# Gearing Up for Jax Book Fest
Held annually at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, Jax Book Fest is our biggest, boldest celebration of authors, authorship, and the written word. It's coming back next month and this year, it's so big it's being held over two Saturdays, September 13 and 20. We've expanded Writers' Day with over a dozen writing, publishing, and marketing workshops - all of which you can pre-register for now.
But first, we mark the 65th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday with a History Chat with Alton & Gwen Yates, follow the adventures of a "rogue" shark scientist in our Lit Chat author series, and explore a historic African American town with a Forward Thinking panel of current and former residents.
Check out all of this month's featured programs for adults below.
Be the first to know about Lit Chat author events, writing workshops, and more!
# Authors, Books & Writing
Join Library Book Club
The summer reading season might be coming to a close but with hot new titles hitting the shelves, Lit Chat author talks and interviews introducing you to your new favorite writers, and, of course, monthly book club meetups—there's always one good reason or another to check out a book from the Library. Find out what fabulous titles our book clubs are reading and discussing this August. You might just find a new favorite.
Lit Chat Author Talk with L.T. Reed
L.T. Reed grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, the youngest of nine children. After losing her father at the age of sixteen, she turned to writing stories and plays. While she would eventually pursue degrees in accounting and computer programming at Jones College and Florida State College at Jacksonville, she knew writing was what was in her heart. So, one day she doubled down and decided it was the time to put pen to pad. Unfamiliar Blood is her debut novel.
7 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, at Highlands Regional Library
Writing as Inspiration and Self-Care (with Women Writing for (a) Change)
Whether you are an experienced writer or still finding your voice through writing, it's easy to get bogged down in your goals, schedule demands, or expectations/insecurities. In this workshop, you'll explore the use of a writing circle as a means of setting goals (or reluctance) aside for a while. Writing together, or "in community," using poetry and prose prompts that encourage your mind to roam freely, can often spark new ideas as well as a depth of expression within you that truly becomes a potent means of self-care.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, at Murray Hill Branch Library
Join the waitlist See all upcoming
Lit Chat Interview with Jasmin Graham
Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist currently specializing in smalltooth sawfish and hammerhead sharks. She is also the co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization providing support for women of color in the field of shark biology and ecology. Join documentary filmmaker Natalie Halpern as she interviews Graham about her book, Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist. A book signing will follow the interview, with books available for purchase on-site from San Marco Books & More.
1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at University Park Branch Library
Register for this program See all upcoming
# History & Genealogy
History Chat with Alton & Gwen Yates: 65th Anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday*
On Saturday, August 27, 1960, a violent attack occurred in Hemming Plaza (now known as James Weldon Johnson Park) against Black demonstrators participating in sit-in protests organized by the NAACP Youth Council at segregated lunch counters in downtown Jacksonville. Alton Yates and his wife, Gwen, will share their personal stories from that day with local journalist and broadcaster Shelton Hull.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, at Main Library
Forward Thinking (Panel Discussion): Mixon Town*
Join us to discuss the experience of current and former residents, the challenges of historic preservation (including the placement of historic markers), and plans for the future of Mixon Town with moderator Ennis Davis and panelists Spencer Fletcher, James and Pat Henry and Desiree' "Dee" Powell. An audience Q&A will follow the 40-minute panel discussion.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, at Main Library
*These programs are made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation and are part of a series of free community programs exploring and collecting African American History.
# 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:
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Right Plant, Right Place with UF Extension Office
- 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at Willow Branch Library
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Workforce Readiness & Personal Branding with EY
- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at Murray Hill Branch Library
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Shade Gardens with UF Extension Office
- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, at University Park Branch Library
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Native Gardening with UF Extension Office
- 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, at South Mandarin Branch Library
Search our events calendar for more workshops offered by our community partners at the Library.
# Save the Dates
Jax Book Fest: Writers' Day
Fans of our Writer's Lab workshops will love the expanded Writers' Day on September 13, which will feature a Writer's Lab and Lit Chat Interview with National Book Award winner Tiya Miles as well as over dozen+ workshops for local writers.
Jax Book Fest: Youth Readers' Day
Are you a parent, looking for books your children will love? Youth Readers' Day on September 20 will feature 50+ local authors for kids and teens as well as Lit Chat author programs with two #1 New York Times bestselling authors: Current U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Mac Barnett and Shannon Messenger, author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
