Celebrating Local Authors in July and Beyond

# Supporting Local Authors

While we try to uplift and feature up-and-coming Jacksonville authors throughout the year with Lit Chat Author Talks, Writer's Lab workshops, our Local Author and Zine Collections, and #ReadLocal collection on BiblioBoard Library,  we have some exciting things planned over the next few months that will point an even brighter spotlight on these local literary icons. 

Held annually at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, Jax Book Fest is our biggest, boldest celebration of authors, authorship, and the written word. Of course, the opportunity for Jax readers to find and support local authors has always been key to its appeal and its success. An "Open Call" for local authors of books for kids and teens and early details about the event, including this year's featured author, goes live on Wednesday, July 2. Stay tuned!

And keep reading for all of this month's free programs and workshops for adults at the Library.

# Authors, Books & Writing

Join Library Book Club this July

Are you a ravenous reader who just can't decide what to read next? You can join a Book Club, or maybe two or three! But that's not all the Library has to offer. Of course, you can always visit the Library to check out the displays, browse the stacks, or talk to your favorite librarian in person. Did you know you can also visit our website to get trustworthy advice from professional book nerds or just find more of what you like with tools like NoveList Plus. 

Join a book club

Lit Chat Author Talk with Seye Kuyinu

Seye Kuyinu is a transformational Agile Coach and contemplative writer whose work bridges systems thinking with the inner life. Drawing from a rich blend of coaching, hypnotherapy, and nondual philosophy, Seye helps individuals and teams navigate the subtle terrain between structure and surrender where innovation, clarity, and healing often emerge. He has two poetry books under his belt: Inside I Am Just Like You and This Glorious Dance: Thoughts & Contemplations about Who We Are.

6:30 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Bradham and Brooks Branch

Register now

Lit Chat Author Talk with Dorothy K. Fletcher

Retired teacher and local author, Dorothy K. Fletcher, will discuss how she researched and wrote her many books on Jacksonville. Many will remember that, not long after she retired, she wrote a monthly column for the Florida Times-Union called “By the Wayside." That column became the basis for the six history books she has written about her beloved city. Copies of her books Remembering Jacksonville, Growing Up Jacksonville, Lost Restaurants of Jacksonville, and more will be available for sale on site. 

7 - 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at San Marco Branch

Note: This is part of a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library.

Register now

Lit Chat Interview with C.H. Hooks

C.H. Hooks is the author of the novels Can't Shake the Dust and Alligator Zoo-Park Magic. His work has appeared in print and online publications including: The Los Angeles Review, American Short Fiction, Four Way Review, The Tampa Review, The Bitter Southerner, and Burrow Press. He has been a Tennessee Williams Scholar and Contributor at Sewanee Writers' Conference, and attended DISQUIET: Dzanc Books International Literary Program. He teaches at Flagler College, and lives in St. Augustine. After the interview, there will be 20 minutes of audience Q&A and a book signing. 

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at Willow Branch

Save your seat

# Other Adult Programs

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!

Upcoming Workshops:

• Herbs with UF/IFAS
  • 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at Webb Wesconnett Library
• Attracting Beneficial Wildlife to Your Garden with UF/IFAS
  • 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at San Marco Branch Library
• Companion Planting for Vegetable Gardens with UF/IFAS
  • 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at University Park Branch Library
• Introduction to African American Genealogy with Andrew Thompson
  • 6 p.m. on Monday, July 21, at Bradham and Brooks Branch Library
  • This program made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation
• How to Build a Pollinator Planter with UF/IFAS
  • 6 p.m. on Monday, July 21, at Mandarin Branch Library
• Workforce Readiness & Personal Branding with FSO Technology Consulting
  • 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Highlands Library

Search our events calendar for more workshops offered by our community partners at the Library.