Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

Junior Lit Chat and Book Giveaway 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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

Fourth of July Books for Kids

How does your family celebrate our nation's independence? Maybe you wake up early on the Fourth of July to bake that all-American apple pie? Or do you spend the whole morning preparing for that big barbeque in the backyard or picnic in the park? Of course, there are also parades and fireworks and all sorts of fun traditions! The Library has books (for all ages) that reflect the grand diversity and the rich tapestry that make our country and our community here in Jacksonville so great. We've highlighted a few of those books (for young readers) here!

Jax Stacks Book Recommendations: A Book by a 2023 Lit Chat Author

Welcome to a new month of the 2023 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge! We are going to give you suggestions for each* category in the challenge every month so that you always have a great library book waiting for you when you need it. Plus, you can share what you're reading with other Jax Stacks readers at our monthly Jax Stacks Reading Challenge Book Club. Note: Our July meeting takes place at the Southeast Regional Library!

Adult Programs this July: Authors, Book Clubs, History Chats and More!

We are really excited to bring a different kind of Writer’s Lab to the Library this month – a three-hour workshop on creating a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with a Wizards of the Coast employee! We also have great summery Lit Chats, gardening workshops for everyone, and 16 book clubs to check out. And, of course, the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge continues (with new prizes up for grabs)!