Travel In Style, Without Leaving Jacksonville

Wish you could travel around the world and experience new cultures and cuisines? If you’re a Jules Verne fan, you’re probably thinking, “I could just take a hot air balloon.” But that could take upwards of 80 days! Who has that kind of free time?

Experience the world, this weekend

The annual World of Nations Celebration is February 26 and 27, right here in Jacksonville. There’s traditional music, artwork, and more on exhibit. Plus, each country is represented by a flag and at least one person speaking that country’s official language. More than two dozen countries will be represented! You don't even need to pack (or learn how to steer a hot-air balloon)!

Adventure, anytime

If you’re more of an armchair traveler (or just avoiding big events right now), you can always count on the Library to be your trusty travel guide!

Looking for a book by an international author to complete the Jax Stack Reading Challenge? Try Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick His Only Wife by Peace A. Medie (set in Ghana). How about “a book written for teens”? Try an award-winning YA book like Furia by Yamile Saied Mendez (Argentina).

Their first passport

If you're a parent, you might be looking for ways to teach your little ones about the world around them. Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kosteski-Shaw is about two pen pals, one in America and one in India, who talk about all the things they love to do. Their countries may look different but, still, the two friends share a lot in common.

Want more? These books are sure to transport you to far-off places – both real and imagined!