Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Jax by Jax Literary Arts Festival Comes to the Downtown Main Library

An annual showcase of Jacksonville’s thriving writing scene, JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival features local author readings, workshops, and a student showcase. Founded in 2014 by prolific local author Tim Gilmore and his wife, Florida State College at Jacksonville professor Jo Carlisle, this grassroots festival brings together local writers, their readers and supporters - all in an effort to ask the city to listen to its own literary voice. For its 11th year, JaxbyJax will make its return to the Main Library on Friday and Saturday, November 8-9, 2024.

History, Authors, Books and Writing Programs for Adults in November

Whether you're looking for tips on writing your next book, learning how to run a tabletop roleplaying game, building a small business website, or just looking for more book recommendations, the Library has a wide variety of programs for adults in locations across the city. In November, the Main Library will also play host to JaxbyJax year XI, a literary arts festival for writers, by writers. Plus, the African American History Community Programs series continues with a special History Chat with guest speaker Jerry Urso.

Book Clubs to Join this November + New Reading Recommendations

Did you know? This month is "Nonfiction November." If you normally stick to fiction, this could be a good time to branch out. If it's your favorite genre, what better way to celebrate than to pick up a few books read by Library Book Clubs this month? Some of these groups read and discuss nonfiction every month! Whether you're partial to History, True Crime, Biography or Memoirs... you have a few options!

Life Lab Workshops at Your Library this November

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. No need to bring anything but yourself to participate!

Workshops and Resources for Writers this November

Get help writing, publishing and marketing your own book with FREE Writer's Lab workshops!

Lit Chat Interview with Author Sheila Athens

Sheila Athens writes smart contemporary fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine state. Her stories are about women seeking to find the peace we all deserve. Readers are drawn to her work because they believe that everyday heroes can make a difference in our world.

Halloween Books for Kids + Family Friendly Fall Events

Halloween is almost here! Before you know it, the ghosts and goblins will be showing up at your doorstep, with trick-or-treat bags in hand! It can be a fun time for horror fans and pranksters alike. But with all of the masks and monster makeup, strange noises and zombie movies... It can also be a scary time for kids. While it can definitely be fun to be scared - especially as you get older - sometimes you want a not-so-scary alternative!

History Chat: The Case for Grand Master David Daniel Powell

This November, discover the enduring impact of David Daniel Powell, a prominent yet overlooked local Black leader. Powell expertly steered the Black community through numerous crises, including two pandemics, two World Wars, and the Great Depression, while leading the Grand Lodge and informally governing LaVilla for nearly 50 years. This is the first History Chat in the Library's new African American History series of community programs made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.

Staff Picks Genre Study: LGBTQ+ in Horror

In honor of spooky season and LGBTQ+ History Month, we’re highlighting the subgenre of queer horror! Horror, as a genre, focuses on the body, desire, and fear. The perfect place to discuss normativity (or lack of) and social identity, it has been embraced as a place for queer books and writing to thrive.

Rainbow Reads for Families - in Honor LGBTQ+ History Month

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. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us this month!