Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

Join a Library Book Club this August

Join a Book Club

Did you know? August 9 is National Book Lovers Day! If you're looking for ways to celebrate or a few fellow bibliophiles to celebrate with: Join a Library Book Club and get book recommendations from librarians and book lovers like you! Reading doesn't have to be a solitary activity when there are book lovers all over Jacksonville!

Junior Lit Chat and Book Giveaway with Ruth Lewis

Junior Lit Chat with Ruth Lewis

Jacksonville is covered with all kinds of cool animal statues – jaguars, turtles, manatees and more! It can be really exciting when you spot one "out in the wild." While running to see a big blue statue of a manatee, three-year-old James was so excited that he got stuck in the mud and needed to be rescued by his grandmother. Hear this fun, true story with local author Ruth Lewis on August 4 at Beaches Branch Library. She'll also about family outings, real-life manatees, and more (intended for children ages 5 - 12).

Finding Work-Life Balance as a Small Business Owner

Small Business and Side Hustles Library U newsletter

Did you know July 16 is National Workaholics Day? This month, we take a step back from the traditional business books and resources and take a look at helping ourselves. Conquer self-doubt and learn how to feel more balanced, motivated and passionate about your work and life with free courses taught by other small business owners.

The Jazz Jam Photography Collection at Main Library

The Jazz Jam Photography Collection

A Visual Testimony: The Jazz Jam Photography Collection is making a stop at the Gallery at Main, Jacksonville Public Library's gallery space located on the first floor of the Main Library from August 2 through September 24.  

Lit Chat Interview with Deb Rogers, author of Florida Woman

Lit Chat Interview with Deb Rogers

People around the country know the tales of "Florida Men" and "Florida Women," but only those fortunate enough to live here can truly capture their spirit! Learn how Northeast Florida author Deb Rogers did exactly that with her wild debut novel, Florida Woman.

Where to Find Comics and Graphic Novels in the Library

Graphic Novels Month

July is Graphic Novels in Libraries Month! This annual holiday was started in 2019 to highlight all of the manga, graphic novels, and comics that libraries have in their collections. Spoiler alert: it's a lot! We also use it to promote all of the fun, geeky programs and activities we offer for readers. Read on for book recommendations, program reminders and an exciting announcement!

Books to Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Books to celebrate Disability Pride Month

The 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. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us! This month, we are highlighting books about people embracing their disabilities and reclaiming visibility in public.

Hot Deals at the Friends' Big Bag Book Sale

Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library's Big Bag Book Sale on July 20 through 22 at the University Park Library.

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library's (FJPL) Big Bag Book Sale will be back on July 20-22 with fabulous deals on books, movies, audiobooks, records, jigsaw puzzles, and more.

We Are Open for Gamers: July Art Walk at the Main Library

We Are Open for Art Walk

Teens: Did you miss any of our Dungeon Master Summer Academy craft activities like DIY Dungeon Tiles or Fantasy Maps? Join us Wednesday, July 5 during Art Walk from 5 - 8 p.m. for a night of makeup D&D crafts and writing D&D adventures while watching the new film: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves! Plus, the Main Library has two current art exhibits and more drop-in activities!

Staff Picks Book Review - Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Library Staff Picks graphic for a book review

One of my earliest memories of the Medusa comes from the 1981 classic stop-motion animation Clash of The Titans. A serpentine monster that kills indiscriminately, the Medusa of these earlier versions is without voice or childhood. An established author in the classics, Natalie Haynes gives a voice to Medusa and allows the reader to decide if the young gorgon really deserves the label of "monster"

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