# Celebrate the Joy of Reading This Month
May is "Get Caught Reading Month," an annual reminder to celebrate the joy and FUN of reading! It's also great way to show the little ones in your life that there are books out there for every person and every interest. Of course, with the Library, you can do more than just read great books. You can join a Library Book Club and talk about what you're reading with fellow readers. Or, you can meet and learn from bestselling authors and up-and-coming local writers with our free Lit Chat author talk series! You can even try your hand at writing and publishing your own books with free Writer's Lab workshops.
Check out all of this month's free programs and workshops for adults at the Library.
Be the first to know about Lit Chat author events, writing workshops, and more!
# Authors, Books & Writing
Authors Roundtable: Managing Marketing, Exploring Author Strategies
Discover how to align your personal story with a captivating marketing approach that resonates with readers. This workshop and author networking opportunity is presented by Authors Roundtable of Northeast Florida - a 501c3 that supports authors reaching their highest potential. Note: All genres are welcome.
10:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 | Main Library (Conference Level)
Join Library Book Club this May
May is "Get Caught Reading Month," an annual celebration of the joy and FUN of reading. It's a great way to show the little ones in your life that there are books out there for every person and every interest. Bonus: If you're a member of one of our Library Book Clubs, there's a pretty good chance you're going to get caught reading, or at the very least, caught talking about the books! We've got a couple of new Book Clubs and others looking for new members!
Lit Chat Interview with Cynthia Barnett
Award-winning author environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett has covered water and climate change stories worldwide. Her latest book, The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans, was named one of the best science books of the year by NPR's Science Friday. Join the conversation between her and St. Johns Riverkeeper, Lisa Rinaman. A book signing will follow the interview and audience Q&A, with books available for purchase on site.
1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 | Main Library
Note: This program is in partnership with St. Johns Riverkeeper.
Did you know that all of our Lit Chat authors' books and any book read by a Library Book Club in 2025 count toward your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge completion? Find out what authors we're hosting and join in on the fun!
Writer's Lab: Visual Storytelling Workshop with Allison Horner
After this workshop, you'll leave with brainstorming exercises that can help you work through creative blocks in the early stages of visual storytelling, and some tools to break down a large project (like illustrating a 32-page children's book) into smaller, manageable steps. Allison will also share how she develops visuals for a story from thumbnail sketches to finished artwork. Attendees will engage in prompt-driven drawing exercises (stick figures welcomed!).
10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 17 | Mandarin Branch Library
Lit Chat Interview with Marie Bostwick
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Bostwick talks about her latest book, The Book Club for Troublesome Women, in conversation with Marie Rizzo at the West Branch Library. A stirring 60's era novel of women creating community and breaking boundaries, it follows the journey of four dissatisfied suburban housewives who form an unexpected sisterhood that transforms their lives forever.
Catch the interview from 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 19 at West Branch Library. A book signing will follow with books available for sale on site from The BookMark.
# History & Genealogy
Screening Room: Mele Murals by Tadashi Nakamura
Mele Murals is an award-winning documentary on the transformative power of modern graffiti art. Set against the resurgence of Hawaiian language and culture over the past two decades, the film shows how public art powerfully fuses with Native Hawaiian traditions to impact the youth, the town of Waimea, and most of all the artists.
Watch and discuss the film from 4-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Main Library. The screening will be followed by a conversation led with Kady Yellow.
# Other Adult Programs
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 Lit is now Life LAB - 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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Foodscape with Edible Landscaping with UF/IFAS
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at Webb Wesconnett Library
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The Magic of Mulching with UF/IFAS
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at San Marco Branch Library
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Bulb Chip Propagation with UF/IFAS
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at Maxville Branch Library
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Online Banking and Fraud Prevention with Navy Federal
- 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at South Mandarin Branch Library
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Florida-Friendly Landscaping with UF/IFAS
- 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at Southeast Library
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Fertilize Appropriately with UF/IFAS
- 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at Willow Branch Library
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Hydroponics with UF/IFAS
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at Murray Hill Branch Library
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Entrepreneurship with FSO Technology Consulting
- 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at Highlands Library
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Native Gardening with UF/IFAS
- 6 p.m. on Monday, May 19, at Mandarin Branch Library
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Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels with UF/IFAS
- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at University Park Branch Library
Search our events calendar for more workshops offered by our community partners at the Library.
