We are a dedicated 501(c)(3) volunteer organization focused on enhancing
library services, funding community events, and ensuring everyone has access
to vital resources in Crestview, Florida.
The Friends of the Crestview Library is a passionate group of volunteers, readers, and community advocates dedicated to supporting the Robert L. F. Sykes Public Library. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to champion literacy, foster a lifelong love of learning, and expand the reach of our local library system. Through public donations, community partnerships, and volunteer outreach, we help provide vital enhancements for educational programs, structural improvements, and other library services that benefit neighbors of all ages across Crestview.
October 31
Friends of the Crestview Library will have a table at Crestview’s Trunk or Treat event. This will be an adjunct to the Fall Festival sponsored by the Main Street Association.
November 21 · 9:00am–3:00pm
Baker Block Museum, 1307 Georgia Avenue, Baker, Florida
Former Friends of the Crestview Library president Paul Farnsworth accepting a proclamation from Crestview Mayor J. B. Whitten showing the city's support for National Friends of the Library Day.
Friends of the Crestview Library purchased the Star Wars Death Star Lego Kit and donated it to the library Lego Club.
John Yeager is the President of the Friends of the Crestview Library. He became involved with the Friends in the fall of 2025. John was elected as Vice president pro tem in July of 2026. John should be confirmed in this position at elections to be held in late September 2026.
John retired in 2004 after 20 years from the United States Air Force where he worked on military aircraft. He then worked for the L3 aircraft company painting aircraft and parts for 5 years. After this he was hired at the Air Force Armament Museum to run the restoration program repairing and painting historic aircraft which lasted 15 years. John and his wife moved to Crestview from Fort Walton Beach in September of 2017. He fully retired in October of 2024 from the museum.
John and his wife Linda have 3 grown children that live in other parts of the country. They live with their 3 Shelties which are family in their Crestview home. They are both fully retired and keep busy with the Friends of the Crestview Library and the Crestview Garden Club along with other activities. John is also an avid reader, likes music, and does metal detecting on the side.
Since moving to Crestview, Frederick “Fred” Butts has continued his commitment to serving others through both military service and volunteer work in the local community.
Fred proudly served four years in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Specialist before being medically released from service.
Today, Fred continues to give back to the Crestview community through volunteer service with local nonprofit organizations. He volunteers with the Main Street Association, which hosts events throughout the downtown area. Fred helps with event setup, including placing barriers, checking in attendees, and assisting with breakdown and cleanup as needed.
Fred also volunteers with Dinner At Dads, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hot meals to members of the community.
For Fred, volunteering is more than simply lending a hand—it is a way to make a meaningful contribution to the community he calls home. He strongly values community service and enjoys being part of efforts that bring people together and help those in need.
Al Whitmore brings a distinguished career in engineering, military aviation, and community service to his work and volunteer activities.
Al earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management, majoring in Finance, from Purdue University. He went on to serve in the United States Navy, where he flew A-6, EA-6A, and EA-6B aircraft.
Following his military aviation career, Al spent 18 years at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, serving as a Program Engineer responsible for the design and integration of the electronic attack interface for the EA-18G Growler.
He later served 13 years at Eglin Air Force Base, where he was Chief Engineer for the training of Air Force F-15 and F-16 pilots. His work focused on helping pilots integrate their aircraft sensors with air-to-air weapons systems.
Beyond his professional career, Al has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving his community. His volunteer experience includes:
Al’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to technical excellence, leadership, service, and giving back to the community.
Annie brings to the Friends Group an extensive knowledge of Library operations, with over 17 years of experience as a librarian in a Maryland public library, as well as here at the Crestview Public Library. During her tenure at Crestview, she was the library liaison to the Friends from its inception in 2022 through July 2026. In this capacity she acted as advisor on library policy and communicator for all Friends of the Crestview Library activities including book sales, library acquisition requests, event participation and advocacy.
Newly retired, Annie has transitioned to the volunteer side and believes that the community support and engagement of this wonderful, 100% Volunteer, organization is essential to the growth of North Okaloosa. Promoting lifelong learning, access to information and intellectual freedom for all. Please join us, become a member and discover the difference you can make, with the ideas and energy you'll contribute.
Join our organization and share your time and talents. Assist us with planning and participating in fundraising events as well as community awareness activities. We also have opportunities for board and committee members.
Business sponsorships will be offered starting in the fall of 2026.
Give Butter Instructions
Select One-time, in the $ Other enter the amount of the donation and press Continue.
Click the Change link and deselect I want to cover processing fees (optional).
Zero the tip amount by scrolling to Other, then change the tip amount to zero (optional).
Enter payment information. Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App are accepted.
Click the green button to pay.
Explore local and national organizations that support reading, adult
education, family literacy, accessible books, and lifelong learning.