City officially names library facility “William F. Flynn, Jr. Building”

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

September 20, 2017 6:00 p.m.

Some of the many people who came to City Hall Tuesday to honor Bill Flynn.

City Hall was packed for the Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on Tuesday night, September 19, 2017. Normally, only controversies bring out such a large crowd. But this time there was no controversy.

Current and former elected officials, Friends of the Library, and library patrons turned out in force to support the FBCC’s decision to name the city branch of the Nassau County Public Library System the William F. Flynn Jr. Building. Audience members were eager to show their gratitude and respect for the man who had been so important in leading the efforts to renovate and expand the aging facility at 25 North 4^th Street.

The city proclamation followed a unanimous vote approving the action at the September 5, 2017 FBCC Regular Meeting.

Mayor Robin Lentz delivered the proclamation, which credited Flynn as instrumental in forging partnerships with the FBCC and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners that led to financial assistance from local government coffers. Flynn and the Friends of the Library raised additional funds in gifts and pledges from the community to complete the project.

Bill Flynn

Flynn, who at times seemed overwhelmed by the audience ovations and expressions of support, delivered prepared remarks that recapped the history of the library project.  Flynn said, “I’m still Bill Flynn. I sit tonight on a 3-legged stool with a beautiful seat tapestry.” He credited City and County Commissioners who had authorized $600K from their respective budgets. Friends of the Library mounted a matching campaign that raised an additional $1.23M to complete the project.

Bill Flynn and Dee Torre Kaufman

He credited local businesses, corporations and individuals for contributing the matching funds. He singled out Dr. Dee Torre Kaufman, who headed up fundraising and partnered with him in leading the Friends of the Library through the Capital Campaign. “Without Dee’s management skill,” he said, “it wouldn’t have happened.”

Flynn ended his remarks by thanking the community. “You have given me a great seat,” he said, “and you have given yourselves a great gift: a much deserved, modern library. Thank you very much.”

Flynn left the podium to a standing ovation and a kiss from Mayor Robin Lentz, an ardent and long time supporter of the library expansion.

Mayor Robin Lentz joins in audience applause for Flynn.

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Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.