Jacksonville Public Library Blog

We Are Open for Art Walk in November

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! We are conveniently located directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, one of Art Walk's two major hubs of activity. This month, check out local art in the gallery, join the zinesters meeting and collaborating in the Zine Zone, or sign up for an art tour.

Books Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month acknowledges the many historical contributions and present-day achievements of America's indigenous people. It also pays tribute to their rich ancestry and traditions, many of which are still observed by nations and tribes across the United States.

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.

Big Bag Book Sale

It's that time of year again! It's time for our BIG BAG BOOK SALE! Where we believe MORE IS MORE! Shop till you drop in books galore. We will have a wide range of books for all ages and genre lovers. Not to mention we will also have movies and music on sale. Record lovers will have a chance to snag their favorite records of artists they LOVE!! Read on to find out the details of the event. Proceeds from the memberships and book sales support and enhance programs and services at Jacksonville Public Library. Can't make the sale? You can still support the Friends and the Library by donating your gently-loved books, DVDs, CDs, and jigsaw puzzles. Donations totaling less than three boxes can be dropped off at any branch. If you have more than three boxes, please take them directly to the FJPL bookstore located at 3435 University Blvd N. To find more information on the Big Bag Book sale, visit https://www.fjpl.org.

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!

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.

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.