Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Celebrate the Freedom to Read with the Library

Banned Books Week (October 1-7, 2023) is an annual event highlighting the value of free and open access to information that brings together the entire book community -- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types. Want to celebrate the freedom to read and support your local library? Check out books on topics that are frequently targeted for censorship that have been on your TBR (to be read) list. It's a simple act - that could result in you finding your new favorite book or author - that shows unequivocally that our community is interested in reading these books.

Writer's Lab: Getting Into Your Characters' Heads and Readers' Hearts

Writer's Lab with Karen Chow: It's All About Character

There's no question that characters drive a story. In this writing workshop, author Karen Chow will guide writers to develop interesting characters, create active goals for them, and get into their heads, so readers will want to know more. Bring your writing tools because we will be writing!

Jax Stacks Book Recommendations: A Book Banned in the Last 10 Years

Welcome to a new month of the 2023 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge! We are going to give you suggestions for each* category in the challenge every month so that you always have a great library book waiting for you when you need it. Plus, you can share what you're reading with other Jax Stacks readers at our monthly Jax Stacks Reading Challenge Book Club. Note: Our October meeting takes place at the West Branch Library!

Adult Programs for October + Jax Stacks Reading Challenge Tips

It's October... which means you have just three months left to finish the 2023 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge. But don't worry. You've got this! There are three Lit Chats Interviews coming up soon. Besides the obvious ("A book by a 2023 Lit Chat author"), their books could fit a few different categories. Plus, there are thirteen Library Book Clubs meeting and discussing their recommendations this month! There's even a book club dedicated solely to recommending and discussing books that meet the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge categories. We also have a new community partner offering free workshops for budding entrepreneurs!

Lit Chat with Author and Journalist Mark Woods

Join the Lit Chat Interview with Mark Woods on Tuesday, October 10 at 6 p.m. live at the Mandarin Library or live online via Zoom. Books will be available to purchase on-site from San Marco Books and More or you can bring a copy purchased from your favorite bookseller. This Lit Chat Interview is sponsored by the Friends of the Mandarin Library.

Pass the GED and Earn Your Diploma with Help from the Library

It's Never Too Late to Earn Your Diploma

Abigail Ricketson said that she'd given up on herself until she had kids. "I have a three-year-old and a two-year-old and it's just us at the moment. I was trying to get a job but... a lot of the higher-paying jobs require a diploma," she said. Thankfully, she heard about the GED Test® Prep program at the Jacksonville Public Library from her sister. "I made the call... and it's honestly one of the best decisions I ever made," she said.

Small Business HR: How to Find, Manage and Keep Staff

Every year after Labor Day, the American Payroll Association (APA) hosts National Payroll Week to celebrate payroll professionals. But what comes first, the payroll professional or the staff? This month, we're taking a deeper look at hiring and managing. Been looking for resources to help you find, manage, and keep your staff? The Library has free on-demand video courses and plenty of books to help you and your small business grow.

Life Lit: Learn Ways to Compost and Increase Your Garden's Biodiversity

Looking for ways to increase biodiversity in your home garden? Want to create a pollinator habitat? Interested in composting or container gardening? Learn everything you need for a successful home garden from Master Gardeners and our friends at the UF Extension Office!

Join a Book Club this October

There's so much to fall in love with about this time of year! Whether it's spooky season, autumn festivals, candied and caramel apples, or the ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte (or Pumpkin Spice Iced Chia Latte): There's nothing quite like finding just the right book or a group of people to talk about it with! This October, join a Book Club! Not only will you get some great reading recommendations from fellow readers, but you might just bond with someone over a favorite fall treat (and maybe share a recipe or two).

Let Freedom Read: Banned Books Week Teen Art Contest

Let Freedom Read Teen Art Contest Entries due Sept 25. through Oct. 6

Feeling creative? Want to make an impact? Draw, paint, collage or create a square piece of art expressing your thoughts about censorship, book bans, and the freedom to read. Join us at Teen Advisory Board or scan and email your entry to JPLYouthservices@coj.net September 25 - October 6.