Jacksonville Public Library Blog

Donate to Tenikka's Books for Kids Annual Book Drive March 17-29

Tenikka's Books for Kids Now Through March 29

Tenikka’s Books for Kids collects new and very gently used books for local children from birth to 18 years old. This includes everything from picture books for babies, books for new readers, and chapter books for teens. All the books collected during Tenikka’s Books for Kids book drive are given to kids who participate in Jacksonville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program at no cost to the children or their families.

St. Patrick's Day Books for Kids

Looking for something to read with the wee ones this St. Patrick's Day? Well, you're in luck! There's a nice pot of children's books at the end of this rainbow! An annual celebration of Irish culture, March 17 is one of the best times to find yourself a leprechaun, pick four-leaf clovers or just wear a lot of green! March is also Irish-American Heritage Month, a time to honor the achievements of notable Irish Americans throughout history and highlight their contributions to American life and culture.

Lit Chat Interview with Fantasy Author Django Wexler at Jax Pop Con

Are you a fan of Magic the Gathering and tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons? Fantasy author Django Wexler is a featured guest at this year's Jax Pop Con on Saturday, March 22. He takes the stage at 4 p.m. on the third floor of the Main Library to talk with fans of fantasy novels about his latest published work. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow the interview. Note: A limited number of books will be available for sale on-site from a local bookstore partner, Happy Medium Books Café.

Forward Thinking: The Evolution of Fandom (Panel Discussion)

Pop culture and the ways we engage with it have changed a lot over the years and it's evolving even more rapidly in the age of social media, influencers, review sites, BookTok, Instagram and AI. Discuss the past, present and future of fandom in this 40-minute conversation between a moderator and four panelists, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A.

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

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.

Free Lifelong Learning Programs for Adults this March

From a Screening Room watching and discussing Great Unsung Women of Computing to a Lit Chat Interview with Jamie Ford, author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, there are a lot of reasons to be excited about the adult program lineup at the Library this March! This Spring Break also marks the return of Jax Pop Con, an all-ages pop culture and fandom event at the Main Library. This year, you'll get a chance to meet fantasy author and guest of honor, Django Wexler.

Free Poetry Writing and Fantasy World-Building Workshops this March!

Are you an aspiring author? Do you have fantasy worlds, epic love poems or even a memoir that you've been meaning to put down on paper? What's stopping you ? Everyone has a story and on March 14, National Write Your Story Day challenges you to tell your story in written form. Jacksonville Public Library loves local authors - so much so that we have free, monthly writing workshops and lots of great books and online resources to help you get your book ready for submission or self-publishing.

Celebrating Women and Girls Throughout History

Every March, we are encouraged to study and reflect on the vital role of women in American history and to celebrate the contributions of historical trailblazers. It's also a great time to uplift all of the contemporary female leaders in the arts, sciences, government, business, and technology who have followed in their footsteps. 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 amazing women and girls.

History Chat: Rethinking James Weldon Johnson At Home & Abroad

Many know James Weldon Johnson as an educator, lawyer and NAACP leader. He was also a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a diplomat and civil rights leader who traveled beyond U.S. borders to build solidarity with other people of color and marginalized groups around the world. At home and abroad, Johnson fought against Jim Crow segregation, imperialism and other structures of oppression. This March, explore his impact on Jacksonville and the genealogy of Black transnational activism that has shaped the U.S.

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 award-winning 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.