Jacksonville Public Library Blog

History Chat: Collecting Alan Justiss for National Poetry Month

This April, Jacksonville Public Library is highlighting the life and poetry of Alan Justiss (1943-2011), a celebrated Jacksonville poet whose works have recently been acquired by our Special Collections department. This panel discussion will be moderated by artist and educator, Nestor Gil. They'll talk about Justiss’ life and legacy, read selections of his poetry, and a preview of an upcoming documentary. An audience Q&A will follow the presentation.

Join a Book Club or Start the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge this May

It can be hard to make new friends as adults. We all get so busy with family, work and other responsibilities. It can be hard to meet new people or strike up a conversation. The great thing about joining a Library Book Club is that you already have something in common with your fellow book lovers. Not only that, you have new books, themes, and characters to talk about every month!

Small Business Help and Free Resources at Your Library

Spring is the time to grow new ideas! Are you ready to start a new side hustle or grow your existing business? The "Small Business and Side Hustles" Library U newsletter connects you to Library and community resources and programs to help you get started!

Wayback Wednesday Open House & Live Demo in the Memory Lab

Image caption reads: "Remember this?" Illustration shows a pencil being used to rewind an audio cassette tape

What does a pencil and an audio cassette have in common? If you know you know... but you're definitely also going to want to check out the newly expanded Memory Lab at Main Library! Learn more at our next Memory Lab Open House on Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8:30 p.m. (during Art Walk). You can also stop by any time the Main Library is open for a demo! The Memory Lab is located on the fourth floor of the Main Library in Special Collections (next to the Ansbacher Map Room).

Lit Chat Interview with Bestselling Environmental Writer Jeff Goodell

Register now for the Lit Chat Interview with New York Times bestselling author Jeff Goodell. He will appear in person on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m., live at the Main Library. If you are unable to attend in person, you can catch the live stream online via Zoom. A book signing will follow and books will be available to purchase on-site from partner The Bookmark.

Launch & Grow Your Substack: A Writer's Lab with Hurley Winkler

Launch and grow your Substack. Writer's Lab workshop with Hurley Winkler.

Are you an author, considering an email newsletter to keep in touch with your readers? Learn about newsletter content strategies, the benefits of Substack over other social media platforms, and monetizing your newsletter. Writer's Lab: Launch and Grow Your Substack Newsletter with Hurley Winkler on Tuesday, May 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Regency Square Library.

New Worlds Reading BOOK BASH May 10 at the Main Library!

Calling all VPK through 5th Grade Students! Book Bash! Presented by New Worlds Reading. Image includes a photo of Clifford and kids.

Calling all VPK through Fifth Grade families! You're invited to the first New Worlds Reading Book Bash on Friday, May 10, from 4:30 - 7 p.m. here at the Main Library! This fun-filled, family-friendly event will include appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog, an author read-aloud, raffles, and more! Plus, kids can pick up FREE books and food (while supplies last)!

Read Zines: Staff Picks and Upcoming Zinester Meetups and Events

You might not have known it but if you’ve ever been to the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, you were in the same building as one of Jacksonville Public Library’s most unique features: the Zine Collection. This collection was started in 2009 by the first Jacksonville Public Library Zine Committee, composed of Andrew Coulon, Josh Jubinsky, Matthew Moyer, and Jessica Whittington. In the years since, the collection has grown to include over 2,000 zines from authors all over the country, from Jacksonville to Portland!

Beaches Library Comic Fest 2024

Beaches Library Comic Fest Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library.

Wear your best cape and cowl (or that really cool bow tie and fez) and join us for a celebration of reading and fandom culture! Our annual Beaches Library Comic Fest returns Saturday, May 4, from 1 – 4 p.m. (Free Comic Book Day). This FAN-tastic event is sponsored by Friends of the Beaches Branch Library and features some of your favorite local cosplayers, gamers, and comic creators from the Beaches community and beyond.

Get Inspired to Volunteer this Earth Day and Beyond!

April 22 is Earth Day! Started in 1970, the day is often celebrated via organized volunteer events with the health of our planet or our local natural resources in mind. Some folks celebrate by volunteering at a beach or river cleanup or by picking up trash in a park. Are you new to volunteering or activism? Whether you're looking for inspiration, role models, or just a place to start giving back and making a difference: the Library has you covered!