Jacksonville Public Library Blog

History Chat: Greenlining Jax with Dante Jennings

Greenlining is an urban investment and revitalization strategy that aims to address the lingering effects of redlining with equitable, actionable, and sustainable solutions that improve economic development, environmental justice, and quality of life in formerly redlined neighborhoods. Learn more about this initiative and other efforts to educate and empower underserved communities right here in Jacksonville at our next History Chat, live at the Brown Eastside Branch Library on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m.

Third Annual Duval Comic and Zine Fest at the Main Library

DCAZ Fest (Duval Comic and Zine Fest) June 15th 11 AM - 5 PM Jacksonville Public Library Main

The Main Library is proud to host the third annual Duval Comic and Zine Fest in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. A celebration of independent publishing featuring local creators of self-published zines, comics, alternative press, and DIY media, the event will feature over 50 tablers, a risograph printing activity, a Writer's Lab workshop, and a Lit Chat with graphic novelist Nate Powell. The event is and all programs are free to attend!

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.

Friends of the Mandarin Library Summer Book Sale

Friends of the Mandarin Library Book Sale May 31 and June 1

Start your summer reading with a book sale that's too hot to miss! The sale will include gently used adult fiction, nonfiction, children and young adult titles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, jigsaw puzzles, vinyl records, and more. Both days of the sale are open to all, but membership is encouraged and appreciated. You can join at the door for $10. Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Mandarin Library.

Books to Commemorate Military Appreciation Month

May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about people in the military and their families. Find books on military history, including biographies of famous military leaders, accounts of battles and wars, memoirs of soldiers, and more.

Junior Lit Chat Author Talk & Book Giveaway with Jewell Parker Rhodes

Junior Lit Chat with Jewell Parker Rhodes. Image features a photo of the author with her dogs.

Junior Lit Chat with Jewell Parker Rhodes, Friday, June 7, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. This event will take place live at the Brentwood Library and is intended for kids ages 5-12. The first half hour will be a presentation by the author; the second half hour is time for book signing. A limited number of copies of Bayou Magic will be given away to participants, first come, first served.

Celebrating Mother's Day this May!

As Mother's Day quickly approaches, Jacksonville Public Library hopes to help you celebrate by sharing a list of books about motherhood and all that comes with it. Reading is an excellent way to connect with others, and the Library has compiled a list of books related to the joys and challenges of motherhood.

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 looking to start an email newsletter for your readers, business, friends, or strangers? 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.

These Are the Star Wars Books and Free Comics You're Looking For

May the Fourth Be With You (Star Wars Day). Graphic includes an image of a Mandalorian reading a book on being a better dad.

Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!), Free Comic Book Day, attending the Beaches Library Comic Fest or just looking to revisit your favorite characters in a galaxy far, far away: the Library has the books and comics you’re looking for! Plus, hear a special message from Bo-Katan Kryze and the Armorer, who visited the Main Library back in March!

Celebrating Children's Book Week with FREE Books for Kids

Children's Book Week takes place every year in May. The purpose of this event is to promote the love of reading and to encourage children to explore the wonderful world of literature. This week-long celebration is marked with various activities and events across the country, including book readings, storytelling sessions, and book fairs. Of course, i you're looking for great stories, storytimes or a chance to meet a children's book author, Jacksonville Public Library is the perfect place to start looking!