Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

Lit Chat with Prolific Local History Author Tim Gilmore

A prolific local history author, Tim Gilmore, has written extensively about Jacksonville. The writer and creator of www.jaxpsychogeo.com, he has told more than 700 stories of strange and historic locations in and around Jacksonville, Florida. He is also the founder of JaxbyJax. A literary arts festival, now in its 10th year, JaxbyJax was built on the theme of “Jacksonville Writers Writing Jacksonville.” Few have written about Jacksonville more. He joins us this November to talk about his latest book, The Culture Wars of Warren Folks.

Get Free Help on Your Path to U.S. Citizenship

On the path to United States Citizenship?

"I have lived in this country for a long time and [until now] I could not vote. I didn't have a voice," Milu Benko said. "As a high school teacher, I would always encourage my students to vote and register to vote. But I myself couldn't do that. One summer, I took my daughter to the Southeast Library and saw a flyer for classes for citizenship... I decided it was time." Now, Milu has a voice and with FREE help preparing for the U.S. Naturalization Test and Interview, you can too!

Pass the GED and Earn Your Diploma with Help from the Library

It's Never Too Late to Earn Your Diploma

Abigail Ricketson said that she'd given up on herself until she had kids. "I have a three-year-old and a two-year-old and it's just us at the moment. I was trying to get a job but... a lot of the higher-paying jobs require a diploma," she said. Thankfully, she heard about the GED Test® Prep program at the Jacksonville Public Library from her sister. "I made the call... and it's honestly one of the best decisions I ever made," she said.

Kids Financial Adventure with Kash Kids

Kids Financial Adventure: Join us at a Library Near You!

Imagine your kids, stronger, smarter and empowered economically to make all the right financial moves, all the right financial choices. We'll read books, play games and do fun hands-on activities. Kids will discover the importance of setting goals, making wise spending choices, savings and more. This captivating and educational four-week program is presented by Kash Kids. They believe that teaching your kids how to manage their money is one of the best ways for them to become financially independent adults.

Join Us in Thanking Our Friends of the Library

Graphic for Happy Friends of the Library Appreciation Week, October 15 through 21, 2023.

At several Jacksonville Public Library locations, there are dedicated volunteers working long hours to raise money through book sales, engage in advocacy, and plan pro-literacy events – all for the betterment of the Library and community. We call these volunteers and the groups they are a part of "Friends of the Library."

Books to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. Jacksonville Public 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 today!

Fabulous Deals at the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Used Book Sale

Shop the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Book Sale on October 17 from 4 pm to 7 pm for members and on October 18 to October 21 from 10 am to 5 pm for everyone.

The Friends of the Beaches Branch Library invite you to stock up on your favorite authors and discover new ones at their fall book sale on October 17-21, 2023. The sale will include gently used adult fiction and nonfiction titles, books for children and young adults, vinyl records, DVDs, CDs and more! Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Beaches Branch Library.

Week of WasabiCon: How to Find Manga at the Library

Manga Monday October 9 at the Main Library

Looking for ways to interact with anime and manga fans? Join us for Manga Monday on October 9 from 3 - 5:30 p.m. in the Teen Room at Main Library. You'll make new friends, talk about your favorite characters, and check out the Library's massive manga and graphic novels collection. It's part of a "Week of Wasabicon," with events happening all over downtown Jacksonville. The Library will also be an exhibitor at WasabiCon! And we're bringing tons of manga for people to read and check out at the convention.

Books to Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and civil rights movements. It is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBT rights.

Lit Chat with LGBTQ+ Historical Romance Author Cat Sebastian

Before writing, Cat Sebastian was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs. But she liked those jobs much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. Her latest book, We Could Be So Good has been described as "Casey McQuinston meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." And if you like that, she's got over a dozen other queer historical romance novels and glowing reviews from bestselling authors like Julia Quinn, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series. The best part? You can also meet her live and in person, right here in Jacksonville!