# Fa La La La La Lit Chat
Known as “the official storyteller of Christmas," Debbie Macomber's annual holiday tales and wholesome romances are adored by readers. This beloved, bestselling author will be in conversation with fellow author Madeline Martin on Saturday, Dec. 6. where they'll talk about books, writing, and getting into the holiday spirit. Then, it's your time to ask questions!
Sign up now for the livestream
You might also like:
- Library Book Clubs (17 different meetings to choose from)
- Life Lab continues with free fall and winter gardening tips
Or save the date for a Writer's Lab and History Chat happening in early January.
Be the first to know about Lit Chat author events, writing workshops, and more!
Lit Chat Interview with Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber is a leading voice in women’s fiction. Fifteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller lists, and six of her beloved Christmas novels have been made into hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, in addition to the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove. Her novels beautifully depict meaningful relationships, celebrating family bonds and enduring friendships, and inspire readers with stories of connection and hope.
Join us from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, live on Zoom for a 40-minute interview and 20 minutes of audience Q&A.
Get your free ticket now See all upcoming
Gift Yourself a Great Read this December
December can be a pretty hectic month. Between all of the shopping and get-togethers, it can be hard to take some time just for you. Gentle reminder: Many of the books read by our Library Book Clubs are available as audiobooks. So, you can read in the car, at the gym, or while cooking. If you're looking for even more ideas about what to read next, there's also still time to complete the 2025 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge. You can find Jax Stacks Staff Picks here.
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 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:
-
You Can Garden In Winter with UF IFAS Extension Office
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Webb Wesconnett Library
-
And How Much Is That Going to Cost Me? with UF IFAS Extension Office
- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at University Park Branch Library
Search our events calendar for more workshops offered by our community partners at the Library.
# Coming in Early January
Writer's Lab: Write a Vivid Scene with Striking Sensory Details
Crafting a vivid scene is essential for any fiction writing. This workshop aims to help writers sharpen this powerful tool in their toolboxes and elevate their prose to the next level. Participants will explore examples of scenes that have engaged and captivated generations of readers, practice these skills in their own writing, and share their examples with the group.
Join us from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Main Library.
Catherine Wu's debut novel, The Moon Goddess’s Smile, was praised by Kirkus Reviews for its "striking sensory quality." This local author lives with her husband here in Jacksonville, FL.
History Chat: WWII Plane Crash in Riverside
History enthusiast and former teacher Bob Scallan recounts the story of two 2nd Lieutenants who met their untimely deaths in Riverside. Disobeying orders, the pair flew 180 miles off course to buzz the childhood home of one of the pilots, crashing near the corner of Post and King Streets. Our guest presenter Bob Scallan serves on the boards of the Orange Park Historical Society and the Clay County Historical Society. He loves putting the pieces together to reveal hidden history, compiling the story, and sharing it with the community.
Join us from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, at Willow Branch Library.
Register now (seats are limited)
# Save the Date
"Mapping Our Past" Returns
History is full of lines being drawn and crossed. Over time, new conflicts and new cities emerge... even as others fade into memory. Maps, meanwhile, continue to tell their stories.
See the dramatic changes that have occurred in Florida over the past 500 years, with the help of a stunning map collection and two guest lecturers on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Main Library.
Event Schedule
- 10 a.m.: Uncharted Territory: Rediscovering Southwest Florida through Map Digitization
- 11:30 a.m.: Charting the Land of Flowers - 500 Years of Florida Maps
Mapping Our Past is made possible through the generosity of the Lewis and Sybil Ansbacher Family Foundation and the Jordan and Shirley Ansbacher Family Foundation.
Book a Tour of the Map Room (and More)
Take a tour of Special Collections at the Main Library, including the Memory Lab and the Lewis Ansbacher Map Collection.
The Lewis Ansbacher Map Collection features more than 240 antiquarian maps from around the world, in addition to historical views and plates focusing on North Florida. Located in the Special Collections department on the fourth floor of the Main Library, the collection was donated by the Ansbacher Family Foundation to support the library and to inspire lifelong love of learning.
