Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Call for Local Authors: Sell and Sign Books at Jax Book Fest 2026

Jax Book Fest 2026 Call for Local Authors

We are looking for local authors living in or near Jacksonville, Florida, to participate in Jax Book Fest 2026. Applications to table are due by June 30.

Dig into Summer Reads at Library Book Clubs in June

Challenge yourself to read more this summer, with help from Library Book Clubs.

Cash & Scholarships for Young Writers & Performers

James Weldoh Johnson Young Writers Festival

Students in grades 3-12: Win cash and scholarships in the Friends of Brentwood Library's annual James Weldon Johnson Young Writer's Festival!

Live Shows, Special Guests, and More this Summer at Jax Library

Unearth a Story: Attend Live Shows. Includes an illustration of an orange dinosaur poking its head out of a book.

This Summer at Jax Library, kids will have the opportunity to meet and learn from scientists, guest authors, musicians, and other live performers.

2026 Summer Reading Challenge and Recommendations

Unearth a Story: Earn Free Books. Includes an illustration of a blue dino holding a red book.

Jacksonville Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge runs June 1 through August 1. Get themed recommendations, free books, and more.

How to Collect and Play Reading Dragons and Friends Cards

Unearth a Story: Reading Dragons. Includes an illustration of a large green dinosaur reading a small book.

Receive your Starter Pack of playing cards at a Kick-Off Party June 1-6. Then, visit every week June 8 - August 1 to earn more Reading Dragons cards.

Special Collections: Stanton Memories, Newspaper Archives, and More

The cover of the 1939 Stanton Memories booklet, including a photo of the school and 'Reminiscence of Yesterday.'

Recently, the Library's Special Collections department received a lovely donation of a 1939 Memories book for Stanton High School.

Books About Mothers and Motherhood

This month, help mark Mother's Day in style with books about and for those book-loving moms in your life.

Screening Room: The Little Brown Bird with Duval Audubon Society

Andrew Schumann with a little bird on perched on his finger

Film screening and discussion about America’s most endangered songbird, Florida grasshopper sparrow, with the Duval Audubon Society.

History Chat: Stanton - Florida's Oldest African American School

Stanton with an historical photo of the building, from the book cover

Stanton gives a pictorial history of the buildings, faculty, student life, and traditions that have left an indelible mark on African American life in Jacksonville.