Spring is the time to grow new ideas! Are you ready to start a new side hustle or grow your existing business? The "Small Business and Side Hustles" Library U newsletter connects you to Library and community resources and programs to help you get started!
What does a pencil and an audio cassette have in common? If you know you know... but you're definitely also going to want to check out the newly expanded Memory Lab at Main Library! Learn more at our next Memory Lab Open House on Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8:30 p.m. (during Art Walk). You can also stop by any time the Main Library is open for a demo! The Memory Lab is located on the fourth floor of the Main Library in Special Collections (next to the Ansbacher Map Room).
Calling all VPK through Fifth Grade families! You're invited to the first New Worlds Reading Book Bash on Friday, May 10, from 4:30 - 7 p.m. here at the Main Library! This fun-filled, family-friendly event will include appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog, an author read-aloud, raffles, and more! Plus, kids can pick up FREE books and food (while supplies last)!
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! This month, explore the Main Library's murals and permanent art collection on a free, docent-led art tour. Come up to the fourth floor for a Wayback Wednesday Open House in the Memory Lab. We also have The Best of Middle School Art Exhibit, Zinester Meetup, and Drop-In Board Games on the first floor!
April 22 is Earth Day! Started in 1970, the day is often celebrated via organized volunteer events with the health of our planet or our local natural resources in mind. Some folks celebrate by volunteering at a beach or river cleanup or by picking up trash in a park. Are you new to volunteering or activism? Whether you're looking for inspiration, role models, or just a place to start giving back and making a difference: the Library has you covered!
Are you looking for ways to showcase your amazing books and connect with the community? We are excited to announce our Summer Reading Kick-Off on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is an incredible opportunity to partner with Jacksonville Public Library, support Mayor Deegan's River City Readers citywide literacy challenge, and sell your children's books to the families in attendance.
This April, Jacksonville Public Library is highlighting the life and poetry of Alan Justiss (1943-2011), a celebrated Jacksonville poet whose works have recently been acquired by our Special Collections department. This panel discussion will be moderated by artist and educator, Nestor Gil. They'll talk about Justiss’ life and legacy, read selections of his poetry, and a preview of an upcoming documentary. An audience Q&A will follow the presentation.
Wear your best cape and cowl (or that really cool bow tie and fez) and join us for a celebration of reading and fandom culture! Our annual Beaches Library Comic Fest returns Saturday, May 4, from 1 – 4 p.m. (Free Comic Book Day). This FAN-tastic event is sponsored by Friends of the Beaches Branch Library and features some of your favorite local cosplayers, gamers, and comic creators from the Beaches community and beyond.
The Friends of the Beaches Branch Library invite you to stock up on your favorite authors and discover new ones at their spring book sale on April 16-20, 2024. The sale will include gently used adult fiction and nonfiction titles, books for children and young adults, DVDs, CDs and more! Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Beaches Branch Library.
