Readers' Island

Take your next beach read to Amelia Island - and take a look at a few ideas that we've bookmarked for your visit. 

The Amelia Island Book Festival is almost here, featuring New York Times Bestselling authors Steve Berry, Greg Isles, and Andrew Gross along with a day-long expo where you can meet 100 authors, take in breakout sessions focused on Action, Thrills, and Mystery. February 20-21.

To find the perfect book to take to the beach, porch swing, or sidewalk cafe, begin at one of the island's two independent book shops. Books Plus offers bestsellers, selections from local authors, and a gently used book section, and regularly hosts book signings and informal gatherings.  Owner Maggie DeVries is the author of several books inspired by the island's rich (and haunted) history.  1743-A South 8th Street​ ​ ​ Set in a Victorian building in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, The Book Loft prides itself on its wide (two floors' worth) assortment of books with charm.  Visitors can check out their lively schedule of readings and workshops on everything from creative coloring to Junior Naturalist training to French conversation. 214 Centre Street

Amelia Island Coffee, 4th Street Deli, The Picnic Basket, Island Time Frozen Yogurt, The Patio Place, Nana Teresa's Bake Shop and Hola! Cuban Cafe all offer patio and sidewallk seating to turn the pages from a perch near the streetscapes of Historic Downtown. All on or near Centre Street

The island is home (or vacation home) to many writers and poets of all kinds. The Writers by the Sea Group has meets on third Thursday of each month at 6PM at the Amelia Island Museum of History and presents speakers from many genres. 233 South 3rd Street ​

Newly opened after an extensive expansion, the Fernandina Beach Library welcomes visitors and provides several quiet reading areas, computer access, rotating arts exhibits, and a childrens' room.  Film screenings, lectures, and other programs take place year-round thanks to the Friends of the Library. 25 N 4th Street

Readers of plays and theatre fans recently welcomed a new addition to the Amelia Island arts scene with the debut of Live Ink Theatre, presenting monthly staged readings of plays, prose, and poetry in locations around the island.