Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Summer Kickoff Event Celebrating Mayor Deegan's River City Readers!

Mayor Deegan's River City Readers Summer Kick-Off Saturday June 8

Join Mayor Donna Deegan, Jacksonville Public Library, and a host of literacy advocates and exhibitors for one big Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Ed Austin Regional Park. Mayor Deegan will take the main stage at 9:30 a.m. to discuss her River City Readers citywide literacy challenge, distribute free books and backpacks, and meet and greet attendees.

Junior Lit Chat Author Talk & Book Giveaway with Jewell Parker Rhodes

Junior Lit Chat with Jewell Parker Rhodes. Image features a photo of the author with her dogs.

Junior Lit Chat with Jewell Parker Rhodes, Friday, June 7, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. This event will take place live at the Brentwood Library and is intended for kids ages 5-12. The first half hour will be a presentation by the author; the second half hour is time for book signing. A limited number of copies of Bayou Magic will be given away to participants, first come, first served.

Books to Celebrate African American Music and Artists

African American Music Appreciation Graphic

June is African American Music Appreciation Month! Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences. Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation.

Staff Picks Genre Study – Wuxia: A Quick Guide to the Fantastical Genre

Library Staff Picks graphic for a genre study

As the world becomes more globally connected through the internet and social media, there is an increased interest in other cultures, especially Asian media. Japanese media such as anime and manga are perhaps the most accessible to western audiences. However, as streaming services and other media outlets increases accessibility, other forms of Asian media, notably K-pop and K-drama originating in South Korea, have become more popular. There is plenty for library users to explore.

Staff Picks Book Review - The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan

Library Staff Picks graphic for a book review

A 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick, The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan offers the story of Cecily, an unassuming wife and mother turned spy in 1930s Malaya. Read the review and get some reading recommendations for more books like this one.

Zine Making 101: A Free Writer's Lab workshop with Lindsay Anderson

Writer's Lab: Zine Making 101 workshop with Lindsay Anderson

Get ready for Duval Comic and Zine Fest! Local zinester and self-publisher, Lindsay Anderson, presents a free introductory workshop on zine-making one week before the big event! Learn how to let your natural passions rise and different ways to capture them using a zine medium.

Read Zines: Staff Picks and Upcoming Zinester Meetups and Events

Read Zines

You might not have known it but if you’ve ever been to the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, you were in the same building as one of Jacksonville Public Library’s most unique features: the Zine Collection. This collection was started in 2009 by the first Jacksonville Public Library Zine Committee, composed of Andrew Coulon, Josh Jubinsky, Matthew Moyer, and Jessica Whittington. In the years since, the collection has grown to include over 2,000 zines from authors all over the country, from Jacksonville to Portland!

Friends of the Mandarin Library Summer Book Sale

Friends of the Mandarin Library Book Sale May 31 and June 1

Start your summer reading with a book sale that's too hot to miss! The sale will include gently used adult fiction, nonfiction, children and young adult titles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, jigsaw puzzles, vinyl records, and more. Both days of the sale are open to all, but membership is encouraged and appreciated.  You can join at the door for $10. Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Mandarin Library.

History Chat: Greenlining Jax with Dante Jennings

History Chat: Greenlining Jax with Dante Jennings. Graphic includes a photo of a shotgun house.

Greenlining is an urban investment and revitalization strategy that aims to address the lingering effects of redlining with equitable, actionable, and sustainable solutions that improve economic development, environmental justice, and quality of life in formerly redlined neighborhoods. Learn more about this initiative and other efforts to educate and empower underserved communities right here in Jacksonville at our next History Chat, live at the Brown Eastside Branch Library on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m.

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