When the new library downtown opened and I went for the first time, I thought it was one of the most unique places in Jacksonville. I was very impressed, so impressed it prompted me to get a library card and start checking out books! Every detail from the gift store, Shelby’s, the grand staircase and especially the outdoor courtyard gave me reason to come back. So when I found out this year’s Film Festival Gala would be taking place at the Downtown Library- I was thrilled!

What a wonderful venue for a beautiful star lit party. Saturday was the night of the Jacksonville International Film Festival’s Annual Grey Goose Gala.

Before we could party the night away it was first movie time! In the chilly Florida Theatre with our chocolate covered Peterbrooke popcorn we watched “The Year of Getting to Know Us”, starring Jimmy Fallon, Lucy Liu, Sharon Stone and Tom Arnold. I though the movie was good, not great and bittersweet. It was odd to see Mr. Fallon is such a serious role- but I do recommend to check it out for some city pride! Did I mention the movie was completely filmed in Jacksonville-cool, don’t ya think?

With spotlights in the air and the red carpet rolled out we most certainly felt VIP entering the library. We were greeted first by the lovely “Bacardi Girls” dressed to kill in Valentino gowns. Yay for the Bacardi sponsorship- first stop the open bar for a beverage.

We then walked out in to the glamorous courtyard with a long lighted fountain, an arrangement of food and yet another Bacardi bar. The weather was great, the crowd was great and OH! I almost forgot…the Peterbrooke Chocolate Fountain was great!!! Pretzels, marshmallows, rice crispy treats oh my! All of the above taste awesome dipped in chocolate!

Of course my other K-girl and I were followed as though we were celebrities by the paparazzi (Jacksonville.com, Water’s Edge Magazine and Jacksonville Magazine) so be sure to look for us!

The night couldn’t have been better and the library represented well.

Now the funny thing is, Katharine and I stopped by the library this week to actually utilize the library. And the unfortunate thing- it was not as glamorous as Saturday night. As the two of us sat and shared a computer (mind you NOT on Myspace, Facebook or listening to music) doing legitimate work and research for our lovely theatre, were interrupted by an on screen message- “Only one person per computer, thanks your librarian.” Really???? We are working here!!!

Weird to be reprimanded at the library- and we weren’t even drinking!