Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Lit Chat with Richard Webb

social lit chat Richard Webb Jr.

Historian Richard Webb chats about his book Boats Against the Current. He presents a case for Westport, Connecticut as the real setting of one of America's most famous novels, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Boats Against the Current is a large-format book that includes compelling stories about Scott, Zelda, and their wealthy neighbor the model for Jay Gatsby. Illustrated with period newspaper clippings, items from Fitzgerald family scrapbooks and never-before-seen photos, the book also recounts Webb’s process of making a companion documentary film with Robert Steven Williams. 

Books To Read This Month By Local African American Authors

As part of our African American History Month celebrations, we are spotlighting local Black authors who were either raised in Northeast Florida or make their homes and livelihoods here now. From two-time Emmy award-winning news producer Nikesha Elise Williams, to a book of short stories and poems by Spoken word/Hip-Hop artist KnightKrawler, to award-winning author Rodney Hurst—this outstanding list of local black authors belongs in your "TBR" pile!

NEF Scholastic Art Awards 2021: Gold Key Exhibit

Scholastic Art Awards Gold Key Exhibit February 13 through March 13

The Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards: Gold Key Exhibition runs from February 13 through March 13 in the Gallery at the Main Library. The exhibit will feature "Gold Key" award-winning artworks by middle and high school student-artists from counties across the northeast Florida region including Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, Union, and Volusia and will be installed in the 1st floor gallery and the second floor atrium space. Any pieces awarded "Silver Key" or "Honorable Mention" will be exhibited digitally.

Lit Chat with Alexander Smalls, GRAMMY, Tony & James Beard Award Winner

Alexander Smalls Lit Chat at the Jacksonville Public Library

Jacksonville Public Library is excited to host Lit Chat on Thursday, February 11 at 6 p.m. with Alexander Smalls. Alexander is a James Beard Award winner, Grammy Award winner, Tony Award winner, restauranteur, and author. Alexander chats with Ulysses Owens Jr. about everything from his family roots, his music, cooking, and using talents to give a voice to the people of the African diaspora.

Blind Date With a Book

Blind Date With a Book

This year, Valentine's Day might look a little different. What's usually a big date night out might just be a cozy night in. Galentine's Day might just be you and your favorite female authors. That doesn't mean Valentine's has to turn into "Single's Awareness" night. If you're looking for love this Valentine's - look no further than the Library. Not only is February 14 also Library Lovers' Day... we've got you covered with books that will warm, steal, and maybe stop your heart. And who knows? You might just find the perfect literary companion.

When Jacksonville Hosted The Super Bowl

Remembering Super Bowl 39

The Super Bowl is one of America’s most-watched and most popular sporting events for one of our all-time-favorite pastimes. Even if you’re not a football-fanatic, you might look forward to the half-time show and the Super Bowl commercials. In this “year like no other,” with COVID-19 mostly keeping spectators out of stadiums and live broadcasts having to pump in “crowd noises” to make it all sound and feel a little less weird, fans and players have had to make some major adjustments. You may even be forgoing the traditional big parties with family and friends in an effort to be safe and social distance... For our part, the Library decided to take look back to a different Super Bowl and one that's particularly close to our hearts.

Play Outside Day: StoryWalk® in Klutho Park

National Play Outside Day with StoryWalk at Klutho Park

Did you know that February 6 is both "National Play Outside Day" and "Take Your Child To the Library Day" this year? So, how do you choose which one to celebrate? After all, they are both great ways to spend a Saturday! Well, this year, you don't have to choose. While there are no scheduled events or activities... there is something you can do that's both Library-related and involves playing in a park! Have you heard about StoryWalk® in Klutho Park?

Jacksonville Public Library + MOCA Art & Conversations: Lit Chat with Jennifer Hochschild

Jacksonville Public Library + MOCA present Art & Conversations, a new series of innovative programs focused on literacy and the arts. In this series, Jacksonville Public Library and MOCA will collaborate to provide the Jacksonville community access to a rich set of resources by partnering an educational library program with an interactive museum exhibit. 

February 2021 New Book Releases For Adults

February is full of new book releases here at Jacksonville Public Library! We've put together a list that highlights some of the most anticipated books you can borrow this month.

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