featured – Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries, Florida

Souper Cookbook Recipes

We Need Your Recipes!

Have you shared a delicious soup at one of our Souper Celebrations? Many folks have been asking for the recipes behind those amazing flavors — and we’re answering the call!

We are excited to announce that we will be putting together a Souper Celebration Cookbook featuring the incredible soups donated by our talented local residents and businesses. From seafood gumbos and rich bisques to hearty chuck wagon chili, Brunswick stew, and more, our past Souper Celebrations have served up a dozen different soups — exotic, healthy, and old-fashioned favorites alike.

If you donated a soup at a recent Souper Celebration, we would love for you to share your recipe! Please send your soup recipe to us so we can include it in the cookbook and help keep the "souper" spirit going strong. Thank you for being part of this wonderful tradition and for helping us create something delicious for everyone to enjoy!

Please provide your recipe below or email it to ffcplflorida@gmail.com. Or drop off the written recipes to the Eastpoint or Carrabelle branches.

The Souper Celebrations continue a legacy started by Jackie Gay back in 1998. In 1998, Jackie Gay, who was an avid supporter of the library, entered her delicious gumbo into the Newman's Own and Good Housekeeping Recipe Contest. She won and was presented a check by Paul Newman for $50,000. She donated the proceeds to building the Carrabelle library. Today community volunteers honor Jackie Gay and continue her tradition by providing their own gumbos, soups, and chili to raise funds in support of the Franklin County libraries.

The community’s help is needed more than ever. Previously the "Rock by the Sea" event provided significant funding for the Franklin County library programs. This event has now relocated to Destin and will no longer be supporting local programs in Franklin County. More than ever, donations of soups and baked good from individuals and businesses as well as event sponsors are needed to offset this significant loss of funding. A sign-up form for soup, bread, and baked goods is available above or sign-up sheets will be in the Eastpoint and Carrabelle libraries. This funding supports library programs like the Summer Reading Program, Storytimes, ANIME Club, Book Chats, Lego Club and more. In addition, the Eastpoint library building is maintained by the Friends with a portion of the cost offset by funding from Franklin County government. The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries is a 501(c)(3) organization and most donations are tax-deductible.

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries at ffcplflorida@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/ffcplfl.

Program & Event Series 2025

Come to the library this month for some family fun! The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries invite you - residents and visitors - to join us for exciting programs at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle branches! From storytimes to crafts to STEM activities, there's something for everyone! These programs, events, presentations and performances offer opportunities for adults, children, and families to come together, explore their creativity, and enjoy time with others. All events are free and open to the public - no library card needed! Supplies are provided.

Tuesday, May 6, 13, and 20, 10:30 am - 12 pm
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Location: Eastpoint Branch
Best suited for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers
For more information: jessie.buchanan@elcnwf.org and 850-704-0746.

Thursday, May 8, 3:30 pm ET
STEM - Design a Parachute
Location: Carrabelle & Eastpoint Branches
Best suited for ages 8-12.

Tuesday, May 13, 12:00 pm-1:30 pm ET
Novels & Nibbles: Monthly Book Club
Book Choice - Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Location: Eastpoint Public Library

Tuesday, May 13, 3:30 pm ET
Story Time & Craft - Are You My Mother
followed by a Mother's Day Craft
Location: Eastpoint & Carrabelle Branches
Best suited for ages 2-6

Tuesday, May 20, 2:30 pm ET
Adult Crafternoons - DIY Modge Podge Art Bracelet
Location: Carrabelle & Eastpoint Branch

Wednesday, May 21, 1:00 pm ET
Writer’s Forum
Location: Eastpoint Branch

For more information, contact the Eastpoint Branch at 160 Hickory Dip Rd, 850-670-8151 or the Carrabelle Branch at 311 St, James Ave (Hwy 98), 850-275-9895. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Summer Reading Program 2025

The Summer Reading Program bursts into color on Monday, June 16th and run until Thursday, July 24th at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle Branches of the Franklin County Public Libraries. Guests can explore the upcoming lineup of events while enjoying playful chalk art, creative games, and snacks. Both library branches will have fun and creative programs and hands-on activities for both kids and adults. Library programs are free and open to the public and participants do not need a library card to participate.

The 2025 Summer Reading Program theme is “Color Our World”, which is all about art and creativity at the library. Everyone is invited to embark on a journey celebrating the many ways in which art enriches our lives. This program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a variety of artistic expressions. As part of this colorful journey, the program will feature a special performance by the Jacki Manna Ventriloquist Show, adding extra entertainment to the summer lineup. Save your spot in your favorite programs here: Summer Reading Program Signups

Click on the highlighted titles below to open the program flyer.

