Jacksonville Public Library Blog

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).

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)!

May Art Walk: Art Tours, a Memory Lab Open House, and More!

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, explore the Main Library's murals and permanent art collection on a free, docent-led art tour. Come up to the fourth floor for a Wayback Wednesday Open House in the Memory Lab. We also have The Best of Middle School Art Exhibit, Zinester Meetup, and Drop-In Board Games on the first floor!

Get Inspired to Volunteer this Earth Day and Beyond!

April 22 is Earth Day! Started in 1970, the day is often celebrated via organized volunteer events with the health of our planet or our local natural resources in mind. Some folks celebrate by volunteering at a beach or river cleanup or by picking up trash in a park. Are you new to volunteering or activism? Whether you're looking for inspiration, role models, or just a place to start giving back and making a difference: the Library has you covered!

Call for Children's Book Authors!

Summer Reading Kick-Off and Call for Authors

Are you looking for ways to showcase your amazing books and connect with the community? We are excited to announce our Summer Reading Kick-Off on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is an incredible opportunity to partner with Jacksonville Public Library, support Mayor Deegan's River City Readers citywide literacy challenge, and sell your children's books to the families in attendance.

History Chat: Collecting Alan Justiss for National Poetry Month

This April, Jacksonville Public Library is highlighting the life and poetry of Alan Justiss (1943-2011), a celebrated Jacksonville poet whose works have recently been acquired by our Special Collections department. This panel discussion will be moderated by artist and educator, Nestor Gil. They'll talk about Justiss’ life and legacy, read selections of his poetry, and a preview of an upcoming documentary. An audience Q&A will follow the presentation.

Friends of Murray Hill Library Used Book Sale on Saturday, May 4!

Friends of the Murray Hill Library Book Sale May 4

Join the Friends of the Murray Hill Library for a book sale on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for members and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all. You can join in advance at the Friends' website or at the door for as little as $5. Proceeds from the sale and memberships are used to help support and expand programs and services at the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library.

Beaches Library Comic Fest 2024

Beaches Library Comic Fest Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library.

Wear your best cape and cowl (or that really cool bow tie and fez) and join us for a celebration of reading and fandom culture! Our annual Beaches Library Comic Fest returns Saturday, May 4, from 1 – 4 p.m. (Free Comic Book Day). This FAN-tastic event is sponsored by Friends of the Beaches Branch Library and features some of your favorite local cosplayers, gamers, and comic creators from the Beaches community and beyond.

Shop the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Used Book Sale

Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Book Sale April 16-20

The Friends of the Beaches Branch Library invite you to stock up on your favorite authors and discover new ones at their spring book sale on April 16-20, 2024. The sale will include gently used adult fiction and nonfiction titles, books for children and young adults, DVDs, CDs and more! Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Beaches Branch Library.

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.