Programs for Adults
Author Talks, Writing Workshops, Book Clubs, and More for Adults
Monday, August 14, 2023
# Never Stop Learning
Meet and learn from published authors, master gardeners, small business experts and other curious people—just like you! Jacksonville Public Library offers dozens of free author talks, writing workshops, local history presentations, panel discussions, and other "lifelong learning" programs that keep you connected, sharing ideas, and learning with other adults.
Expand Your Mind
Public libraries are the people’s universities! Don’t spend thousands on writer’s retreats, faraway conventions, or expensive courses online. Get these same experiences for FREE at your Library!
Connect with Your Community
At the Library, you'll find the people, resources, and books you need to keep make your dream a reality. On a journey to publication? Meet local authors or get writing or publishing tips from visiting authors, editors, and other industry insiders. Stuck in a reading rut? Join a spirited Book Club discussions with your fellow readers or, challenge yourself to read outside your comfort zone with Jax Stacks, our year-round reading challenge for adults!
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Requesting Accommodations at Public Programs
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request for public library programs. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at (904) 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
Note: The Library also offers Books by Mail, Talking Books, Curbside Holds Pick Up, and more. For a full list of accessibility services and assistive technologies, please visit our Services page.
# Online and On-Demand Learning
Jacksonville Public Library's Center for Adult Learning provides 100% free, small-group instruction to Duval residents, 18 and older, who want to improve their English, pass the GED Test, or become a U.S. citizen. Classes are offered online, in the daytime and evening, to fit a variety of busy schedules.
Your Jacksonville Public Library card also gives you instant access to thousands of on-demand video courses as well as other self-paced online tutorials.
You can stream The Great Courses for free on Kanopy. These are video lectures by university professors and experts from across the world on a wide range of topics. They cover areas like history, science, philosophy, religion, and more, with the goal of lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Watch on your computer, download the mobile app or stream directly on your smart TV.
Please note: Each month, you will receive 10 tickets. For episodic titles, like The Great Courses, you'll also see what content the tickets unlock (e.g., "Season 1" or "all").
Try out LinkedIn Learning, a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve their goals. All you need is your library card and PIN to enjoy unlimited FREE access to 16,000+ on-demand courses.
Using the LinkedIn Learning mobile app?
The Library ID (case sensitive) is: jaxpubliclibrary
Transparent Language Online provides an effective and engaging experience for language learners looking to build their vocabulary, practice their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and maintain what they learn. With courses and supplemental resources in 110+ languages, including English for speakers of 30+ languages, there's something for everyone. You can learn on your computer, phone, or tablet – the choice is yours!
Catch any Lit Chat Interview you might have missed (or want to revisit) by checking out our Lit Chat YouTube playlist. You can also subscribe to our Completely Booked podcast (using the podcasting app of your choice) for audio-only replays of our Lit Chat Interviews.
Please note: Some author interviews are only available for a limited time.
Attention: Parents and Educators
Looking for resources for your children/students? Visit Parents and Educators to get tips for finding the best books for kids and teens or learn how to apply filters or set content controls on Digital Library apps. Educators can also request field trips, librarian or bookmobile visits, and more.
- Get more recommendations and resources for children (birth to age 12) on our kids page.
- Looking for programs and services for youth, ages 12-18? Check out our teens page.
