Ready for the literary event of the year?
On Saturday, February 23, 2019, the Jacksonville Public Library will host the third annual Jax Book Fest.
The event—held at the Main Library in Downtown Jacksonville—features presentations and signings by authors of both national and local acclaim, book sales, children’s activities and more. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 900 people in the door will receive a free souvenir tote bag.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your visit to the Jax Book Fest this year.
Parking: Every weekend, street parking in Downtown Jacksonville is completely free. The library also validates parking for the Duval Street parking garage. Bring your parking stub to the checkout desk on the ground floor of the Main Library.
Schedule for Book Lovers: R.L. Stine, bestselling author of the Goosebumps series, will join us this year as our keynote author. He'll give a presentation and book signing in the Hicks Auditorium at 1 p.m.
We are expecting a large turnout for R.L. Stine's presentation.
Seating in the auditorium is limited. We will allow a line to form outside Hicks Auditorium (near the Main Street entrance) when the library opens at 10 a.m.
The first 60 people in line at 10 a.m. will receive a wristband for a guaranteed spot in line to have their books signed by R.L. Stine following his 1 p.m. presentation (one book per person, no personalization).
Additionally, the first 380 people in line will receive a wristband for a guaranteed seat for the presentation.
This wristband will allow guests to enjoy the rest of the exhibit tables prior to the presentation. Those with a wristband will be allowed to begin seating at noon.
We'll also host presentations from romance author Brenda Jackson and historian Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. 90+ local authors will showcase their books all over the Main Library.
Schedule for Writers: Local wordsmiths will enjoy a Writing for Young Adults Panel Discussion with local YA authors, plus a reading with creative writing students from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Elan Literary Magazine.
The Florida Authors and Publishers Association will provide a presentation for writers on the rise.
Our very own e-specialists here at the Jacksonville Public Library will provide a crash course on self-publishing your novel using the free SELF-e program.
Schedule for Kids and Families: The Jax Book Fest is tons of fun for the whole family.
In addition to keynote author R.L. Stine, author Mike Thaler will be joining us to read from his Teacher from the Black Lagoon books in the Joy Korman Discovery Zone in the Children's Area.
Going along with our spooky theme for the year, we'll sing Creepy Bug Songs and discover our Creepy Senses (presented by MOSH). We'll also have balloon twisters and face painters at the festival all day long!
Making Strides for Autism is partnering with the Jacksonville Public Library to create a sensory calming space at the Jax Book Fest. They'll also loan out sensory bags upon request to festival attendees.
Books and More: San Marco Books and More will be on hand in the Lounge at 303 North, in front of Hicks Auditorium and in the Children's Department. There, you can purchase the latest book from your new favorite author, or nab an old favorite to get signed!
Dining Options: Across the street from the Main Library, Hemming Park will host Get Down(town)!, featuring several food trucks and music performances. Several restaurants and cafes are within walking distance of the Main Library, including Chamblin's Uptown, Burrito Gallery, and Bellwether. Head over to Sweet Pete's for gourmet candy and other confectionary delights!
Jax Book Fest 2019 is free and open to the public. See you at the Main Library in Downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, February 23, 2019!
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