Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Celebrate Rainbow Books and Rainbow Families this June

Rainbow Book Month™ is a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, agender, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Originally established in the early 1990s as National Lesbian and Gay Book Month, it is now an initiative of the American Library Association and is coordinated through its Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services and the Rainbow Round Table.

Library Book Clubs and Adult Reading Challenges to Join in June

Looking for your next beach read? Or a hot summer romance book to read in the air-conditioned comfort of your home? Are you trying to model good reading habits for your kids and teens this summer? The Library has you covered! Not only will you get fun reading recommendations every month (just by checking out the booklists here on our blog), you can also talk with fellow book lovers (and add even more to your to-be-read pile) at a Library Book Club near you!

June Art Walk: Summer Kick-Off in Teens, Art Show & Zinester Meetup

Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent with us on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library stays open until 9 p.m. for the festivities! We are conveniently located directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, one of Art Walk's two major hubs of activity. This month, check out local art in the gallery, join the zinesters meeting and collaborating in the Zine Zone, and drop in for a Summer Kick-Off Party in the Teen Room.

Save on Summer Reads at the Friends of Bradham & Brooks Book Sale!

Friends of Bradham and Brooks Book Sale June 7-8

Find your next great read at the Friends of the Bradham & Brooks Library's book sale! Both days of the sale are open to all, but membership is encouraged and appreciated. You can join at the door for $15. Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Bradham & Brooks Library. The sale will include gently used adult fiction, nonfiction, children and young adult titles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more.

Lit Chat Author Interview with Debut Novelist Alejandro Nodarse

Debut Florida author, Alejandro Nodarse, talks about his high-energy thriller, Blood in the Cut, at our next Lit Chat author interview program. He will be in conversation with local author, Michael Wiley live at the Webb Wesconnett Library on Monday, June 10. An audience Q&A and a book signing will follow the interview.

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.

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.

May is Small Business Month: Celebrate with FREE Business Resources!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has dubbed May "Small Business Month" - a time to celebrate the courage and hard work of small business owners across the United States and recognize everything small businesses do for their communities!