Jax Book Fest Presents: Writers' Day 2026

This conference-style event has three breakout sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, with free workshops scheduled at 10 a.m., 12: 15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. There isn't a keynote speaker or Lit Chat author talk but there is a featured workshop with New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin that you don't want to miss.

Reminder: Street parking downtown is FREE on Saturdays! If you prefer, parking will also be available in the Duval Street Parking Garage at 33 W. Duval Street, next to the Main Library. During special events, there is a flat fee (usually $5 or $10) and there is no validation.

All visitors will enter and exit via the Library's entrance at 303 N. Laura St.

A spin-off or "sister event" to Jax Book Fest, both are designed to highlight local authors and celebrate Jacksonville's growing literary community. Jax Book Fest is designed with readers in mind but the real focus of "Writer's Day" is you, the writer! Hone your craft, make connections, and find the publishing path that makes the most sense for you. 

Already have a book? Collection development staff will also host an "Ask Me Anything" style table to answer questions about donating your book to the Local Author Collection. You might also consider applying to be a featured author at Jax Book Fest.

You will have 45 minutes between each breakout session to network with other attendees and exhibitors, shop for books from Nefertiti or one of our Friends Groups, or grab a coffee or lunch. There are several cafes and restaurants downtown, within walking distance, that are open on Saturdays. Stop by our welcome table for a complete list.

Yes. There will be limited opportunities to purchase books at the event. A local bookseller, Nefertiti Books and Gifts, will be set up during the event. Many of our exhibitors will also sell anthologies or host member authors from group, who will sell and sign copies of their books.

There will also be book giveaways (such as Advanced Reader Copies or ARCs) and totes from our friends at Kensington Publishing (while supplies last).

If you are interested in finding and supporting local authors, consider joining us at Jax Book Fest on September 19 where over 50 local authors will be featured.

There are a small number of exhibitor spots available for to individuals or groups directly related to the advancement of the work of writers/illustrators and/or publishing. Examples include: writers groups, professional literary associations, professional editors, and small or independent publishers. 

Note: Groups/associations are encouraged to invite individual member authors to showcase and sell their work during the event. In the past, authors have taken shifts or shared table space with other members of their writing group. Just be sure to have information about joining their group, meeting times and locations, etc.

For more information or to reserve a spot, email Katie at [email protected].

To be featured at Jax Book Fest in September, you must apply online by June 30. 

Yes. You can donate your book to the Library's Local Author Collection at the event or at any other time that's convenient to you. You can even bring a copy of your book to your neighborhood branch location to donate. 

Submit the completed Agreement Form and In-Kind Donation Form, along with a donated copy of your book, to any Jacksonville Public Library location or mail to:

Collection Development: Local Author 
3435 University Blvd. N, Jacksonville, FL 32277

We will have printed copies of these forms at the event as well as Collection Development staff to answer any questions you might have about the process. 

You can also visit our Local Author Collection page to request the fillable .pdf files.