Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Share Your Stories with Special Collections at the Main Library

Your Story is Special. Share it at the Library.

Special Collections at Jacksonville Public Library is a place to ask questions, trace your family roots, research the history of your home, explore old city maps and directories, and so much more! You, your story, and your questions are always welcome. Special Collections is located on the Fourth Floor of the Main Library and is open to the public during library hours. Appointments are not required but you can call ahead or book online if you need a research guide, a tour of the department, or help using the equipment in the Memory Lab.

Passion for Reading

Young girl holding Pete the Cat book between library bookshelves

"Reading is the cornerstone of a community's success. Yet many struggle to find the inspiration and motivation to keep reading in their and their family's lives," says Tim Rogers, Jacksonville's Chief Librarian and Library Director. "We want all Jaxsons to celebrate reading and find their own passion for it, so we asked some of the city's most passionate readers to share their stories."

Teen Lit Chat + Book Giveaway with Jax Author Bethany Baptiste

Morally gray Black witches. Sisterhood. Politics and rebellion. The Poisons We Drink is a potent YA debut from Jacksonville's own Bethany Baptiste... about a world where love potions are weaponized against hate and prejudice, sisterhood is unbreakable, and self-love is life and death. Join the Teen Lit Chat Interview this March. A limited number of copies of the book will be given away to participants (first come, first served).

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. Call (904) 701-3462 now or beginning January 17 you can visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide and submit your ZIP code for the nearest location to schedule an appointment.

March Life Lit: FREE Workshops in Money Management and Gardening!

Life Lit are free workshops offered by trained professionals and volunteers that focus on improving your day-to-day life. These programs cover a wide range of workshops from gardening to small business needs. No need to bring anything but yourself to participate!

Celebrating Women Throughout History and Today

Every March, we are encouraged to study and reflect on the vital role of women in American history and to celebrate the contributions of historical trailblazers. It's also a great time to uplift all of the contemporary female leaders in the arts, sciences, government, business, and technology who have followed in their footsteps. 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. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about amazing women and girls.

March Art Walk: Bike Safety, Games + NEFSAA Gold Key Exhibition

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! This month, the City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department will be at the Main Library to talk about bike and pedestrian safety and give out free bicycle helmets and other safety materials. Plus, we're looking for 5-20 courageous adult players for a logic game in the Lounge at 303 North called Blood on the Clocktower!

Celebrate Reading Week March 3-9, 2024: Where the Wild Books Are

Celebrate Reading Week: Where the Wild Books Are March 3-9

Get lost in a world of reading and adventure this March 3-9 during Jacksonville's annual Celebrate Reading Week! Jacksonville Public Library and our partners at Kids Hope Alliance, Jacksonville Public Education Fund, Early Learning Coalition Duval, Read USA, Duval County Public Schools, Read Jax, and WJCT have put together a fantastic series of programs and events at libraries and locations across Jacksonville! There will be book giveaways, a chance to learn more about Beanstack and Mayor Deegan's River City Readers challenge, and more!

March Into Savings with the Friends' Spring Big Bag Book Sale

Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library's Big Bag Book Sale on March 14-16 at the University Park Library.

In addition to longer days and warmer weather, March heralds the return of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library's (FJPL) Big Bag Book Sale. Come visit on March 14 - 16 to get fantastic deals on books, movies, audiobooks, records, jigsaw puzzles, and more. The bookstore is located at the University Park Branch Library at 3435 University Blvd. N.

Never Stop Learning: Adult Programs Coming in March

Did you know? March 3-9 is Celebrate Reading Week in Jacksonville! This year's theme, Where the Wild Books Are, is designed to take our City's youngest readers on adventures with fictional and real-life animals to show them just how exciting reading and learning can be! There will be programs and events at libraries and locations across Jacksonville all week long. But don't worry, there are also lots of great adult programs!