Week 1 - June 16-20

6/16 – Both Branches: SRP Kickoff Parties (Chalk Art & Games) @ 11:00 AM
6/17 - Eastpoint: Kaleidoscope Play & Learn @ 10:30 AM
6/18 – Both Branches: Toddler Time – Color Sorting @ 10:30 AM
6/18 - Eastpoint: Writer’s Forum @ 1:00 PM
6/19 - Juneteenth - CLOSED
6/20 –Teen Art Workshop - Button Making
- Eastpoint: 10:30 AM
- Carrabelle: 2:30 PM

Week 2 - June 23-27

6/23 - Eastpoint: Animal Camouflage @ 11:00 AM
6/23 - Carrabelle: Art Workshop - Gelli Printing 1:00 PM Limited space. Registration suggested.
6/24 – Both Branches: Adult Crafts – Community Puzzle Mural @ 2:30 PM
6/25 – Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) Presents "Puzzle Pieces of Our Past". Registration required, limit 20 per session.
- Eastpoint: 10:00 AM
- Carrabelle: 1:00 PM
6/26 – Both Branches: Kids Art Workshop – Sun Catchers @ 11:00 AM. Ages 6-12 years old.
6/27 – Jacki Manna Ventriloquist Show
- Eastpoint: 10:00 AM
- Carrabelle: 1:00 PM

Week 3 - June 30-July 4

6/30 –Both Branches: Teen Art Workshop – Graffiti Name Fence @ 2:30 PM
7/1 – Carrabelle: Art Workshop - Medallion Pottery @ 1:00 PM Limited space. Registration suggested.
7/2 – Both Branches: Toddler Time – Color Mixing @ 10:30 AM
7/4 – 4th of July - CLOSED

Week 4 - July 7-11

7/8 – Both Branches: Adult Crafts – Ink Art & Watercolor @ 2:30 PM
7/9 – Second Harvest of the Big Bend Presents Eat the Rainbow (Adult Nutrition Class)
- Eastpoint: 10:00 AM
- Carrabelle: 1:00 PM
7/9 – Eastpoint: Novels & Nibbles-Book Club @ 12:00 PM
7/10 –Both Branches: Kids Art Workshop – DIY Kaleidoscopes @ 11:00 AM. Ages 6-12 years old.

Week 5 - July 14-18

7/14 – Both Branches: Teen Art Workshop - Mood Boards @ 2:30 PM. Registration is required.
7/16 – Both Branches: Toddler Time – Finger Painting @ 10:30 AM
7/16 - Eastpoint: Writer’s Forum @ 1:00 PM

Week 6 - July 21-25

7/22 – Both Branches: Adult Crafts – Textured Painting @ 2:30 PM
7/23 - Carrabelle: Art Workshop - Torn Paper Art @ 1:00 PM Limited space. Registration suggested.
7/23 - Eastpoint: Kids Art Class @ 4:00 PM. Registration required. Max: 10
7/24 – Both Branches: Kids Art Workshop – Sand Art @ 11:00 AM. Ages 6-12. Registration is required.

Summer Reading is an annual program that brings children, teens, and families into local public libraries for reading and activities. The benefits to readers in a summer reading program include:

encouragement that reading become a lifelong habit
reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities
reading over the summer helps children keep their skills up
the program can generate interest in the library and books

And it being summer, the program can just be good fun and provide an opportunity for family time.

There is no charge for this program and the public is welcome. This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries. The Carrabelle Branch Library is located at 311 St. James Avenue (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL. For additional information about Carrabelle Library activities, please contact the Carrabelle Branch Library at (850) 275-9895. The Eastpoint Branch is located at 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, FL. For more information about Eastpoint Library activities, contact the Eastpoint Branch Library at (850) 670-8151.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Friends of the Franklin County Library established the Eileen Annie Ball Scholarship to honor a wonderful woman. She was one of the founding members of the Public Library. She believed strongly in the children of Franklin County reaching and working tirelessly with many children in three communities through the Paws Program and the Tigers Program.

The goal of the scholarship is to reach out to help students who have worked to improve their lives in ways that may not be the usual; hard working students reaching for a better life.
DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION!

PROJECTS

The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries have embarked on a beautification project on the Eastpoint Library grounds. This has involved clearing the land and making it ready to build a Gazebo and walkway.

First, thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project. We have been able to accomplish the following:

The area behind the library has been thinned and cleared. A company was hired to cut away the undesirable trees and bushhog the underbrush, almost all the way to East Bayshore Drive.
The invasive Chinese Tallow has been eradicated. We noticed a patch and enlisted Cait Snyder from Apalachicola National Estuary Research Reserve (ANERR) to provide expertise. She walked the area and didn't find any other patches or invasive plants (or snakes!). The tallow were treated and are completely gone.
Four picnic tables have been purchased. Although they are currently in spots at the sides of the library, we will likely move one or some of them to the back when the project is further along.
The back of the library building has been pressure cleaned. The back receives the most shade and was ugly and detracting from our vision of the beautification we seek!
A wildflower grant was reviewed. A library patron dropped by a Florida Wildflower Foundation application. The grant specified that the wildflowers had to be planted in a heavily trafficked area, which the back of the library isn't at this time. Also, we had hoped for major involvement from the Master Gardeners who aren't currently available. The grant has been offered for several years and we may look at it again as we get further along.
The gazebo/pavilion was installed and the walkway completed!

