#Free Adult Programs in January
Jacksonville Public Library starts the year-long celebration of San Marco Branch Library's 75th Anniversary this January with a Forward Thinking discussion panel, kick-off party, and a Call for Memories. Plus, Great Decisions returns this January to discuss critical issues facing America. Each program begins with a 30-minute film on a discussion topic and is followed by a group discussion, facilitated by a local subject matter expert.
Be the first to know about Lit Chat author events, writing workshops, and more!
Discussing the Past, Present and Future of San Marco
The year-long anniversary celebration begins with a Forward Thinking discussion program on Saturday, January 11, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., next door in the Balis Community Center. A panel of community members involved in the San Marco neighborhood will discuss the history of the San Marco Library and the neighborhood, how the area has developed into what it is today, and where it’s going in the future.
This will be a 40-minute conversation between moderator Kelsi Hasden and three panelists, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. You may know Hasden as a copywriter/editor for ModernCities.com, TheJaxsonMag.org, and WJCT. She'll be joined by Dorothy K. Fletcher, a local author who writes about Jacksonville history; Robin Robinson, chair of the San Marco Preservation Society committee for Historic Resources; and Tracy Thompson of the San Marco Merchants Association.
Stay after the Forward Thinking program for an Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration from 12-1 p.m. and learn more about the San Marco Memories Project.
#World Affairs Discussion Program
The mission of the Foreign Policy Association today, as it has been for over 100 years, is to serve as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. That's why they created Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Every year, eight topics are chosen by a panel of experts and discussed in libraries, schools and community centers across the United States.
Topic #1: American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads
Description: "Explore the contours of the U.S. Foreign Policy debate as it plays out in a world of multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization."
Facilitator Bailey Sellers is a visiting lecturer at Flagler College teaching in the Political Science Department. Currently a Doctor of Political Science Security Studies candidate, ABD, at the University of Central Florida's School of Politics, Security & International Affairs, Bailey Sellers specializes in U.S. foreign policy, political stability, and the dynamics of political survival in authoritarian regimes.
Topic #2: U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy
Description: "Under President Biden, the U.S. has advanced new ideas about trade, technology, industrial policy, competition with China, and the organization of the world economy. For most of the postwar era, the U.S. has tied its global leadership to cooperative agendas aimed at creating a more open-world trading system, but that has apparently come to an end. What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy?"
Facilitator Dr. Russell Triplett is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of North Florida. He currently serves as Chair of the Department of Economics and Geography and as Interim Associate Dean in the Coggin College of Business.
Topic #3: U.S. - China Relations
Description: "Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition."
Facilitator Dr. Will Miller, with a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies and Public Affairs from The University of Akron, is the Associate Vice President for Continuous Improvement and Institutional Performance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Find more discussion programs!
#Author Talks & Book Signings
Lit Chat Author Talk with Mary Lou Sutherlin
Mary Lou Sutherlin (Granny Lou) is a poet from North Manchester, Indiana who has lived in Jacksonville for forty years. She studied at Purdue University and worked at Vistakon, developing contact lenses, and also at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. Her poetry chapbook is titled “Heartsongs.”
Wednesday, January 15, at 4 p.m. | Murray Hill Branch Library
Register for the FREE author talk!
Did you know that all of our Lit Chat authors' books count toward your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge completion? Find out what authors we're hosting this month and join in on the fun!
#Writing & Publishing Workshops
Authors Roundtable: Connect the Craft of Writing to Community
Participants will learn how to host writing workshops or readings to connect with and inspire their community. Learn how to partner with local organizations or schools to create community-driven writing initiatives. Presented by Authors Roundtable of Northeast Florida - a 501c3 that supports authors reaching their highest potential. All genres are welcome.
Saturday, January 4, at 10:15 a.m. | Main Library (Conference Level)
#Other Adult Programs
Join a Library Book Club in January
Did you know? One of the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge categories is "A book read by a Library Book Club in 2025." So, just by joining one of these groups, you're already part of the way towards completing the challenge! Plus, many of the books selected for discussion by these clubs work for other challenge categories! Jax Stacks, Jacksonville Public Library's official, year-round reading challenge for adults runs January 1 - December 31, 2025.
On the Path to U.S. Citizenship?
Jacksonville Public Library has a free, virtual U.S. Citizenship Prep Course that consists of qualified teachers, a curriculum approved and recommended by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), small classes, and convenient class schedules. Classes meet every Friday from 12-1:30 p.m. to prepare those on the path to citizenship for U.S. Naturalization Test and Interview, including the courses U.S. History, Civics, and interview prep.
The next nine-week course is scheduled for January 3 - March 7, 2025.
To register, complete the waitlist form or call the Center for Adult Learning at (904) 255-6135.
Life Lab: Improve Your Day-to-Day Life
Grow your own garden or small business and take control of your health, career, and personal finances! Life Lit is now Life LAB - a series of free workshops offered by trained professionals and volunteers, aimed at improving your life. They cover a wide range of topics from gardening to financial literacy to small business needs. No need to bring anything but yourself to participate!
Gardening Workshops:
The mission of the Duval County University of Florida Extension Office is to continually enhance the quality of life for a unified Jacksonville through strengthening decision making, knowledge application, economic security, environmental care and leadership skills for all citizens.
- Caring for Camellias - Tuesday, Jan. 7 | 6 p.m. | Maxville Branch
- Gardening in Containers - Tuesday, Jan. 7 | 6 p.m. | San Marco Branch
- Basics of Container Gardening - Saturday, Jan. 11 | 11 a.m. | Main Library
- Weeds: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - Monday, Jan. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | University Park Branch
The St. Johns Riverkeeper is a privately-funded, independent and trusted voice for the St. Johns River and the public to whom it belongs. They are a 501(c)(3) organization that defends and advocates for the St. Johns River and its protection.
- Right Plant, Right Place - Saturday, Jan. 18 | 3 p.m. | Maxville Branch
Search our events calendar for more workshops offered by our community partners at the Library.
Save the Date:
North Florida Genealogical Society will present an overview of genealogy research including research best practices, resources and more that you can apply to your personal genealogy projects. Instructors will also cover how to use: Census Records, the Freedman's Bureau and DNA.
African American Genealogy (Life Lab) Workshop - Saturday, Feb. 1 | 3 p.m. | Highlands
