More than 150 Local and National Authors and Illustrators to Participate in ‘Literary Event of the Year’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 13, 2017 – The first-ever Jax Book Fest, coming to the Main Library on March 25, has been dubbed “The Literary Event of the Year” for 150 good reasons. The Jacksonville Public Library has gathered more than 150 local and national best-selling authors and illustrators representing every genre from fiction to mystery to romance—including graphic novels and zines—for every age group from toddlers to teens to adults, for an all-day, everything-you-want-to-know-about-books festival.
The public is invited to attend the free event, take home a special tote bag while supplies last, hear presentations by favorite authors, buy books and get them signed, enjoy poetry readings and spoken word, learn about e-publishing including the library’s new SELF-e self-publishing platform with Library Journal, browse vendor exhibits, and much more. For eats and treats, food trucks will be at Hemming Park across from the Main Library during the event.
WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2017
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library
303 Laura St. – 32202
For a schedule of the day’s events and more about participating authors and illustrators, go to jaxbookfest.org. Following are some highlights of the day:
Children: A discussion panel with children’s authors will include New York Times best-selling author/illustrator David Catrow, Ethan Long and Karen Beaumont. Children can take part in story times, face painting, balloon activities, and a zoo trek led by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Teens: New York Times best-selling author Maggie Stiefvater will give a presentation. Enjoy a poetry slam and spoken word including the 2016 and 2017 Jacksonville teen poet laureates, zine making with Lindsay Anderson and Clay Doran, and a chat by author Matt Walker.
Adults: Hear New York Times best-selling author Brenda Jackson, Rodney Hurst Sr. and Leela Corman, and attend workshops on editing and publishing e-books.
Other notables include Florida Times-Union columnist Mark Woods, JaxbyJax organizer Tim Gilmore, Jane R. Wood, 7-year-old Natalie McGriff, Dorothy Fletcher, Mary Atwood and Nancy Blanton.
Jax Book Fest was made possible by the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation and participating sponsors. The children’s literacy programs were sponsored in part by the Joy G. Korman Endowment. Other sponsors include the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Stein Mart, Jack Magazine, Folio Media House, Florida Eye Specialists, St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry, Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Rogers Towers, Leo Communications, Inc., Four Points Sheraton, Lexington Hotel, Baptist Health and Indo-US Chamber of Commerce.
San Marco Books and More will set up its book store at Main Library during Jax Book Fest to sell participating authors’ books, the official Jax Book Fest poster, and other literary items. A portion of proceeds from all San Marco book store sales will go back to the library.
The 2017 Jax Book Fest poster was chosen from nearly 50 entries in a poster contest sponsored by Ameris Bank. The contest is destined to become a popular feature of the annual event, and you may purchase this year’s poster at Jax Book Fest. Poster entries will be exhibited in the Zimmerman Overlook on the first floor at the Main Library leading up to and during Jax Book Fest.
Jacksonville Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to all persons. If you need special accommodations, please call 630-4655 (TTY 630-1999) at least 72 hours prior to the event.
About the Jacksonville Public Library
The mission of the Jacksonville Public Library is to enrich lives, build community and foster success by bringing people, information and ideas together. Last year, more than 3.4 million visits were made to Jacksonville Public Libraries, items were checked out more than 5.7 million times, and over 13,000 programs and services were offered to Duval County residents at the Main Library and 20 branch locations. For more information about the Jacksonville Public Library, call 630-BOOK (2665) or visit jaxpubliclibrary.org.
