Jacksonville Public Library Blog

History Chat: Rethinking James Weldon Johnson At Home & Abroad

Many know James Weldon Johnson as an educator, lawyer and NAACP leader. He was also a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a diplomat and civil rights leader who traveled beyond U.S. borders to build solidarity with other people of color and marginalized groups around the world. At home and abroad, Johnson fought against Jim Crow segregation, imperialism and other structures of oppression. This March, explore his impact on Jacksonville and the genealogy of Black transnational activism that has shaped the U.S.

Join a Library Book Club and Celebrate Reading this March

Is your family bananas about books? Jacksonville's annual Celebrate Reading Week returns March 2-8, 2025, with appearances by local and nationally known authors, live children's entertainers, your favorite book characters, and much more! The week kicks off with a Book Giveaway for kids, Pre-K through Grade 5, at every Jacksonville Public Library location - thanks to our friends at Children's Literacy Initiative. The week ends with Family Reading Day - an un-peel-ievably cool party we're throwing for the whole family at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, March 8.

Life Lab: Gardening and Business Workshops in March

Learn how to grow your own garden or small business and take control of your health, career, and personal finances with free workshops at the Library! Life Lab programs are offered by trained professionals and aimed at improving your day-to-day life. This month, join us for a literacy workshop for parents, gardening workshops with the extension office and St. Johns Riverkeeper, and free workforce and entrepreneurship classes.

Free Tax Preparation Available With AARP

The Jacksonville Public Library is proud to partner with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) TaxAide during the tax season each year to provide FREE tax preparation. Taxes will be prepared BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The scheduling system goes live January 15 for appointments starting February 1.

Elementary Art Exhibition 2025

Elementary Art Exhibition. 16 locations.

The annual Best of Elementary Art Show honors the fantastic work of student artists and their teachers in the Visual Art programs at Duval County Public Schools. The exhibition starts Saturday, March 15, at Main Library and Thursday, March 27, at 15 other regional and neighborhood libraries.

Free Spring Break Activities, Live from the Library, and More!

Looking for a way to spend Spring Break - without breaking the bank? Spend it at the Library and don't spend a dime! We've got live guest performers, hands-on S.T.E.M. and art labs, and other FREE activities and events for kids and teens March 17-22.

Books You'll Fall In Love With This Valentine's Day

Find yourself without plans this weekend? Or maybe you're looking to treat yourself? This Valentine's Day, fall in love with a great book! We've got a mix of recommendations for you from first loves to late bloomers. We've even got some books about a really cute hedgehog for the kids!

Screening Room: There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace

There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace: Life in the Negro Baseball Leagues chronicles the rich history of Black baseball and examines the re-integration of the game. Narrated by James Earl Jones, this hour long documentary, produced by Refocus Digital Media, LLC, features interviews with baseball Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, James ‘Cool Papa’ Bell, Buck Leonard, Judy Johnson, Monte Irvin and Ray Dandridge. Watch and discuss on Tuesday, February 25 at Highlands Library with Armand Rosamilia.

Junior Lit Chat with Children's Author and Illustrator Zoe Persico

Join us Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m. at Beaches Branch Library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library. After the program, there will be 30 minutes for a book signing with the author. A limited number of copies of Georgia's Terrific, Colorific Experiment will be given away to registered attendees, (first-come, first-served).

Celebrate Reading Week 2025: Jacksonville Is Bananas About Books!

Celebrate Reading Week Presents: Bananas About Books March 2-8

Jacksonville's annual "Celebrate Reading Week" returns March 2-8, 2025, with appearances by local and nationally known authors, live children's entertainers, your favorite book characters, and much more! Don't miss the un-peel-ievably cool party for the whole family at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, March 8. You're sure to have a bunch of fun! You'll also get to check out Mayor Deegan's new River City Readers Bookmobile, pick up a free book (and free lunch) and learn more about all of ways Jacksonville supports literacy and families.