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.
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.
Paul Farnsworth is the President of the Friends of the Crestview Library. He became involved with the Friends in summer 2023 when the Friends of the Crestview Library became active again. Paul was elected as president in 2024 and served in that position since then.
Paul moved to Crestview in the fall of 1990 as his final assignment with the United States Air Force. He retired from the military in 1995 and began his second career with the State of Florida and Okaloosa County until 2018 at which time he fully retired. Paul, and his wife Lisa, live with their three rescued dogs. They spend a great deal of time with their grandchildren who also live nearby. Paul has always been an avid reader and advocate for the library. He has been known to ask people he meets, “May I see your library card?”. Paul reminds everyone that the library is much more than just books. He encourages participation in the many and varied programs the Robert L. F. Sykes Library has to offer.
John Yeager is the acting Vice 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.
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.
Jillian Harker is a dedicated community leader and administrator with nearly 30 years of experience in business administration. Deeply committed to community development and civic engagement, she currently serves as the Secretary of the Friends of the Crestview Library, where she channels her lifelong love for reading into supporting local literacy and educational initiatives.
A resident of Crestview, Florida since 2004, Jillian has woven herself into the fabric of the local community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, complemented by professional certifications in risk management and paralegal studies. Her extensive administrative background is paired with a passion for leadership rooted in service and personal accountability.
Beyond her administrative pursuits, Jillian is a prominent figure in the local agricultural and artisan community. An avid gardener, she serves as an Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer and is the Chairman of the Crestview Garden Club. Jillian also channels her love for sustainable living and crafting into a local cottage goods business, which she operates at the area farmers market.
When she isn't volunteering or tending to her business, Jillian enjoys canning, crafting, and spending time at home with her husband and their cats. Guided by the philosophy of leading by example, she strives to leave a lasting legacy of service in everything she does.
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.
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