# Free Bookish Fun for Readers of All Ages
Attention book lovers: Spend the day with 120+ local authors! Jacksonville Public Library's big annual book bash returns 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, featuring New York Times bestselling authors John Patrick Green, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Emma Straub.
Held annually at the Main Library in Downtown Jacksonville, this free, one-day event invites readers of all ages to meet authors of local and national acclaim, attend free author talks, purchase books, and participate in other fun “bookish” activities.
# Free activities include:
- face painting for the kids
- a robot maze inspired by Mango and Brash
- scavenger hunts (and prizes)
- a fun photo booth
- bookmark making and book bedazzling stations
- a DIY zine craft for teens
- poetry by LaVilla School of the Arts students
- and so much more!
It's a celebration of reading, local authorship, and the power of the written word. A complete list of featured authors and a full schedule of events will be added soon.
# Special Guest Authors
# Junior Lit Chat Author Talk
10 - 10:30 AM, Stage (2nd Floor)
John Patrick Green is the #1 New York Times bestselling writer and artist of the InvestiGators middle-grade graphic novel series as well as the early reader graphic novels Hippopotamister and the Kitten Construction Company duology. He co-writes the InvestiGators spin-off, Agents of S.U.I.T., with writer Christopher Hastings and artist Pat Lewis. A book signing will follow the presentation. Copies of his books will also be sold on-site by San Marco Books and More.
Note: A limited number of copies of InvestiGators: Weather or Not will be given away to registered attendees, on a first-come, first-served basis.
# Teen Lit Chat Interview
12 - 1 PM, Auditorium (Conference Level)
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 acclaimed young-adult novels, including The Inheritance Games series, Little White Lies, Deadly Little Scandals, The Lovely and the Lost, and The Naturals series. Jen wrote her first published novel when she was 19 and sold her first five books while still in college. A book signing will follow the Teen Lit Chat Interview, with books available for sale on-site from local book store San Marco Books and More.
# Lit Chat Interview
3 - 4 PM, Auditorium (Conference Level)
Emma Straub is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books for adults: the novels American Fantasy, This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. Emma and her husband own Books Are Magic, an independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. A book signing will follow the Lit Chat Interview, with books available for sale on-site from local book store Happy Medium Books Café.
# Read More on the Library's Blog:
# James Weldon Johnson Park
Food trucks serving from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sept. 19:
- Haylyn's Snack Station (Facebook/Instagram)
- Lasa Taste of Philippines (Facebook/Instagram)
- Rolling Fatty's (Facebook/Instagram)
- Scoop and Swirl (Facebook/Instagram)
A special thanks to the Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park.
# Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a library card to attend?
No, you do not need a library card to attend. The event is free and open to all. But you'll be able to do a whole lot more if you have a card, including check out books. Main Library is home to the Local Author Collection and Zine Collection, which includes work from some of our featured local authors. Staff may also ask for your library card at activity stations.
Please note: A Jacksonville Public Library card is required to pre-register for Lit Chat programs. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Walk-ins will be welcome if seats remain.
Is free parking available?
How do I sign up for Lit Chat programs?
This event is free and open to all. Jacksonville Public Library card is required for pre-registration. Walk-ins will be welcome as space permits. Library card holders: Save your seat by registering at jaxlibrary.org/LitChat. There is no registration required for book signings.
There used to be writing workshops at Jax Book Fest. What happened to them?
This event has gotten so big that this year, it's starting a month early—with a full day of free writing and publishing workshops! Jax Book Fest presents "Writer's Day" from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, in the Conference Center at the Main Library. Learn more: jaxlibrary.org/WritersDay
What are my options for lunch?
Four food trucks will be parked outside, across the street, in James Weldon Johnson Park. There are also several cafes and restaurants downtown, within walking distance.
Stop by our welcome table for a complete list or go to visitjacksonville.com/neighborhoods/downtown/
How do I apply to be a featured author or exhibitor?
I'm a published author. Can I donate my book to the Library at the event?
Yes. You can donate your book to the Library's Local Author Collection at the event or at any other time that's convenient to you. You can even bring a copy of your book to your neighborhood branch location to donate.
Submit the completed Agreement Form and In-Kind Donation Form, along with a donated copy of your book, to any Jacksonville Public Library location or mail to:
Collection Development: Local Author
3435 University Blvd. N, Jacksonville, FL 32277
We will have printed copies of these forms at the event as well as Collection Development staff to answer any questions you might have about the process.
You can also visit our Local Author Collection page to request the fillable .pdf files.
How do I request accommodations?
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at (904) 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
For all other event questions, please call 904.255.BOOK.
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# Get on the WRITE Track
Jax Book Fest has gotten so big that this year, it's starting a month early—with a full day of free writing and publishing workshops! Local writers and aspiring authors: Hone your craft, make connections, and find the publishing path that's right for you at Jax Book Fest presents: Writer's Day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 in the Conference Center at Main Library.
New York Times and international bestselling author Madeline Martin will present our featured workshop, "How to Craft Characters That Connect with Readers." There are 12 different workshops to choose from, each lasting 90 minutes, with a 45-minute break between sessions to grab lunch or a coffee and to network with local writers' groups, local booksellers, and publishing professionals.
Pro Tip: Don't wait for Jax Book Fest to meet authors at your library! Register for our Lit Chat series and meet bestselling, award-winning, debut, and local authors every month.
# Event Partners
Jax Book Fest is made possible, in part, by donations to the Library Foundation of Jacksonville and the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. Jacksonville Public Library is also a proud member of Read Jax, a community effort to improve third-grade reading outcomes.
Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers is an ongoing citywide literacy challenge for school-age children. Participants are encouraged to read for at least 20 minutes each day and log their reading minutes. Since it launched, Jacksonville families have logged more than three million reading minutes.
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