Summer Reading, Learning, Programs, Events and Activities for 2024

Adventure Begins at Your Library June 3 - August 3

# Fun Shows, Hands-On Activities, Free Books & More!  

Follow along for a summer of reading, learning, and fun at your Jacksonville Public Library! Join us at your favorite library location or from home starting June 3 through August 3. Residents of all ages will be able to take part in fun and educational programs, weekly drop-in activities, reading and other book-related challenges, scavenger hunts, and more! It's all FREE, all summer long! 

# Get Your Summer Prize Books (While Supplies Last)!

Get your FREE summer prize book at a Drop-In Summer Kick-Off Party, happening at all 21 library locations between June 3 - 8. Thanks to Tenikka's Books for Kids annual book drive as well as generous donations from the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and others, kids will be able to choose between everything from board books and picture books for the littlest readers to chapter books and graphic novels for elementary-age, middle-grade readers, and teens! Don't miss it!

These celebrations will also include fun activities and other giveaways. 

 


# Find Programs, Activities, and Resources For Your Age Group:


# Want an Extra Challenge (and the Chance to Win More Prizes)?

Pick up a Bingo Card or Summer Passport at your Library anytime during the summer. Then, check off a square or add an activity badge for things like checking out an e-book, attending a program, or getting a book recommendation from a librarian! Return your completed Bingo Cards and Summer Passports (before July 27) for fun prizes and incentives.

Assorted summer prizes and incentives

 


# Live from the Library

# Your Library is Your New Favorite Performance Venue

Is there anything more magical than getting lost in a good book? Well, maybe an actual magician! Live from the Library brings engaging and educational performers – including musicians, animal handlers, dancers, and yes, even magicians! – to showcase their talents to children ages 5 to 12 and their families. This year's Live from the Library schedule goes live in mid-May.

Check the Calendar!

 


# Literacy Does Not Take a Summer Break

We know the importance of reading and how it can set children on the path to success. Studies show that kids can lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break without opportunities to maintain some basic literacy skills.

That is why Jacksonville Public Library is a proud member of ReadJax, a community effort to improve third-grade reading outcomes. We’ve also adopted the slogan "Twenty Minutes a Day Paves the Way" because research has shown that reading (and being read to) just 20 minutes a day can:

  • Provide time for parents and caregivers to bond with children
  • Expose children to as many 1.8 million words per year
  • Help students reach the 90th percentile on standardized tests
  • Improve listening skills
  • Prepare pre-kindergartners for school
  • Improve your child's earning potential later in life
  • Lead to healthier lives.

 


Summer Reading Recommendations

Throughout the summer, you'll find great, themed books on display and hear amazing stories of adventure at storytimes and other library programs (for all ages)! You'll also find great book recommendations and reading-related challenges when you download Beanstack and sign up for Mayor Deegan's River City Readers citywide literacy challenge!

# Join the Reading Challenge

With the Beanstack app, it's easier than ever before to keep track of your reading. All you have to do is read at least 20 minutes per day and log those reading minutes online. You'll be awarded digital badges for logging multiple days in a row and for completing other reading-related activities. At the end of the year, the city’s top young readers will be given prizes!

beanstack logo

apple app store icon   google play store icon

# Getting Started

  1. Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  2. Download and open the Beanstack Tracker app.
  3. Choose At my library, school or bookstore.
  4. Using the Find a Site search bar, type Jax Library or River City Readers
  5. Select Jax Library River City Readers (FL).

# Want More Book Recommendations?

If you don't have time to browse, you can always: 

  1. Request a Personalized Booklist from Library staff
  2. Get the hottest titles in your favorite genres sent right to your inbox with The Book Hookup 
  3. For adults, we're continuing our Jax Stacks year-round reading challenge!

 


Library Academy

# Sign Up for Newsletters & At-Home Activities

Looking for more ideas? Enroll in Library Academy

Not only will you get reminders about upcoming library programs but you'll also receive age-appropriate book recommendations and tips for talking about books. Plus, there are fun craft ideas, games and other at-home activities that you can do as a family. 

Little LearnersJunior ScholarsTeen Think Tank

Get the Newsletters

 


 

# Upcoming Events and Programs

Get a Library Card

Jacksonville Public Library card

Read Jax logo

A Library Card in Every Student's Pocket

Student Library Card

Simply enter a student ID to access a fine-free library card! The Student Card is available for free to all students at any public school system in Duval County.

Traveling Tales are a collection of convenient book bundles and activity kits for preschoolers, ages two to five, that you can take home!

All Jacksonville middle and high school students can ride city buses for free! Just show your student ID.