A Bold, Bookish Celebration
Save the date: Jax Book Fest returns from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Main Library. Jacksonville Public Library's biggest, BOLDEST celebration of books, creativity, and the local literary community, this free, one-day event features 50+ local authors across multiple genres, Lit Chat author talks with three nationally acclaimed authors, and bookish fun for readers of all ages.
Local writers and aspiring authors are invited to join us one month early to hone their craft, make connections, and explore paths to publishing at Jax Book Fest presents: Writer's Day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, in the Conference Center. A conference-style event offering 12 different workshops, Writer's Day is all about helping writers finish and publish their first (or next) book.
Be the first to know about upcoming events!
What Library Book Clubs Are Reading in July
Having trouble finding your next read? We have 16 book clubs providing great reading recommendations every month. We're also at the halfway point for the 2026 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge. Summer is a great time to make progress on your reading tracker!
Lit Chat Interview with Alison Espach
Alison Espach is the New York Times best-selling author of The Wedding People, a New York Times Editor’s Choice, a TODAY Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club pick, a Barnes and Noble Book Club Pick, and the #1 Indie Next Pick for August 2024. She is also the author of Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, a Chicago Tribune and NPR “Best Book of 2022,” as well as The Adults, a New York Times Editor’s Choice and Barnes and Noble Discover pick.
Meet the author from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Beaches Branch. A book signing will follow with books available from The BookMark.
Lit Chat Interview with Jennifer Moorman
Jennifer Moorman writes enchanting novels inspired by the everyday magic and whimsy in the world around her. Her previously published titles include the Mystic Water series, The Baker’s Man, The Magic All Around, and The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds. This program is funded by The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Delores Barr Weaver Staff Giving Fund Endowment.
Meet the author from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at Southeast Library. A book signing will follow with books available on-site from San Marco Books and More. You can also pre-order on their website.
Writer's Lab: Authoring a Connected Brand
Whether you're still drafting your first chapter or you've already got a title on Amazon, your brand is for you or against you right now! In this session, marketing strategist and author Elizabeth Pampalone breaks down what it actually means to build a connected brand as an author.
Find your brand from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at West Branch. Walk away with a clear picture of what a brand includes, what you may be missing, and next steps to pull it all together.
Learn from Elizabeth Pampalone
History Chat: From the Lodge to the Courtroom
Guest speaker Jerry Urso returns 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at Main Library to discuss how Black lawyers, lawmakers, and Prince Hall Masons carved a path through slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and into the modern struggle for civil rights with an emphasis on Jacksonville leaders. This program is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.
Life Lab: Improve Your Day-to-Day Life
Life Lab is 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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Wonderful Weeds
- with Martha Coombs, Master Gardener
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Webb Wesconnett Library
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Intro to Small Business Resources at the Library
- 3 - 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Main Library
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Composting Basics for Homeowners
- with UF/IFAS Extension Duval County
- 6 p.m. on Monday, July 13, at Southeast Library
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Houseplant Care
- with UF/IFAS Extension Duval County
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at San Marco Branch
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Mulch
- with UF/IFAS Extension Duval County
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at Murray Hill Branch
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Biking in Jax
- with Tanner Pletzke, Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, at Murray Hill Branch
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Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels
- with UF/IFAS Extension Duval County
- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, at University Park Branch
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Companion Planting
- with UF/IFAS Extension Duval County
- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at Mandarin Branch
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Genetic Genealogy Workshop
- DNA Research for African American Families
- with Adrienne Abiodun
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Main Library
- This program is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation
Search our events calendar for more workshops offered by our community partners at the Library.
CAL (Center for Adult Learning)
Preparing for the next step in the U.S. Naturalization Test and Interview?
The next nine-week citizenship class starts July 10 through Sept. 11. Designed to support immigrants on the path toward United States citizenship, it covers U.S. History, Civics, interview prep and the naturalization process. Classes meet once a week with a live instructor, online via Zoom.
To sign up, join waitlist online or call (904) 255-6135. Staff will contact to anyone who has joined the waitlist when it's time to fill available spots. This series is offered 5-6 times annually.
