Jacksonville Public Library Blog

History Chat - Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories

Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories History Chat

From 1984 to 1992, Marcia Jo Zerivitz traveled 250,000 miles throughout Florida, conducting grassroots research and retrieving the state’s hidden, 250+ year Jewish history, resulting in a major archive and the MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida exhibit that traveled to 13 cities (1990–94) and eventually, Jewish Museum of Florida (JMOF) on Miami Beach. At our next History Chat, she will present highlights from her research and her seminal book, Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories - the first comprehensive history of the Jews of Florida from colonial times to the present.

Adult Programs at the Library this May

This month, we have two History Chat programs, two Lit Chat Author Interviews, two Writer's Lab workshops, 15 Book Club meetings, a Great Decisions discussion, Life Lit gardening workshops, and more! So, whether you like meeting bestselling authors or just fellow book lovers around Jacksonville, there are so many great ways to use your Library card this month!

Art Tours at the Main Library

Main Library Art Tours. Photo shows a volunteer giving a tour, pointing off screen to a mural.

Augusta Savage, Al Held, Kathryn Freeman, Lee Adams, Jerry Uelsmann. Did you know that works by these artists and many more are on permanent display at the Main Library? Main Library offers small group tours showcasing the beautiful public art and architecture on the first Wednesday and one Saturday a month!

Great Reads for Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by Jewish Americans to the fabric of our society. In honor of this month, we at the library have selected some great books that showcase Jewish Americans' rich history and culture. We hope you'll take the time this month to learn more about Jewish American heritage and the many contributions made by Jewish Americans throughout history. And if you're looking for a great book to read, check out our picks at the library.

Lit Chat Interview with Siera London live at Bradham and Brooks Library

The Lit Chat Interview with Siera London will take place live at the Bradham and Brooks Library on Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m. If you are unable to attend in person, you can catch the live stream online via Zoom. A book signing will follow and books will be available to purchase on-site from partners at Femme Fire Books.

Join a Book Club or Start the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge this May

It can be hard to make new friends as adults. We all get so busy with family, work and other responsibilities. It can be hard to meet new people or strike up a conversation. The great thing about joining a Library Book Club is that you already have something in common with your fellow book lovers. Not only that, you have new books, themes, and characters to talk about every month!

Small Business Help and Free Resources at Your Library

Spring is the time to grow new ideas! Are you ready to start a new side hustle or grow your existing business? The "Small Business and Side Hustles" Library U newsletter connects you to Library and community resources and programs to help you get started!

Wayback Wednesday Open House & Live Demo in the Memory Lab

Image caption reads: "Remember this?" Illustration shows a pencil being used to rewind an audio cassette tape

What does a pencil and an audio cassette have in common? If you know you know... but you're definitely also going to want to check out the newly expanded Memory Lab at Main Library! Learn more at our next Memory Lab Open House on Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8:30 p.m. (during Art Walk). You can also stop by any time the Main Library is open for a demo! The Memory Lab is located on the fourth floor of the Main Library in Special Collections (next to the Ansbacher Map Room).

Launch & Grow Your Substack: A Writer's Lab with Hurley Winkler

Launch and grow your Substack. Writer's Lab workshop with Hurley Winkler.

Are you looking to start an email newsletter for your readers, business, friends, or strangers? Learn about newsletter content strategies, the benefits of Substack over other social media platforms, and monetizing your newsletter. Writer's Lab: Launch and Grow Your Substack Newsletter with Hurley Winkler on Tuesday, May 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Regency Square Library.

New Worlds Reading BOOK BASH May 10 at the Main Library!

Calling all VPK through 5th Grade Students! Book Bash! Presented by New Worlds Reading. Image includes a photo of Clifford and kids.

Calling all VPK through Fifth Grade families! You're invited to the first New Worlds Reading Book Bash on Friday, May 10, from 4:30 - 7 p.m. here at the Main Library! This fun-filled, family-friendly event will include appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog, an author read-aloud, raffles, and more! Plus, kids can pick up FREE books and food (while supplies last)!