Special Collections at Jacksonville Public Library is a place to ask questions, trace your family roots, research the history of your home, explore old city maps and directories, and so much more!
You, your story, and your questions are always welcome.
Special Collections is located on the Fourth Floor of the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville and is open to the public during library hours.
Appointments are not required but you can call ahead or book online if you need a research guide, a tour of the department, or help using the equipment in the Memory Lab.
# Create an African American History Digital Community Archive
Do you have old photographs, personal papers, journals, manuscripts, scrapbooks, pamphlets, family Bibles, or any other material connected to the African American community, churches, civic organizations, or Black-owned businesses here in Northeast Florida? Jacksonville Public Library preserves, stores, and provides access to a variety of unique materials that would otherwise become lost or remain unavailable to the general public.
Donate in person at the Main Library or email digital copies to SpecColl@coj.net.
# What We Collect
From individuals and families:
- Correspondence, personal and/or professional
- Journals/diaries and creative work/manuscripts
- Family Bibles and compiled genealogies
- Photographs (identified, unframed)
From businesses and organizations:
- Meeting minutes, bylaws, organizational charts
- Annual budgets and other financial reports
- Brochures, flyers, programs, and newsletters
- Photographs (identified, unframed)
Note: All donations are handled in accordance with the Library’s Donation Policy.
# Preserve Your Family Memories
Have old photographs in storage or home movies on VHS, 8mm, 16mm, or Super8 film that you haven't seen in years? Transfer them to a digital format that you can store and share online! Before you know it, they'll be ready for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or wherever you connect with family and friends.
Not only that but unlike other, often expensive digitization services, you don't have to worry about sending anything through the mail. The equipment you need is right here at the Main Library. It's free for public use and open six days a week!
All you need is a Jacksonville Public Library card.
Please note: If you're visiting on Saturday or just want to make sure a particular station or piece of equipment is available for you to use when you arrive, please call ahead at (904) 255-BOOK or reserve a station online.
# Leave Your Legacy on the Shelf
Donate your yearbooks or explore the collection! We are collecting yearbooks from all Duval County schools (public and private) as well as area colleges and universities. The collection currently includes Duval High School, Andrew Jackson High School, Landon High School, Riverside (formerly Robert E. Lee) High School, Terry Parker High School, Paxon High School, and Stanton High School - with yearbooks dating back to 1907.
Don’t see your school or your classmates in our collection?
Drop off your yearbooks at your local library or call (904) 255-BOOK.
# Celebrate Your Neighborhood
Help us tell Jacksonville’s story. How much has the Bold New City of the South changed from its founding to the present? How much has Duval County changed in your lifetime? We’re looking for your photos of historic buildings, churches, parks, landmarks, parades, ceremonies, and other places, people, and events important to our city’s rich history.
Photographs should:
- Be your personal property, without depiction of any protected material
- Be sensitive to the privacy concerns of others
- Not promote products or services
Donate in person at the Main Library or email digital copies to SpecColl@coj.net.
