Celebrate the Freedom to Read with Us! | |
Come review recent lists of banned books
This Banned Books Week, we join readers nationwide to mark our freedom to read. According to PEN America’s 2024–2025 report, public school book bans are at unprecedented levels, with 6,870 instances documented across 23 states and 87 school districts in just one year. Florida, in fact, leads the nation with 2,304 bans, followed by Texas and Tennessee.
These bans affect students’ access to diverse ideas and limit the opportunity to explore a wide range of stories and perspectives.
Come celebrate the power of books with us at Story & Song—browse, discover, and stand together in support of reading for all.
What banned books are you reading? Let us know (share a picture too!) on social media using the hashtag: #ReadFreelyWithStoryAndSong
| | | Do You Have Your Boxed Lunch? | | Reserve your lunch when you register for the program! | |
Pair Our Programs with a Lunch Deal!
Make your next program extra enjoyable with a Story & Song boxed lunch ($15 each—tea or coffee, tax & tip included) —available only at these upcoming events:
UNF Art Lecture with Dr. Debra Murphy
Oct. 7 & Oct. 14
Bartram Garden Club Meetings
Oct. 9 & Nov. 13
→ Chicken Salad on Organic Greens with Champagne Vinaigrette
or
→ Vegetable Quiche with Seasonal Salad (apples, walnuts & dried cranberries) & Champagne Vinaigrette
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"Women & Their Handbags:
A Rich History"
Friday, Oct. 10
11 - 12 pm | Free • RSVP
Celebrate National Handbag Day with Susan Ziel, founder of Wabi Creations and popular art docent, as she shares vivid images, fun facts, and heartfelt stories about this timeless accessory.
Also— don’t miss the chance to bid on a handmade Wabi Creations purse, with proceeds supporting the Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture.
| | | Join Us for This Week's Line-up! | | Click the Images to Learn More! ⤵ | | |
Learn To Knit
(Week 3 of 4-Week Series)
Monday, October 6
2 - 4 pm | $35
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Amelia Island Genealogical Society
Tuesday, October 7
10:30 - 11:30 am | Free
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Caravaggio— Part 1
Tuesday, October 7
11 am 12:15 pm | RSVP
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Bartram Garden Club
Thursday, October 9
10 am - 12:30 pm | Free
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Women & Their Handbags: A Rich History
Friday, October 10
11 - 12 pm | Free • RSVP
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Music in the Courtyard with Bill Gallerizzo
Sunday, October 12
12 - 2 pm | Free
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"Island Life, Island Cooking"
Cookbook & Chef Conversation
Friday, October 17
3 - 5 pm | $35
Join us on a culinary adventure with acclaimed chefs Dean Max, featured on the Food Network, and Dylan Benoit, host of the cooking show Fire Masters. They’ll share stories, tips, and the flavors that make Amelia Island cuisine special.
Enjoy appetizers prepared using recipes from The Amelia Island Table and new fall cookbooks—an inspiring afternoon of food and storytelling to savor and take home.
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Author Event: "If I Were God..."
Friday, October 24
4 - 5 pm | Free
Author Bob Maguire presents If I Were God: How I Would Have Done It, a humorous and thought-provoking look at world religions, philosophy, and the human search for meaning.
Come explore life’s big questions!
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Join Us for Art Talk StoryTime
with Susan Ziel & Janet Brendel
Saturday, October 11
10:30 - 11:30 am | Free
Follow your feet to the StoryTime rug and get ready to paint with your imagination!
This week, guest storytellers Susan Ziel and Janet Brendel, art museum docents, will bring to life Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony by Lisa Rogers. Together, they’ll share how colors, shapes, and feelings can blend to create art that sings and dances off the page.
In this inspiring tale, artist Joan Mitchell transforms her memories and emotions into a breathtaking symphony of color—painting not what she sees, but what she feels. Come discover how art can fill the world with energy, freedom, and joy!
| | Enjoy this free StoryTime and Craft supported by Story & Song Foundation Members, Donors, and a grant from the YellowDog Advised Fund! | | Classics Worth Repeating! | | Did you know 2025 is a big birthday year for 2 beloved classics? | | |
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is turning 160! First published back in 1865, Lewis Carroll’s tale still sweeps us down the rabbit hole into a world of mad tea parties, curious creatures, and the kind of nonsense that makes perfect sense when you’re reading this beloved story.
And Tuck Everlasting is celebrating its 50th! Natalie Babbitt’s beautiful story asks that unforgettable question: If you could live forever, would you? Through Winnie Foster’s encounter with the immortal Tuck family, we’re reminded of how precious (and fleeting) ordinary life can be.
These two milestone anniversaries are a perfect excuse to revisit old favorites—or to read them for the very first time. Some stories just never lose their magic. Shop with us in store to relive these wonderful classics, or online at bookshop.org.
