Friends of Brentwood Library

04/13/2026

Saturday night, the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists recognized the incredible story by WJXT reporter Amanda DeVoe for her work, “Echoes of Freedom: 125 Years of Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at their annual awards ceremony in Orlando. 🏆✨

Sharon C**n proudly represented the Friends of Brentwood Library and was honored to be part of celebrating this well-deserved recognition. 💛

📺 You can watch Amanda's feature story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH7s6Ch_mVo

👏 Congratulations to WJXT, and a heartfelt thank you to Amanda and the entire WJXT team for helping the Friends of the Brentwood Library amplify the message behind our annual Lift Every Voice & Sing Festival.

While Amanda may now be reporting in Minneapolis—an exciting move to a Top 15 media market—Friends of Brentwood Library is proud to have been part of her journey, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts. 💫

Moments like this remind us how powerful storytelling can be in preserving history and inspiring future generations. 🎶📖

04/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to Brentwood Library on Saturday to celebrate the power of reading and the bright future of our community! 📚✨

We were so proud to host the Mr. T’s Reading Challenge – “Readers Are Leaders” Awards Ceremony—and it was nothing short of inspiring:

🥁 The Andrew Jackson High School Tigers drumline set the tone for a powerful and uplifting afternoon!

🎤 A special thank you to our dynamic emcee, Deja Mayfield of Action News Jax, who kept the energy high and the program moving seamlessly!

📖 Director Tim Rogers of the Jacksonville Public Library kicked off the program and welcomed everyone.

🏛️ We were also honored to hear from Charles Griggs, Director of Community Initiatives for the City of Jacksonville Mayor’s Office, whose words reinforced the importance of investing in our youth.

👏 And a huge thank you to Paula S. Renfro, Chief Academic Officer for Duval County Public Schools, for leading such a meaningful and FUN student recognition!

💛 A very special acknowledgment to our Matriarch and Founder, Sharon C**n—it wouldn’t be a Friends of the Brentwood Library event without you!

🌟 The true stars of the day though, were the incredible student readers from:
📚 Highlands Estates Academy
📚 North Shore Elementary
📚 Pickett Elementary
📚 KIPP VOICE Academy

Your confidence, passion, and love of reading inspired everyone in the room—you are truly leaders in the making. 💛

🤝 Many thanks to all of the incredible volunteers, including the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity 💙🤍 and several Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members too 💜💛, as well as Masonic organizations and Eastern Star—this event would not have been possible without your support of time, talent, and treasure!

This is what it looks like when a community comes together to uplift literacy, leadership, and opportunity!

📖 BECAUSE WHEN OUR CHILDREN READ, THEY WILL BE PREPARED TO LEAD!

03/22/2026

✨ Legacy + Community = A Reason to Celebrate! ✨

The story of the 126th Anniversary of Lift Every Voice and Sing couldn’t fit into just a standard-size newsletter for March — so we’ve expanded it to share all the great events!

From unforgettable performances and community partnerships to a powerful celebration of history and culture, this issue captures the heart of Brentwood.

📖 Take a moment to explore all the pages and photos — and witness what happens when our community comes together with purpose.

💜 This is what impact looks like.

02/18/2026

02/01/2026

🧥❄️ URGENT CALL FOR CHILDREN’S COATS ❄️🧥

We’re reaching out with an urgent request for your support! The Friends of the Brentwood Public Library received a time-sensitive call yesterday for children’s coats for students in grades K–5 (sizes 5–14). With dangerously cold temperatures in the forecast, this need is immediate.

🎯 Our goal: Collect 40 children’s coats by February 10, 2026 — and every single coat makes a difference.

📍 Drop-off options:

🗓 Sunday: For those connected with St. Paul AME, donations may be dropped off with Sister Bobbie Lesence through the James L. Williams, Sr. Lay Organization.

⛪ Community Outreach: Mrs. Darlene Spann of Wayman Chapel AME is also coordinating collections through her congregation and local partners.

📚 Monday, February 2: Drop off at the Brentwood Public Library

📍 3725 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

🕛 Library opens at 12:00 PM

🧼 We request that coats be new or gently worn and clean.

Thank you for showing up for our children and helping keep them warm during this cold snap.

Your generosity truly matters! 💜

01/29/2026

Have ideas for the NEW Brentwood Branch Library? 📖
Come share them TONIGHT!

