Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Read Zines: Staff Picks and Upcoming Zinester Meetups and Events

You might not have known it but if you’ve ever been to the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, you were in the same building as one of Jacksonville Public Library’s most unique features: the Zine Collection. This collection was started in 2009 by the first Jacksonville Public Library Zine Committee, composed of Andrew Coulon, Josh Jubinsky, Matthew Moyer, and Jessica Whittington. In the years since, the collection has grown to include over 2,000 zines from authors all over the country, from Jacksonville to Portland!

Friends of the Mandarin Library Summer Book Sale

Friends of the Mandarin Library Book Sale May 31 and June 1

Start your summer reading with a book sale that's too hot to miss! The sale will include gently used adult fiction, nonfiction, children and young adult titles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, jigsaw puzzles, vinyl records, and more. Both days of the sale are open to all, but membership is encouraged and appreciated. You can join at the door for $10. Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Mandarin Library.

History Chat: Greenlining Jax with Dante Jennings

Greenlining is an urban investment and revitalization strategy that aims to address the lingering effects of redlining with equitable, actionable, and sustainable solutions that improve economic development, environmental justice, and quality of life in formerly redlined neighborhoods. Learn more about this initiative and other efforts to educate and empower underserved communities right here in Jacksonville at our next History Chat, live at the Brown Eastside Branch Library on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrating Mother's Day this May!

As Mother's Day quickly approaches, Jacksonville Public Library hopes to help you celebrate by sharing a list of books about motherhood and all that comes with it. Reading is an excellent way to connect with others, and the Library has compiled a list of books related to the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Launch & Grow Your Substack: A Writer's Lab with Hurley Winkler

Launch and grow your Substack. Writer's Lab workshop with Hurley Winkler.

Are you looking to start an email newsletter for your readers, business, friends, or strangers? Learn about newsletter content strategies, the benefits of Substack over other social media platforms, and monetizing your newsletter. Writer's Lab: Launch and Grow Your Substack Newsletter with Hurley Winkler on Tuesday, May 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Regency Square Library.

These Are the Star Wars Books and Free Comics You're Looking For

May the Fourth Be With You (Star Wars Day). Graphic includes an image of a Mandalorian reading a book on being a better dad.

Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!), Free Comic Book Day, attending the Beaches Library Comic Fest or just looking to revisit your favorite characters in a galaxy far, far away: the Library has the books and comics you’re looking for! Plus, hear a special message from Bo-Katan Kryze and the Armorer, who visited the Main Library back in March!

Celebrating Children's Book Week with FREE Books for Kids

Children's Book Week takes place every year in May. The purpose of this event is to promote the love of reading and to encourage children to explore the wonderful world of literature. This week-long celebration is marked with various activities and events across the country, including book readings, storytelling sessions, and book fairs. Of course, i you're looking for great stories, storytimes or a chance to meet a children's book author, Jacksonville Public Library is the perfect place to start looking!

Children's Books Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, commemorates the Mexican army's victory in 1862 in the Franco-Mexican War. Also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, it's a relatively minor holiday in its home country. In the United States, however, it has become a day to celebrate Mexican heritage, food, and culture - especially among Mexican Americans or in areas of the country with large Mexican American populations.

Springtime Gardening Tips and Tricks

Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's no denying the joy that comes from watching your plants grow and thrive. The Library has an extensive collection of books on gardening, from how-to guides for beginners to advanced techniques for seasoned pros - everything you need to get started on your own gardening adventure!

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Every May, we are encouraged to celebrate the Asian-Pacific American community's rich heritage, history, and hopes, as well as their many contributions to our country. Jacksonville Public Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about Asian-Pacific Americans including here on our blog, through book displays, and on Beanstack.