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New Releases for Kids & Teens!
All Available at Story & Song
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War Games
by Alan Gratz
($18.99, Scholastic Press)
Ages 8+
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz comes a thrilling story set in 1936 Berlin. Gymnast Evie Harris just wants to compete for Olympic gold—but she quickly discovers a dangerous Nazi plot. Racing through shadowy streets and secret passageways, she must navigate courage, loyalty, and impossible choices in this high-stakes adventure.
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Spy School: Blackout
by Stuart Gibbs
($18.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
Ages 8+
SIGNED COPIES!
In the thirteenth installment of Stuart Gibbs’s bestselling Spy School series, Ben Ripley goes off the grid to stop a global cybersecurity disaster. With power networks down, no contact with the CIA, and danger lurking everywhere, Ben and his friends face hackers, assassins, pirates, sharks, and massive lizards in their most thrilling, remote mission yet!
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The Rise of Neptune
by Scott Reintgen
($18.99, Aladdin Paperbacks)
Ages 8+
In this thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Last Dragon on Mars, Lunar Jones and the Dread Knights prepare for Neptune’s assault—but the attack is unlike anything they expected. Enemy dragons are divided, and countless ships seem almost too easy to defeat. Secrets, danger, and epic battles threaten Mars in this gripping sci-fi adventure.
| | New Releases You Won't Want to Miss! | | |
My Beloved
by Jan Karon
($32, G.P. Putnam's Sons)
You're going to love this brand-new Mitford novel filled with warmth, humor, and second chances. When a private love letter goes astray, neighbors are changed in surprising ways. You'll rejoice in reuniting with beloved characters, discovering laughter, comfort, and the true spirit of community in a story that’s perfect for the holiday season!
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The Heartbeat Library
by Laura Imai Messina
($18, Abrams Press)
On a serene Japanese island, a library collects the heartbeats of the living and the departed. When Shuichi, a lonely illustrator, meets young Kenta, a fragile bond grows between them, leading to the magical library. Enchanting and deeply moving, this story explores loss, hope, and the healing power of the connections that shape our lives.
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Twice
by Mitch Albom
($26.99, Har)
Alfie Logan discovers he can relive any moment, undo mistakes, and take risks—but each second chance locks him into the consequences of his choices. As he tests love, temptation, and fate, one decision will change everything. Twice is a captivating, thought-provoking story that examines life, love, and the cost of do-overs.
| | Yum ... All Things Bistro! | | |
Make Your Week "Soup"er!
This Week's Soup
Longevity Noodle Soup - A savory Asian-inspired soup bursting with fresh ginger, tender carrots, Napa cabbage, and earthy mushrooms.
Order Next Week's Soup
by Friday for Pickup on Monday
Kale & White Bean Soup - Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor—this chowder blends white beans and potatoes with a fragrant mix of bay leaves and thyme.
Join the Soup Club!
Enjoy a different soup every week.
Order in advance and pick up every Monday after 11 am.
Call, stop in, or order online.
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Chili Is Back On
The Menu for Fall!
Savor a hearty bowl of slow-simmered chili, packed with bold, comforting flavor.
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Brunch Board
Available for brunch or lunch, savor a slice of quiche, a bagel or pastry, and fresh fruit.
| | News from the Story & Song Foundation! | | |
Recognize Some of These Faces?
This past weekend, we traveled to Jonesborough, Tennessee for the 52nd annual National Storytelling Festival. What an experience! We laughed, we cried, and we left feeling more inspired than ever to bring that same spirit back to our own Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs this coming January!
It was uplifting to see thousands gather from around the world to celebrate this timeless art form. Storytelling isn’t just for children—it’s for all of us.
And yes, you may recognize some of the faces we saw under the big tent (which could hold nearly 1,000 and was almost full!): History Channel’s Bil Lepp (always hilarious!), the creative Kim Weitkamp, and the touching stories of Kevin Kling—all of whom have graced our stage before.
Plus—we spotted some new faces you’ll meet at this year’s festival!
Save the date … January 29 - February 1
Our full lineup announcement is coming soon, and we can't wait to share!
| | We Invite YOU To Be Involved With The Foundation | |
Sponsoring
Events | StoryTimes | Book Drives
Sponsorships enable individuals and organizations to underwrite specific activities or a series of activities.
This funding offsets our costs and allows us to expand our programming for the community.
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Giving
One-Time | Monthly | Annual
We believe it takes a village! We put on many programs, host artists, donate books, and so much more.
Your donation helps keep our dream of supporting the arts alive!
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Volunteering
All Talents Welcomed!
We put on a LOT of community events and could sure use your help in making them happen.
Join our diverse crew of AWESOME volunteers who want to see the arts thrive on Amelia Island and are truly making a difference.
| | | | Join our community online. Keep up with all that our dedicated Crew and volunteers are doing to make a difference with your support! | | | | |
