Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Free Spring Break Activities, Live from the Library, and More!

Make the Most of Spring Break

Looking for a way to spend Spring Break - without breaking the bank? Spend it at the Library and don't spend a dime! We've got live guest performers, hands-on S.T.E.M. and art labs, and other FREE activities and events for kids and teens March 17-22.

Books You'll Fall In Love With This Valentine's Day

What to Read this Valentine's Day

Find yourself without plans this weekend? Or maybe you're looking to treat yourself? This Valentine's Day, fall in love with a great book! We've got a mix of recommendations for you from first loves to late bloomers. We've even got some books about a really cute hedgehog for the kids!

Lift Every Voice and Sing 125th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 175 Years of Lift Every Voice and Sing: February 12-16. Image includes a photo of James Weldon Johnson

The Friends of Brentwood Library, Inc. and its founder and matriarch, Sharon Coon, invite you to celebrate the 125th anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at free, public events February 12-16, 2025, at the Conference Center at Main Library and in other venues throughout Jacksonville. Part of a nation-wide tribute, it honors the roots of the "Black National Anthem" in the city where it was created.

Screening Room: There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace

The Screening Room logo

There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace: Life in the Negro Baseball Leagues chronicles the rich history of Black baseball and examines the re-integration of the game. Narrated by James Earl Jones, this hour long documentary, produced by Refocus Digital Media, LLC, features interviews with baseball Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, James ‘Cool Papa’ Bell, Buck Leonard, Judy Johnson, Monte Irvin and Ray Dandridge. Watch and discuss on Tuesday, February 25 at Highlands Library with Armand Rosamilia.

Junior Lit Chat with Children's Author and Illustrator Zoe Persico

Junior Lit Chat logo

Join us Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m. at Beaches Branch Library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library. After the program, there will be 30 minutes for a book signing with the author. A limited number of copies of Georgia's Terrific, Colorific Experiment will be given away to registered attendees, (first-come, first-served).

Free Tax Preparation Available With AARP

Free Tax Help through AARP

The Jacksonville Public Library is proud to partner with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) TaxAide during the tax season each year to provide FREE tax preparation. Taxes will be prepared BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The scheduling system goes live January 15 for appointments starting February 1.

Celebrate Reading Week 2025: Jacksonville Is Bananas About Books!

Celebrate Reading Week Presents: Bananas About Books March 2-8

Jacksonville's annual "Celebrate Reading Week" returns March 2-8, 2025, with appearances by local and nationally known authors, live children's entertainers, your favorite book characters, and much more! Don't miss the un-peel-ievably cool party for the whole family at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, March 8. You're sure to have a bunch of fun! You'll also get to check out Mayor Deegan's new River City Readers Bookmobile, pick up a free book (and free lunch) and learn more about all of ways Jacksonville supports literacy and families.

Preschool Palooza with Elephant and Piggie at Highlands Library

Elephant and Piggie Preschool Palooza

Meet Elephant & Piggie, explore community resources for preschoolers, participate in themed activity stations, and enjoy a performance starring singer/songwriter and children's edu-tainer, Shana Banana at a "Preschool Palooza" at the Highlands Regional Library (1826 Dunn Avenue) on Saturday, February 15, from 2 - 4 p.m.!

Do You Love Your Library? Celebrate with Great Books and Programs!

Books for Library Lovers

Did you know? February is Library Lovers Month - dedicated to all of the book lovers here in Jacksonville (and around the world) who rely on their public library for their books, movies, music, author talks, storytimes, writing workshops, and so much more! That is why, this month, we've put together a few booklists that our biggest fans are sure to love. It's our way of saying, "Thank you!"

Read About Black History and Excellence This Month with the Library

Excellent Reads for Black History and Futures Month

Every February, Black History & Futures Month gives us all the opportunity to learn about and uplift Black excellence through history and in the present day. Whether it's honoring the historical achievements of Black leaders, artists, athletes, and astronauts or it's celebrating the movers and shakers and taste makers of today: Jacksonville Public Library has an AMAZING collection of books written by and for African American people as well as a great lineup of public programs to help you and your family learn from those stories.

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