#Winter Break Fun
The kids are home from school, family is in town to visit and you need something fun for the whole family to do (or maybe just a quiet place to escape). Look no further than the Library for great ideas during your winter break! Make plans to read, play, create, and have fun with us at the library this holiday season. Get wrapped up in holiday-themes at your favorite kids programs. Or drop in for winter crafts and games!
Holiday Hours: All Libraries are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24-25, and Wednesday, January 1. Note: Please check the online events calendar for the week of December 23-28 as some programs have been rescheduled.
Join us Live from the Library this Winter Break for special guests and fun performances for children (ages 5-12) and their families, starting with “Artz N' Motion” from the Noteworthy Live Band on Friday, December 27, from 2-3 p.m. at Willow Branch Library. Find the joy in play and discovery as children participate in self-expression! This program is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of Willow Branch Library.
Our next program includes local and exotic reptiles, stories, music and humor to excite learning about the natural world! Wild Wonders returns with the-ever popular "Scaly Sensations" on Thursday, January 2, at 2-3 p.m. at the South Mandarin Branch and Friday, January 3, from 2-3 p.m. at the Beaches Branch. These programs are made possible by the generous support of the Friends of South Mandarin Library and the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library.
The Kids Hope Alliance and Jacksonville Public Library are hosting a Book Review Writing Contest for kids and teens! Open to all Duval County youth! Book reviews may include text or drawings but must not exceed 300 words. A cash prize of $100 will be awarded in four age groups (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) for the most persuasive book reviews. Entries are due on February 22 via email to ilovebooks@coj.net.
Prompt: What is your favorite book and why do you recommend it?
This contest is part of Jacksonville's Celebrate Reading Week (March 3-9, 2025). Winners will be notified March 5 and announced at the Family Reading Day Celebration on Saturday, March 8.
Unwrap hoopla's Christmas for Kids collection filled with a mix of festive stories, and spread some holiday cheer this season!
Celebrate Hanukkah traditions, stories, and songs with this charming Hanukkah for Kids collection on hoopla. Bring the magic of the holiday to life!
Experience and learn about this cultural celebration of family, community, and culture with hoopla's Kwanzaa collection.
