# Poetry Programs and More this April
Do you have poetry you'd like to share with the world? Do you want to hear from local poets who write creatively about life in Jacksonville? Drop by the Main Library on Wednesday, April 3, during Art Walk for a special Open Mic Night with Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood and Hope at Hand, Inc. They'll be set up in the Lounge at 303 North (just inside the entrance on Laura Street). There will also be a poetry zine-making workshop in the Zine Zone (on the First Floor), if you'd like to see your work in print.
On April 13, we’ll have a poetry program doubleheader at Willow Branch Library, starting with a quick Lit Chat Author Talk with poet Lola Haskins from 11-11:30 a.m., followed by a Writer's Lab workshop with poet Anna Claire Hodge from 12 - 2 p.m.
Later in the month, we'll be highlighting the life and poetry of the late Jacksonville poet, Alan Justiss. Jacksonville Public Library recently acquired some of his original papers, photos, and more.
Be the first to know about upcoming Lit Chat author events, Writer's Lab workshops, and more!
# Art Walk at Main Library
The Main Library is open late for Art Walk on Wednesday, April 3! We've got The Best of Elementary Art Show in the Gallery (featuring the work of Duval County Public Schools students) and a special Jax Poetry Fest Open Mic Night sponsored by Hope at Hand, Inc., with emcee Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood. In the Zine Zone, we'll have a Zinester Meetup and poetry zine-making workshop with UNF Professor Andrew Kozlowski.
By the Local Author Collection: Drop-in between 6-8 p.m. for board games! Featuring Cascadia, Codenames, Coup, Dominion, Horrified, Jaipur, MonsDRAWsity, and Love Letter: Princess Princess.
# Writer's Lab Workshop: Authors Roundtable
Exploring Cultures and Genres - Saturday, April 6, at 10:15 a.m.
Through a Q&A-style lecture, you will learn how to infuse personal culture into your writing and how to invite your reader in. You'll also explore place-based writing as a generative exercise. Authors Roundtable is a local 501C3 that supports authors in reaching their highest potential.
Meeting on the first Saturday of every month at the Main Library, authors participate in educational forums, workshops, classes, and events. Check out what they have in store for May and June!
# Lit Chat Interview with James Patterson
James Patterson, the most popular storyteller of our time, is coming to the Main Library on Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m.! He is on tour to promote his new release, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians. He says their stories are better than the bestsellers! An important note: After the interview, Mr. Patterson will ONLY be signing copies of The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians. No other books will be signed. The auditorium is currently FULL but you can join the waitlist or register to attend the livestream.
Register or join the waitlist!
As this event is occurring on the release date, the book is available for pre-order from San Marco Books and More. Books are available for pre-order from San Marco Books and More for pick-up at the event and books will be available to purchase on-site.
# Lit Chat Author Talk with Lola Haskins
Meet poet Lola Haskins at the Willow Branch Library on April 13 from 11-11:30 a.m. She'll read selections from Homelight (Charlotte Lit Press 2023), her 14th poetry collection and have copies available for sale after the program. It was named Poetry Book of the Year by Southern Literary Review. The collection before that, Asylum (University of Pittsburgh, 2019), was featured in the New York Times Magazine.
"The poems in Lola Haskins’ newest collection... are equally elegant and eloquent in their graceful blend of theme, imagery, and language," said Claire Hamner-Matturro Southern Literary Review.
# Writer's Lab Workshop: There's No Place Like Poem
Learn to write creatively about locale with instructor Anna Claire Hodge on Saturday, April 13, at 12 p.m. at the Willow Branch Library. In this interactive workshop, we'll discuss how poets use vivid imagery, sensory details, and cultural references to transport readers to specific locations. Participants will generate their own work and discover how landscapes, cities, and personal surroundings can serve as powerful catalysts for creative expression.
Dr. Anna Claire Hodge is a poet and former professor of creative writing. She holds a Ph.D. and MFA in poetry, and her work has appeared in numerous publications both literary and mainstream. The workshop will end with a reading of her work and a Q&A.
# History Chat: Collecting Alan Justiss (To The Hawks Lend Your Heart)
We have one more poetry-related program on Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at the Main Library in the Ansbacher Map Room (fourth floor). We'll be highlighting the life and poetry of Alan Justiss (1943-2011), a celebrated Jacksonville poet. The program will include a talk about Justiss’ life and legacy, poetry readings, and a preview of an upcoming documentary about him. The program will end with an audience Q&A.
# Great Decisions: Understanding Indonesia
Despite its large size, Indonesia remains virtually invisible to most Americans. But as one of the world’s largest democracies, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and as an economic driver of ASEAN, why does it fly below the radar? What are current issues in U.S.-Indonesian relations, and what role can the country play in Asia? UNF professor Dr. Ronald Lukens-Bull leads the discussion on Wednesday, April 3, at 7 p.m. at Pablo Creek Library.
# Great Decisions: Science Across Borders
Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation? UF professor Dr. Jasmine McNealy leads the discussion on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Webb Wesconnett Library.
Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Each meeting begins with a 30-minute film on a topic important to American foreign policy decisions, followed by a discussion.
# Are You On the Path to U.S. Citizenship?
Get prepared for the U.S. Naturalization Test and Interview with the Library's FREE, nine-week citizenship course! Our experienced instructors will help you prepare for both the written and interview portions of the test. Topics include U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process. The class meets every Friday from 10 a.m. - noon, live on Zoom. The next course starts on April 19! To register, complete the waitlist/interest form.
If you prefer, you can also call the Library’s Center for Adult Learning at (904) 255-6135 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to speak directly with a staff member.
# Improve Your Day-to-Day Life
Life Lit are free workshops offered by trained professionals and volunteers that focus on improving your day-to-day life. These programs cover a wide range of workshops from gardening to small business needs. No need to bring anything but yourself to participate!
Business & Money Matters:
- How Money Works with Luke Wittig - Tuesday, April 9, at 6 p.m., at Argyle Library
- Networking for Your Business with SBDC - Tuesday, April 16, at 2 p.m., at Main Library
- Digital Divide - Conscious Consumption with EY - Tuesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. at Argyle
- Entrepreneurship Long-Hand with EY - Tuesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. at University Park
DIY Gardening:
- Garden Mistakes with UF/IFAS - Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m., at Maxville Library
- Bats, Bees, and Butterflies with UF/IFAS - Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m., at University Park
# Library Book Club Meetings in April
If you haven't joined the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge yet... there's still plenty of time (and plenty of cool prizes up for grabs)! If you're already a member of a Library Book Club you've likely already fulfilled at least one challenge category! That means you just have 11 more to go! Not a member of a Library Book Club yet?! Don't sweat it! And with so many book clubs to choose from, in libraries across Jacksonville, you'll find one that's the right fit in no time!
# Jax Stacks Adult Reading Challenge + Virtual Book Club
We've got a fresh new set of 16 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge categories for 2024! While many of the categories are designed to broaden your reading horizons and get you to try something new, others are going to match up with books you're probably planning to read anyway. Either way, you'll have fun and read some great books! To make it easy, we've printed up Jax Stacks Bookmarks to help you keep track of the categories you've crossed off. Pick one up at your local library.
We will discuss "A book of poetry, essays or short stories" and "A book read by a Library Book Club in 2024" live on Zoom on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m.
