Special Collections

African-American Collection | Delius Collection | Digital Library Collection | Florida Collection | Genealogy Collection | Government Documents Collection | Holocaust Collection | Map Collection | Nonprofit Resources @ JPL

African-American Collection

For more information, click above.

This reference collection contains materials that highlight the cultural life and contributions of people of African descent in Jacksonville, in Florida, in the United States, and in the world. It contains materials that highlight the historical, social, civic, religious, economic, and cultural life of African Americans.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Delius Collection

For more information, click above.

The Delius Collection is an assemblage of resources relating to Frederick Delius, the British composer who resided in the Jacksonville area during 1884-85.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Digital Library Collection

For more information, click above.

The DLC is an electronic gateway to the past! Its goal is to preserve and extend the lifespan of fragile material such as rare books, photos, postcards and manuscripts from the Florida and Genealogy Collections while at the same time making them available to the public via the Internet. Some items may only be viewed on a computer at the Library because of size, copyright issues or other limitations.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Florida Collection

For more information, click above or call (904) 630-2410

A reference collection of Florida materials emphasizing Northeast Florida and Jacksonville. One of the largest such collections in a public library in Florida, it consists of roughly 20,000 cataloged books and pamphlets. It also includes manuscripts, photographs, postcards, periodicals, microfilm and documents, some items dating to the 1600s. Subject areas collected in depth include history, flora and fauna, biographies, travel, economics and government.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Genealogy Collection

For more information, click above or call (904) 630-2409

This collection houses material relating to Florida and the Southeastern United States, and specific records for Jacksonville and Duval County. Regional material is also available for many other states, including the thirteen original colonies. The collection includes census rolls, family histories, immigration sources, county histories, and many other resources.

In partnership with the Genealogical Society of Utah, the Genealogy Department is now an official Family History Center. Customers have access to the more than two million rolls of microfilm owned by the Society. The microfilm catalog is available at FamilySearch.org, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' website. This is a free site which can be accessed from home, either directly or through the genealogy recommended websites page.

For a nominal fee, customers with valid library cards may order microfilm to be sent to the Genealogy Department so that it can be viewed. Film will be available to customers for one month.

The Genealogy Collection publishes a monthly newsletter, which can be found here.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Government Documents Collection

For more information, click above or call: (904) 630-2665

The Federal Depository Library Program was established in the early 1800's by Congress, to ensure that the American people would have access to their government's information.

JPL was designated a selective depository for Federal publications and documents, as a part of this program, in 1914. Since that time the library depository has selected and offered materials and formats which will keep the public informed of public issues, governmental research, statistics and other information which will impact upon their lives, and whose scope is balanced and reflects the needs of the community to have equal access to these materials.

The Government Documents Collection contains federal, state and municipal documents.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Holocaust Collection

For more information, click above or call: (904) 630-2665

The Holocaust Collection contains materials relating to one of the most horrific events in human history. The collection includes books, photographs, recordings, films and other materials that will serve as a resource for youth and adults who wish to learn about the Holocaust and the consequences of prejudice, discrimination and intolerance.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library in the Grand Reading Room.

Map Collections

For more information, click above or call: (904) 630-2665

The Jacksonville Public Library Map Collection contains an assortment of maps and charts, both current and historical. All are available for review and many may be checked out by customers.

The Lewis Ansbacher Map Collection contains some 244 antiquarian maps of Florida and Florida cities, North and South America, and the world. It includes historical views and plates focusing on northern Florida. The collection is housed in the Morris Ansbacher Map Room.

Location: On the fourth floor of the Main Library

Nonprofit Resources @ JPL

For more information, click above or call: (904) 630-2665

One of Florida's finest reference collections to assist non-profit organizations seeking information on grants. Click here to view a selected listing of the materials available in our collection.

The Library is a Foundation Center Cooperating Collection member. Library holdings include the Foundation Center's Foundation Directory Online Platinum, which allows simultaneous search of many foundations. This electronic database is available only at Library locations.

If you are a nonprofit organization and wish to schedule an appointment to visit us, please call. Please review our website for additional information.

Location: On the third floor of the Main Library