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.

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.

Free Tax Preparation Available With AARP

The Jacksonville Public Library is proud to partner with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) TaxAide during the tax season each year to provide FREE tax preparation. Taxes will be prepared BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call (904) 701-3462 now or beginning January 17 you can visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide and submit your ZIP code for the nearest location to schedule an appointment.

Shop the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Used Book Sale

Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Book Sale April 16-20

The Friends of the Beaches Branch Library invite you to stock up on your favorite authors and discover new ones at their spring book sale on April 16-20, 2024. The sale will include gently used adult fiction and nonfiction titles, books for children and young adults, DVDs, CDs and more! Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Beaches Branch Library.

Great Reads for Arab American Heritage Month

Every April, we are encouraged to celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage, history, and hopes as well as their many contributions to our country. Jacksonville Public Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about Arab Americans including here on our blog, through book displays in your local library, and via reading challenges for all ages on Beanstack.

You Could Win $2500 in the Indie Author Project Annual Contest

Are you an indie author looking for a chance to showcase your talent? The Indie Author Project Annual Contest is looking for the best indie-published e-book in seven genres. Submit your work before May 31 for your chance to win $2,500 and other amazing prizes!

April Art Walk: Poetry Open Mic Night with Taryn Lovereigns Wharwood

Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent with us on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library stays open until 9 p.m. for the festivities! This month, adults (18+) can join us from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Lounge at 303 North for a special Jax Poetry Fest Open Mic Night sponsored by Hope at Hand, Inc., with emcee Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood. UNF Professor Andrew Kozlowski also returns for a zine poetry-making workshop during Zinester Meetup.

Great Decisions 2024: World Affairs Discussion Series at Your Library

Great Decisions is a program created by the Foreign Policy Association. It is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Each meeting begins with a 20-minute video on a discussion topic followed by a facilitator-led discussion on global issues.

Attend whichever meetings interest you! Topics for the Great Decisions 2024 series include US-China Trade Rivalry, Climate Technology and Competition, Mideast Realignment, Pandemic Preparedness, Understanding Indonesia, NATO's Future, and more.

Poetry Month Programs and Reading Recommendations

April is National Poetry Month and we've got some great recommendations for you, including some books of poetry by local poets like Jessica Q. Stark! Whether you enjoy reading poetry or writing it yourself, we also have several programs and drop-in activities happening around the library system including a poetry program double-header (Lit Chat and Writer's Lab) at Willow Branch Library on Saturday, April 13!

Adult Programs at the Library during National Poetry Month

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. Then, on April 13, we’ll have a poetry program doubleheader at Willow Branch Library!