Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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 Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians including here on our blog, through book displays in your local library, and via reading challenges for all ages on Beanstack.

Writer's Lab Workshops in May + Cash Prizes for Indie Authors

Get help writing, publishing and marketing your own book with FREE Writer's Lab workshops! We've also got a ton of free resources like Pressbooks and Indie Author Project that will help you find new readers and make self-publishing easier.

Get Caught Reading One of These Great Book Club Picks in May

May is "Get Caught Reading Month," a celebration of the joy and FUN of reading. Join a Book Club this month and get caught reading a great book!

Lit Chat with Environmental Journalist Cynthia Barnett

In The Sound of the Sea, acclaimed environmental author Cynthia Barnett blends cultural history and science to trace our long love affair with seashells.

Life Lab: Free Gardening, Online Banking and Business Classes in May

Learn how to grow your own garden, start a small business and take control of your health, career, and personal finances with free workshops at the Library! Life Lab programs are offered by trained professionals and aimed at improving your day-to-day life. This month, explore the benefits of fertilizer in your garden, get workforce ready, and learn the basics of entrepreneurship with free classes from our community partners.

Preschool Palooza with Tow Truck Joe + Touch-a-Truck Event

Meet real-life community helper vehicles at our next Preschool Palooza with a Touch-a-Truck event inspired by Tow Truck Joe and his friend, Patch the Pup! Take a spin in a kid-sized electric car, tour the new River City Readers Bookmobile, get a free book and explore all things that "go" with plenty of transportation-themed activities! Get those wheels spinning and join us from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, May 3, at Lonnie C. Miller Regional Park, 7689 Price Rd.

10th Annual Beaches Library Comic Fest

Wear your best cape and cowl (or that really cool bow tie and fez) and join us for an all-ages, fandom-filled celebration of reading and pop culture! Beaches Library Comic Fest returns in 2025 for its 10th annual celebration on Saturday, May 3, from 1 – 4 p.m This FAN-tastic event is sponsored by Friends of the Beaches Branch Library and organized by your favorite librarians. It features some local cosplayers, gamers, and comic creators from the Beaches community and beyond.

The Friends of the South Mandarin Spring Book Sale

Friends of the South Mandarin Library Book Sale

Stock up and save on books, CDs, DVDs, and more - all while supporting your South Mandarin Branch Library! There's a wide selection of items for every age - children, teens and adults. The Friends of the South Mandarin Library's Fall Book Sale is located at 12125 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. All three days of the book sale are open to all, but membership is encouraged and appreciated. Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the South Mandarin Library.

The Best of Middle School Art Exhibit 2025

Add "supporting young artists" to your list of reasons for visiting the Main Library this April and May! Jacksonville Public Library and Duval County Public Schools are partnering once again to bring the Best of Middle School Art Exhibit to the Gallery at Main. The show opens to the public on April 18 and runs through May 10. Student artists and their families are invited to celebrate with us and their teachers on Saturday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

Books to Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month

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. 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. There are more than 3.5 million Arab Americans who are currently living in the United States.