Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Great Reads for Arab American Heritage Month

Every April, we are encouraged to celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage, history, and hopes as well as their many contributions to our country. 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 Arab Americans including here on our blog, through book displays in your local library, and via reading challenges for all ages on Beanstack.

Mayor Deegan's River City Readers Citywide Literacy Challenge

River City Readers. Read 20 minutes per day. Join the Challenge.

Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers is a citywide literacy challenge for students of all ages that will run through 2024. Challenge participants are asked to read 20 minutes a day and to log their reading in Beanstack, a popular reading challenge app. The challenge launched on Saturday, January 27, 2024, with a Kick-Off Event at the Main Library.

April Art Walk: Poetry Open Mic Night with Taryn Lovereigns Wharwood

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, adults (18+) can join us from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Lounge at 303 North for a special Jax Poetry Fest Open Mic Night sponsored by Hope at Hand, Inc., with emcee Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood. UNF Professor Andrew Kozlowski also returns for a zine poetry-making workshop during Zinester Meetup.

Great Decisions 2024: World Affairs Discussion Series at Your Library

Great Decisions is a program created by the Foreign Policy Association. It is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Each meeting begins with a 20-minute video on a discussion topic followed by a facilitator-led discussion on global issues.

Attend whichever meetings interest you! Topics for the Great Decisions 2024 series include US-China Trade Rivalry, Climate Technology and Competition, Mideast Realignment, Pandemic Preparedness, Understanding Indonesia, NATO's Future, and more.

Poetry Month Programs and Reading Recommendations

April is National Poetry Month and we've got some great recommendations for you, including some books of poetry by local poets like Jessica Q. Stark! Whether you enjoy reading poetry or writing it yourself, we also have several programs and drop-in activities happening around the library system including a poetry program double-header (Lit Chat and Writer's Lab) at Willow Branch Library on Saturday, April 13!

Adult Programs at the Library during National Poetry Month

Do you have poetry you'd like to share with the world? Do you want to hear from local poets who write creatively about life in Jacksonville? Drop by the Main Library on Wednesday, April 3, during Art Walk for a special Open Mic Night with Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood and Hope at Hand, Inc. They'll be set up in the Lounge at 303 North (just inside the entrance on Laura Street). There will also be a poetry zine-making workshop in the Zine Zone (on the First Floor), if you'd like to see your work in print. Then, on April 13, we’ll have a poetry program doubleheader at Willow Branch Library!

Join a Library Book Club or Jax Stacks Reading Challenge in April

If you haven't joined the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge yet... there's still plenty of time! In April, we're focusing on two of the sixteen challenge categories: "A book of poetry, essays or short stories" and "A book read by a Library Book Club in 2024." How perfect is that?! Not only can you find great recommendations for celebrating National Poetry Month, but if you're already a member of a Library Book Club you've likely already fulfilled at least one challenge category! That means you just have 11 more to go!

Writer's Lab Workshop with Poet Anna Claire Hodge

Writer's Lab workshop with Anna Claire Hodge: There's No Place Like Poem

Learn how poets use vivid imagery, sensory details, and cultural references to transport readers to specific locations. In this interactive workshop, you'll delve into the profound connection between poetry and locale through a series of engaging activities and discussions. Participants will generate their own work, and discover how landscapes, cities, and personal surroundings can serve as powerful catalysts for creative expression.

Small Business Advice for Female Entrepreneurs and Leaders in Jax

Twyla Prindle is the founder of Kash Kids, Inc. and author of more than a dozen financial literacy books for kids. Her best-known work is Where Is My Money? She is one of North Florida’s leading advocates for teaching children financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Twyla hopes to inspire children to become financially independent adults and future entrepreneurs.

Improve Your Day-To-Day Life with FREE 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!