This month, we have two History Chat programs, two Lit Chat Author Interviews, two Writer's Lab workshops, 15 Book Club meetings, a Great Decisions discussion, Life Lit gardening workshops, and more! So, whether you like meeting bestselling authors or just fellow book lovers around Jacksonville, there are so many great ways to use your Library card this month!
The Lit Chat Interview with Siera London will take place live at the Bradham and Brooks Library on Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m. If you are unable to attend in person, you can catch the live stream online via Zoom. A book signing will follow and books will be available to purchase on-site from partners at Femme Fire Books.
It can be hard to make new friends as adults. We all get so busy with family, work and other responsibilities. It can be hard to meet new people or strike up a conversation. The great thing about joining a Library Book Club is that you already have something in common with your fellow book lovers. Not only that, you have new books, themes, and characters to talk about every month!
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.
