aviles Street, which was the birthplace of Confederate General Edmund Kirby-Smith, and relocated the library to this location.

The later efforts of the American Association of University Women and the Junior Service League led to the establishment of a county library system.

Today the Main Library continues to serve the community at its present location on Ponce de Leon Boulevard next to the Davenport Park.

[15] The Southeast Branch opened its doors to the public on October 1, 2003 in response to a growing need for library services in the southern part of St. Johns County.

This bookmobile is called the Bluebird Express and is able to service a larger population of St. Johns County.