Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Developmental Disability Awareness Month raises awareness about the barriers people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) face in connecting to the communities in which they live and making sure they are included in all areas of community life. The following booklist is one place to start for building that understanding and awareness. Be sure to check out Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway’s books. Like many of the books in the list, they are about “boosting the confidence and strength-awareness of children” with intellectual and developmental disabilities “while also allowing for better understanding and positivity among their peers.” Bonus: She’s a local author and award-winning psychologist.

Most people know that St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 – thanks in large part to very green parades and other annual events. Originally, a religious celebration to honor the Catholic saint, St. Patrick, the day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish-American (including our fascination with leprechauns and their lovely pots of gold). The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is usually one of the biggest ones in the US. COVID has put a damper on parades and other large celebrations in recent years, of course. But there are many ways to celebrate. In that spirit, we offer you this short list of films – available right now for streaming, free with your library card on Kanopy.

Celebrate both Irish American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day with this list of books for kids! Whether it’s a book from an Irish author, a book about the significance of the holiday, or a romping adventure with a leprechaun, there’s something here for every child.  Fortunately, there are plenty of great books to help your child both understand Irish culture and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. 

For the last 34 years, the month of March has been designated “Women’s History Month” by Presidential Proclamation. It is designed to “celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.” This celebration, though, is not just about honoring the past. It is also an opportunity and annual reminder to reflect, to learn, and to grow. Some of the women featured in these booklists might just change the way you see history. Others may help you better understand the current state of women’s rights and the issues facing women and girls here domestically and globally.