Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Staff Picks for Jax Stacks 2025: Recommendations to Get You Started!

We've got 16 new categories for 2025 - along with some great book recommendations to get you started. Start with the categories that interest you most and see how far you get! If you read just one book this year, you're a Jax Stacks reader! To officially complete the challenge, read at least 12 books from 12 of the categories listed below. If you need help keeping track, pick up a Jax Stacks Reading Challenge bookmark - available at your local library.

Celebrate 75 Years of San Marco Branch History + Great Decisions!

Jacksonville Public Library starts the year-long celebration of San Marco Branch Library's 75th Anniversary this January with a Forward Thinking discussion panel, kick-off party, and a Call for Memories. Plus, Great Decisions returns this January to discuss critical issues facing America. Each program begins with a 30-minute film on a discussion topic and is followed by a group discussion, facilitated by a local subject matter expert.

Great Decisions 2025: America's World Affairs Discussion Program

The mission of the Foreign Policy Association today, as it has been for over 100 years, is to serve as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. That's why they created Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Every year, discussion topics are chosen by a panel of experts and discussed in libraries, schools and community centers across the United States. Each meeting begins with a 20-minute video lecture on a topic, followed by a facilitator-led discussion with a local subject-matter expert.

Join a Library Book Club in 2025 + Jax Stacks Reading Challenge

Are you signing up for the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge in 2025? We've got 16 brand-new challenge categories. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new or cross a book you've been meaning to read off your to-be-read list! Just make sure it fits one of the categories! The challenge is simple: You pick the 12 categories that interest you most and just start reading. Of course, one of those categories is "A book read by a Library Book Club in 2025." So, just by joining one of these groups, you're already 1/12 of the way to completing this challenge!

Register for Gardening and Genealogy Workshops, FREE at the Library!

Learn how to grow your own garden or small business and take control of your health, career, and personal finances with free workshops at the Library! Life Lab programs are offered by trained professionals and aimed at improving your day-to-day life.

Preschool Palooza with Elephant and Piggie at Highlands Library

Meet Elephant & Piggie, explore community resources for preschoolers, participate in themed activity stations, and enjoy a performance starring singer/songwriter and children's edu-tainer, Shana Banana at the first "Preschool Palooza" at the Highlands Regional Library (1826 Dunn Avenue) on Saturday, February 15, from 2 - 4 p.m!

Forward Thinking: San Marco Branch Library's 75th Anniversary

Jacksonville Public Library is commemorating the 75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library with a series of public programs focused on the past, present and future of the neighborhood. This year-long celebration of the San Marco community, its residents and their library officially kicks off this January!

Free Winter Break Activities for Kids Including Live from the Library

The kids are home from school, family is in town to visit and you need something fun for the whole family to do (or maybe just a quiet place to escape). Look no further than the Library for great ideas during your winter break! Make plans to read, play, create, and have fun with us at the library this holiday season.

Appearing Live from the Library this December and January!

Join us Live from the Library this Winter Break for special guests and fun performances for children (ages 5-12) and their families.

James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson Youth Piano Competition

Youth Piano Competition. Image features a piano and music notes.

The Friends of the Brentwood Library group is proud to present the James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson Youth Piano Competition on Saturday, February 15, 2025. This prestigious competition not only commemorates the 125th Anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - an anthem that has resonated across generations and holds a significant place in American history - but it also provides a platform for aspiring young pianists to showcase their talent, passion and dedication to the art of piano performance.