Clay County Public Library

I love this library! The staff is so helpful and I love how they have a book sale. They also have a seeds exchange table where you can leave seeds or "borrow" them but you don't really have to give them back so I don't know why it's called borrowing. Hahaha They have great kids section, some projects for kids to do over the summer (besides reading) and tons of planned activities scheduled so that you can plan in advance. The pickup and drop off along with the Libby app to check out books available through the app is awesome. They also have the audiobooks available through the app or physical copies to check out.

With my library card, I have access to an extensive digital library by using libby on my tablet or phone. This has saved me a ton of money on ebooks and audiobooks!Books for sale are at the entrance, and many of them are like new. You can even find some popular titles here.This location has a much larger selection of books and media than the Middleburg branch, which I usually go to. That's not to say the Middleburg location is lacking in any way. It's still my library of choice and played a huge role in my childhood, I have a lot of happy memories here. As an adult, I recently fell in love with the library all over again and consider it one of my safe spaces. No matter which location I go to, the librarians are always helpful and patient with my many questions. I think they're superheroes, to be honest.Like most book lovers, I always look forward to my library trips and am grateful for the great system and resources we have in Clay County.

First, the facility if fine and probably 3.5 stars. However, their library card policy is 0 star. This area is low crime and theft yet they are scared to issue a library card to a license holder of another US state. This is odd since this area has a mix mobile population of veterans, active duty, snow birds, college students, & temp workers. I offered to pay a deposit to give them a sense of security I was not interested in keeping the books. What an embarrassment for Fleming Island- nice way to promote literacy. My daughter wanted to be a librarian and has admired librarians, but this place left her with a disgust for those on a HIGH HORSE about the rules. The director was even grandiose enough to state I must have a Florida license if I stay longer than 15 days. Go to St Johns county library, no wonder they seem more schooled about the world over there, they offer a deposit choice which is fine with me.Are they a library or another annoying DMV shadow? Do your job - promote literacy not useless rules. (Same to the dmv- put safe drivers on the road- your terrible at screening for terrorists with more rules:(

This is the library closest to my house nowadays. Honestly, I prefer the OP location but I think it may just be nostalgia. This library is very nice and has a great book selection. They have quite a few areas to sit and work as well as computers you can use. The real downside to this one is that it is within walking distance from Fleming Island High School so if you go in the early afternoon, you're almost guaranteed to run into a bunch of young teenagers. I'm an old lady now so I get very cranky about people being loud in libraries. I do like the way this place is set up, with the new release area not far from the entrance (always my first stop). They also have an area in the lobby with books, magazines, etc that you can purchase for a donation to the friends of the library (there is a small box to drop your money in).

I worked in an elementary school library and loved it. It was so different than the idea of what most people believe a librarian is...scowling, dour, fussing about noise, complaining about a book's condition. BUT that is not the way of the modern librarian. If a person is to grow up loving books, that love must start while young and the modern librarian is the keeper of the keys that will unlock that love and appreciation. Regardless of what you may read, the Clay County Public Library System is young and growing and a great place to explore the world on a page. I lived on FI and used their library a lot and introduced my granddaughters to the activities presented and the fun of choosing your own books. I have also used the OP library and GCS library and, although the last two mentioned are in older buildings and not quite as "attractive" as FI, they are still fine libraries. I have never had an experience with a rude or disinterested librarian, or uncontrolled children, or lack of a good selection of books. Don't dismiss them as "small town" libraries. They are great!