Jacksonville Public Library Blog

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

Teen Lit Chat with 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).

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

Life Lit workshops

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

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.

Staff Picks: Sports Books for March

Staff Picks Sports Books

Hey, sports fans! We know March can be an exciting time in the sports world - especially locally! Do you participate in the Gate River Run? Or are you thinking about training for next year? Excited about THE PLAYERS Championship? Never miss a chance to watch golf's greatest players? Looking for tips to improve your own swing? Or are you waiting for March Madness and all the baskets and brackets that come with it? Our staff have put together a few of their favorite books, with readers like you in mind.

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

We Are Open for Art Walk

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

Library U: Adult Programs

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!

Celebrate Reading! Join a Library Book Club in March

Join a Library Book Club

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! If you're a parent, you know how important it is for your kids to see you reading for enjoyment. But as adults, we're all reading role models! So, in addition to attending all of these fun, bookish programs and events as a family: Why not join a Library Book Club and model reading for the next generation of bookworms?!

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