🗓 Thursday, January 29 | 🕠 5:30 PM
📍 KIPP V.O.I.C.E. Academy

Join community members, library partners, and designers for an open house focused on vision, feedback, and possibility.

11/14/2025

🎨✨ Join Us for the Art From the Heart Bookmark Contest Awards! ✨🎨

Friends of the Brentwood Library invites you to celebrate our amazing young artists at the Art From the Heart Bookmark Contest Awards Program & Reception!

🗓 Saturday, November 22, 2025
⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Brentwood Public Library, 3725 N. Pearl Street

Come enjoy a morning of creativity, recognition, and community as we honor the students who shared their artistic talents with us this year. Families, teachers, and neighbors are all welcome! 💛📚

Please RSVP: [email protected]

We can’t wait to celebrate these incredible young creators! ✨

11/12/2025

📣 Jacksonville parents, caregivers, and neighbors—quick favor!
Ask your elementary school principal if their school has signed up yet for Mr. T's Reading Challenge with the Friends of Brentwood Library yet. Spots are limited to the first 5 elementary schools—and each participating school can earn up to $425 in student & teacher prizes. 🎉📚

✅ NEED YOU TO: Send a quick email or call your principal today and ask, “Have we signed up for Mr. T's Reading Challenge with Friends of the Brentwood Library yet?”

Link to details are in the first comment below.

Let’s make sure your Brentwood-area kids and teachers don’t miss out! 💙

09/13/2025

🎨📚 Calling All Student Artists & Readers! 📚🎨

The Friends of Brentwood Library invite students to enter the Art from the Heart Bookmark Contest 2025 💖✨

🖌 Create your own original bookmark design (on the template provided)
💬 Include your own quote about reading
🚫 No licensed characters or copyrighted material

🏆 Cash Prizes by Grade Level:

Grades K–2: $25

Grades 3–5: $50

Grades 6–8: $75

Grades 9–12: $100

Winning bookmarks will be displayed at the Brentwood Public Library! 🎉

📅 Entry Deadline: October 14, 2025 by 6:00 PM

📍 Submit at Brentwood Branch Library (3725 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206)

🌟 Awards Ceremony: November 22, 2025 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Brentwood Public Library

👉 For more info: [email protected]

Theme: “Falling in Love with Books” 💕📖

09/11/2025

📢 FOBL Newsletter ALERT!

The Friends of Brentwood Library have been busy—and we’re excited to share the highlights with you!

✨ New Partnerships & Big News

The Lift Every Voice & Sing Children’s Choir was featured in ESPN’s Emmy Award-winning “TrueSouth” series, filmed right here in Jacksonville at Bethel Baptist Church!

Special congratulations to our student performers who shone on screen. 🌟

📚 Back 2 School Bash Success
Over 467 community members joined us at Brentwood Branch for literacy, spelling, and math competitions, plus prizes, food, and fun!

🏆 Congratulations to Our Literacy & Math Winners – way to show your skills!

🤝 New Life Member Spotlight
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Tama Woodhouse-Young as FOBL’s first 2025 Lifetime Member.

🎉 Upcoming Celebration
Join us on October 18 for FOBL’s 12th Anniversary Celebration:

A Heart of Giving Prayer Breakfast at Greater Payne AME (8:30 AM, $25 pp)

A Taste of Gratitude Open House at Brentwood Library (12–2 PM, free & open to the public)

👏 Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and partners who make it all possible.

👉 Read the full September newsletter here: [Insert Link]

08/26/2025

🎉📚 Friends of Brentwood Library – 12th Anniversary Celebration 📚🎉

Theme: “A Cry for Our Children”

Join us on Saturday, October 18, 2025 as we celebrate 12 years of service, community, and impact with a day of gratitude, fellowship, and giving.

✨ A Heart of Giving Prayer Breakfast
🕣 8:30 AM
📍 Greater Payne AME Church, 1230 Claudia Spencer Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Hosted by Rev. Kennetta Carter
🎟 $25 per person – open to the public
➡️ Reserve your ticket here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-heart-of-giving-prayer

✨ A Taste of Gratitude Open House
🕛 12:00 – 2:00 PM
📍 Brentwood Public Library, 3725 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
FREE & open to the community!

💜 This anniversary theme, “A Cry for Our Children”, reminds us why our mission matters—building literacy, opportunity, and support for future generations.

🙏 Thank you to our volunteers, patrons, and community partners who have made 12 years possible. Together, we are Better Together.

📩 For questions, email: [email protected]