Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Witchy Read-alikes and Fairy Tale Retellings for Fans of Wicked

Whether you're a fan of L. Frank Baum's classic Oz books, Gregory Maguire's Wicked series, the much-beloved (and long-running) Broadway musical, or the brand-new film adaptation: You'll be tickled practically pink with all the Wicked read-alikes on the shelves at the Library! Between "Popular" and fun witchy read-alikes to gravity and genre-defying fractured fairy tales, we've got something for old fans and new (even if you're really green).

December Book Club Reading Recommendations + Meetings

Join us on Friday, December 6, from 1-3 p.m. at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Riverside for a spirited discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer! There is no charge for admission if you're registered for the book club. We'll start off by taking a tour of the Spirit in the Land exhibit before talking about the book. Plus, find out what books our Library Book Clubs are reading and discussing!

Myths About the Revision Process with Writer/Editor Jessica Hatch

The writer/editor relationship can be a bountifully productive, creative collaboration. It can also leave both parties frustrated with each other and the resulting manuscript. Whether you're an aspiring author reaching out to literary agents, who will likely request a revision pass before sending your manuscript out on submission; an indie writer wondering how best to use your time and money to hire a freelance editor; or a writer doing their best with a round of self-revision, there's something in this hour-long, virtual workshop for you.

Lit Chat Interview with Civil Rights Activist & Author Rodney Hurst, Sr.

As the sixteen-year-old President of the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP, he was one of the leaders of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations that culminated in the infamous and violent Ax Handle Saturday. Hurst's first book, the award-winning "It Was Never About a Hot Dog and a Coke®!", tells that story. Hurst’s fourth book, "Black and Brilliant" (written for 12-18 year-olds), dives deeper into bigotry, segregation and racism he experienced as a pre-teen and a teenager in Jacksonville.

How to Find and Apply for Small Business Grants

While May is Small Business Month, November is pretty BIG for small businesses, too. First, there's Small Business Saturday on November 30 and this year marks the 15th anniversary! It's a great way for your customers and community to show their support - and get a much needed financial injection at the end of the year. This year's theme is: "One Day Makes a Difference." What else could you do this month to make a difference in your small business?

Call for Memories: Share Your San Marco Photos and Stories

San Marco 75th Anniversary call for memories graphic

Jacksonville Public Library is commemorating the 75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library with a Call for Memories and a series of public programs focused on the past, present and future of the neighborhood. This year-long celebration of the San Marco community, its residents and their library officially kicks off this January. But you can start donating your family's photos and contributing your library stories to the San Marco Memories project right now!

It's True! November is Nonfiction Month

Nonfiction books help us understand our history and our world, dive deep into subjects that inspire and entertain us, and open our minds to the lived experience of others. November is National Nonfiction Month and November 7 is National Nonfiction Day! Mark the occasion with a new memoir, science or history book on a topic you've been meaning to explore! Our librarians have put together a few suggestions to get you started.

Friends of Murray Hill Library Used Book Sale November 16

Join the Friends of the Murray Hill Library for a book sale on Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for members and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all. You can join in advance at the Friends' website or at the door for as little as $5. Proceeds from the sale and memberships are used to help support and expand programs and services at the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library.

Find Us at WasabiCon + How to Find FREE Manga at the Library

Find us at Wasabi Con. Jacksonville Public Library is an exhibitor!

Jacksonville Public Library will be an exhibitor at WasabiCon! And we're bringing tons of manga for people to read and check out at the convention. So, don't forget your library card if you'd like to take one home! Find us in the Exhibitor Hall November 22-24 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

National Picture Book Month!

Each November, we take the time to honor and celebrate the enduring beauty and significance of picture books. This initiative reminds us of the power they hold in fostering literacy and imagination in readers of all ages. Join us as we explore the art of storytelling and the spark of joy that picture books bring to our lives.