Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Lit Chat Interview with McCracken Poston, Jr. online via Zoom

"In October 1997, the town of Ringgold in northwest Georgia was shaken by reports of a murder in its midst. A dead woman was found in Alvin Ridley's house - and even more shockingly, she was the wife no one knew he had." Georgia attorney-turned-writer, McCracken Poston Jr., joins us live via Zoom to tell the story behind one of his most famous defense cases and his upcoming book, Zenith Man: Death, Love and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom.

JaxKids Book Club Preschool Party + Harveys Supermarket Giveaway

A young girl holds a book called Rainbow Soup. She is wearing a white chef's hat.

Join us for a Preschool Party featuring a special read-aloud of Rainbow Soup -- one of the eight all-new books included in this year's JaxKids Book Club backpack! The first 50 families in attendance will receive a tote from our partners at Harveys Supermarkets containing all the fresh fruit and other ingredients you'll need to make "Rainbow Soup" at home!

Small Business: Advice from a Black Business Owner

February is Black History Month and Small Business and Side Hustles has some advice from a local small business owner. Twyla Prindle is the founder of Kash Kids, Inc. and author of more than a dozen financial literacy books for kids. Her best-known work is Where Is My Money? She is one of North Florida’s leading advocates for teaching children financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

Writer's Lab with Michael Regina: Play Your Story

Play Your Story: Writer's Lab workshop with Michael Regina

For many, learning to write and outline your story can be a daunting task. But what if it could be a game? Embark on a unique storytelling journey as we discover the art of crafting compelling narratives using the unique power of various tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons. Whether you're a brand new writer or a pro, this workshop is designed to unlock your creative potential and guide you in using solo roleplaying as a tool to outline and write captivating stories.

Junior Lit Chat with Author Angela Dominguez + Book Giveaway

Moving into your middle school years can be challenging. Not only are kids hard at work figuring out who they are and their place in the world... They are also starting to read independently and select their own books. It can sometimes be hard to find reading material that's both interesting and relatable (not to mention developmentally appropriate). That's where middle-grade fiction and characters like Stella Diaz come in!

Kids and Teens: Win $100 for Writing the Best Book Review!

Book Review Writing Contest. Kids and Teens: You could win $100!

Do you love reading and talking about books? Are you the friend (or the influencer) with all the best book recommendations? Is your bookshelf a carefully curated trophy case of all your favorite reading adventures? This could be your time to shine!

Win $100 in cash for writing the most persuasive book review and be one of our guests of honor at a special event downtown all about celebrating reading!

Lit Chat with Local Poet and Author Michelle Lizet Flores

The Friends of the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library are sponsoring a special Lit Chat Interview with local poet Michelle Lizet Flores live at the Library this February! Michelle will chat with fellow poet and Lit Chat alum, Jessica Q. Stark, about her latest book of poetry.

Celebrate Library Lovers Day with Great Books and So Much More!

February 14 is a very special date for libraries, librarians, and the people who love us! Library Lovers Day is dedicated to all of the book lovers here in Jacksonville (and around the world) who rely on their public library for their books, movies, music, and more!

Celebrate Your Love of Libraries at the South Mandarin Friends Book Sale

Graphic for Friends of the South Mandarin Library Book Sale.

Celebrate your love of books, libraries, and reading with the Friends of the South Mandarin Library's book sale on February 15-17. The sale is 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 South Mandarin Library.

The sale will include gently used adult fiction, nonfiction, children and young adult titles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more.

Year of the Dragon: Lunar New Year Books for Kids

Lunar New Year is the celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year - based on the lunar calendar and solar year. The event is celebrated by numerous cultures in various ways and on different dates. Some people celebrate for a day, others for an entire week! The most well-known celebrations occur in China, Vietnam, Korea, and other Asian countries. But it's also celebrated by diaspora communities around the world, including families here on the First Coast.