Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Staff Picks Book Review - Children of the Corn by Stephen King

Library Staff Picks graphic for a book review

Originally a story in a popular magazine of the era and then a part of the 1978 anthology Night Shift, Stephen King’s short story Children of the Corn is a recognizable part of pop culture even if people do not tie it to the reigning “king” of suspense fiction.

Chat with local celebrated chef Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo

Lit Chat Interview with Chef Dennis Chan at Beaches Library

Anyone can be a writer – even an accomplished chef! The first step is deciding what you'll write about. It could be something you're passionate about or particularly skilled in... Or could it simply be the book (or cookbook) you think is missing from the world!

If you’ve ever wondered how a cookbook comes together and what it takes to write one, here's your chance to ask a local expert!

Children's Books That Celebrate Mothers

Books celebrating Mother's Day

This Sunday, May 14, join us as we celebrate mothers, grandmothers and the bonds shared between them and their children. If you're looking for some last-minute gift ideas or ways to spend some quality time as a family, the Library has a few suggestions!

Books Celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

This month, we are highlighting books in our collection by and about people in the Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. This includes people with connections to the cultures and ancestries of China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Hawaii and other Asian and Pacific Islands.

How To Write a Summary of Your Novel for Literary Agents and Editors

How to Write a Synopsis: Writers Lab

In this workshop, you will learn how to construct a query synopsis for submission to a literary agent or publishing house editor. You will leave knowing how to create a blueprint of your story with key elements of fiction revealed in a narrative format, the purpose of a novel synopsis, the components of a selling synopsis, the ideal synopsis length, and more.

We Are Open for Zinesters: May Art Walk at the Main Library

We are open for Art Walk

Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library is directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, from one of Art Walk's three major hubs of activity. We host student art shows, teen open mic nights and more! Plus, it's the perfect time to take a self-guided tour of murals, maps and public art found throughout your library headquarters.

Killin' It: An Immersive Murder Mystery for Teen Advisory Board

Killin' It: An Immersie Murder Mystery for Teens

Someone’s been poisoned, and world-class teen sleuths Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys need your help! Join up with other amateur crime solvers across various branches of the Jacksonville Public Library for an immersive detective experience, where you’ll examine evidence from the scene of the crime to figure out whodunnit before they strike again. As with every great mystery, come expecting a few surprises! To participate, join us at Teen Advisory Board May 8-19!

Books to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month

Books celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

Celebrated every May, Jewish American Heritage Month brings together hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience and to honor the generations of Jewish Americans whose contributions have helped form the fabric of American history, culture and society.

Jax Stacks Book Recommendations: A book by an author under 30

Jax Stacks Reading Challenge 2023

Welcome to a new month of the 2023 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge! We are going to give you suggestions for each* category in the challenge every month so that you always have a great library book waiting for you when you need it. Plus, you can share what you're reading with other Jax Stacks readers at our monthly Jax Stacks Reading Challenge Book Club. Note: Our May and June meetings take place at the Beaches Branch Library!

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