This gazebo and walkway is the result of a process that was dreamed and drawn when the Eastpoint library was first built six years ago. The dream was and is to provide beautification projects to complement the library building. This large project was able to happen thanks to a generous bequest. Future plans for the library grounds include more trails. The Friends is excited to provide this outdoor component that will help to fulfill the mission of access to information and education in an outside setting.

Pen to Paper Writers Series

The Carrabelle Branch of the Franklin County Public Libraries will be hosting an exciting writers’ series entitled, “Pen to Paper” from January through May 2024.

During the series authors will discuss and share the works they have written and those that are in progress. This will be followed by a question and answer session. These friendly and informal sessions are a chance to meet these area authors and ask questions about their experiences. They are open to anyone interested in learning more about these writers or the writing process.

January 29: Pat Stanford & Anthony Watkins
February 19: Sydney Watson & Ginnah Howard
March 4: Tiffany Jo Howell & Sid McOmie
March 25: Pat Stanford & Dawn Radford with guest, Debbie Hooper
April 15: Dale Cox & Thomas Becknell
May 13 @ 2:30 pm: David Adlerstein (Anthony Lee Watkins, who was originally scheduled to participate in this program, will not be able to attend.)

2024 Annual Meeting

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries will be hosting its Annual Meeting at 5 pm at the Carrabelle Branch Library. Members are encouraged to attend and the public is welcome.

There will be a special presentation to Sarah Marxsen, who was instrumental to the start of the library in Carrabelle. We will also share highlights of the year. Refreshments will also be served.

The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) is a 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 1994. The organization was instrumental in the building of two county libraries. With funds donated to the Friends, the current Carrabelle library building was opened in 2002. In addition, through donations, grants, and a USDA loan, the current Eastpoint building and administrative offices were opened in 2013. The Friends provides funding for the Summer Reading Program as well as other programs throughout the year.

The Friends sponsors two soup, bread, and book sales each year with in-kind donations of food and labor from Friends’ members and others in the community. In addition, various other donations from individuals and groups are received each year. The community and those who benefit from library services are encouraged to buy a membership and help support the Franklin County libraries.

For more information, please contact the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries at ffcplflorida@gmail.com or contact the Carrabelle Branch at 311 St, James Ave (Hwy 98), 850-697-2366.

Souper Celebrations: Eastpoint Jan. 18 & Carrabelle Feb. 15

Join us Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Eastpoint and Saturday, February 15, 2025 in Carrabelle for these fun days, featuring delicious homemade soups, freshly baked artisan breads and baked goods, vintage books, live music, local artisans and more. The proceeds support the local library programs in Eastpoint and Carrabelle. The general public is welcome from 10 am - 2 pm ET. Friends members have exclusive early access to the soup sale starting at 9:30 am. Also new members, renewing members and those donating can get a Friends tote bag.

Local residents and businesses bring their delicious made-from-scratch soups like seafood gumbos, seafood bisques, chuck wagon chili, Brunswick stew, and more and freshly baked artisan breads for the Friends volunteers to sell. Past years featured a dozen different soups ranging from exotic to healthy to old-fashioned. The soups and breads sell out very fast so visitors are encouraged to come early to get the best selection. Vintage and used books and used DVDs for all ages are also available for purchase. Your donation of gently used books and DVDs are needed. Drop them by either of our library branches now. We will also need donations of soups and baked goods.

These Souper Celebrations highlight local culture and artistry, including a live performance by the “Ukulilies,” a talented group of ukulele players and singers known for their cheerful tunes and positive vibes. Their repertoire of sing-along songs is perfect for audiences of all ages, making it a delightful musical experience for the whole family. Adding to the event, the SGI Quilters and Lanark Village Wandering Star Quilters will showcase their beautiful handmade creations. These talented quilters celebrate the art of quilting as both a cherished tradition and a modern craft. Guests can admire their work and even learn more about this time-honored skill. This is a family friendly event and all are welcome.

The Souper Celebration continues a legacy started by Jackie Gay back in 1998. In 1998, Jackie Gay, who was an avid supporter of the library, entered her delicious gumbo into the Newman's Own and Good Housekeeping Recipe Contest. She won and was presented a check by Paul Newman for $50,000. She donated the proceeds to building the Carrabelle library. Today community volunteers honor Jackie Gay and continue her tradition by providing their own gumbos, soups, and chili to raise funds in support of the Franklin County libraries.