About the Robert L. F. Sikes Library

The Robert L. F. Sikes Public Library is the principal public library serving the City of Crestview and the surrounding northern Okaloosa County region in Florida. Located at 1445 Commerce Drive, the library occupies a modern facility that functions as an educational, cultural, technological, and community resource center for residents of all ages. The library is operated by the City of Crestview and is a member of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, which allows patrons to access materials and resources throughout the countywide library system.

The current library building opened in June 2002 and contains approximately 17,000 square feet of space. It was constructed to replace an older facility that had served the community for many years and was designed to accommodate the growing population of Crestview and northern Okaloosa County. The building presents a contemporary civic appearance, with a spacious layout intended to support traditional library services while also providing areas for public programs, technology access, research, and community gatherings.

The library is named in honor of Robert Lee Fulton Sikes, commonly known as Bob Sikes, who represented Florida's First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives for nearly four decades. The naming of the library reflects his longstanding connection to the region and his influence on the development of northwest Florida. The library's history, however, reaches back much further than the current building. The origins of public library service in Crestview can be traced to the 1940s, when local resident Bertha Henry began operating a small lending library from her home using books from her personal collection and those of her family. As interest grew, the collection moved through a series of locations, including a local church, a house on Highway 90, an apartment, and a shopping center. Eventually a dedicated library building was constructed in 1976, and the present Commerce Drive facility was opened in 2002.

Inside, the library offers a bright and welcoming environment organized around collections of books, periodicals, reference materials, digital resources, and multimedia items. Public reading areas provide comfortable spaces for study and leisure reading, while computer workstations allow patrons to access the internet, conduct research, prepare documents, and utilize online educational resources. Dedicated children's areas encourage literacy and learning through age-appropriate collections and activities, while separate spaces support teen and adult users. The facility also contains areas for genealogy and historical research, reflecting the library's role as a local information center for family history and community heritage.

One of the library's most distinctive features is its strong support for the arts. The facility has developed a reputation as a cultural venue within Crestview, hosting rotating exhibitions by local artists and displaying artwork throughout the building. Permanent installations, gallery walls, and display cases contribute to an atmosphere that combines the functions of a traditional library with those of a community arts center. This emphasis on visual arts has helped make the library an important cultural gathering place in addition to its educational mission.

The library serves as a center for community programming throughout the year. Activities have included children's story times, literacy programs, educational lectures, hobby groups, genealogy workshops, technology assistance, reading initiatives, and seasonal events. These programs are intended to promote lifelong learning and provide opportunities for residents to engage with one another in an educational setting. The facility regularly welcomes students, families, retirees, researchers, and professionals, making it one of the most heavily used civic institutions in Crestview.

Architecturally, the building emphasizes functionality, accessibility, and openness. Wide public spaces, extensive shelving areas, technology stations, meeting areas, and exhibit spaces are arranged to support both quiet study and active community use. Large windows and open interior layouts contribute to a bright atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend extended periods reading, studying, attending programs, or using library resources. The surrounding site includes parking and convenient access for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Today, the Robert L. F. Sikes Public Library stands as one of Crestview's most significant public institutions. It serves not only as a repository of books and information but also as a center for education, technology, local history, artistic expression, and community engagement. From its modest beginnings as a small collection of books in a private home to its present role as a modern public library serving tens of thousands of residents, the library reflects the growth and development of Crestview itself while continuing to provide resources that support learning, culture, and civic life throughout the region.

About Friends of the Crestivew Library

Through fundraising events, tax-deductible donations, business sponsorships, and membership dues, the Friends support a wide range of initiatives—including funding a scholarship for the Okaloosa County online high school diploma program. Membership in our organization helps ensure the library remains a vibrant and valuable resource for our entire community.

Mission Statement

The Friends of the Crestview Library is a volunteer group whose mission is to support our high quality library services offered by the Robert L,F. Sikes public library for everyone in the Library's service area by:

1. Assisting in publicizing library services , activities, and programs

2. Encouraging the use of the library to meet the educational, recreational, and intellectual needs of the community

3. Raising funds to enhance the operation of the library by seeking donations and creating fundraising activities.

What Friends of the Crestview Library Does

Some of our projects to date include:

• Purchasing and assembling three high quality, outdoor picnic tables for the library grounds. These are used extensively by home school groups who use the library for their hub.

• Purchasing a display case to be used to showcase Lego stem kits used by the Lego Club which meets at the library.

• Fully funding a scholarship for one individual to attend the Okaloosa County Career Public Library Cooperative which offers an online high school and job training program. This allows someone who completes the program to receive an actual high school diploma (not a GED) and embark on a career path. To date more than 20,000 individuals have completed this program.

• Procure a Star Wars Death Star kit for use by the Lego Club at the Crestview Library.

• Purchase a snow cone and a popcorn machine for use at library events.

• Purchase sensory boards for use by young children and those on the spectrum at the library.

• Funding a Photo Booth and providing refreshments at the Crestview Library's annual Noel Night event.

Board of Directors

Paul Farnsworth - President

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 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.

Michael Harker - Vice President

Veteran, Retired Corrections Captain, & Community Volunteer

Michael "Mic" Harker is a lifelong resident of Crestview, Florida, with a distinguished career defined by service to his country, state, and local community. A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Michael transitioned his dedication to public safety into a remarkable 27-year career with the State of Florida’s Department of Corrections, ultimately achieving the respected rank of Captain before his retirement.

Michael’s commitment to service continues in his civic and volunteer life. For the past year, he has served as the Vice President of the Friends of the Crestview Library, working to support local literacy and preserve vital community resources. An avid reader himself, he is a particular fan of James Patterson's fast-paced thrillers.

In addition to his work with the library, Michael is an active volunteer with the Okaloosa County Master Gardeners, dedicating his time to local agricultural education and community beautification. When he isn't volunteering, Michael enjoys spending his time outdoors gardening, practicing at the shooting range, and relaxing at home in the community he has always called home.

Jillian Harker

Community Leader, Administrator, & Artisan

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.