Jacksonville Public Library Blog

History Chat: Greenlining Jax with Dante Jennings

Greenlining is an urban investment and revitalization strategy that aims to address the lingering effects of redlining with equitable, actionable, and sustainable solutions that improve economic development, environmental justice, and quality of life in formerly redlined neighborhoods. Learn more about this initiative and other efforts to educate and empower underserved communities right here in Jacksonville at our next History Chat, live at the Brown Eastside Branch Library on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m.

Launch & Grow Your Substack: A Writer's Lab with Hurley Winkler

Launch and grow your Substack. Writer's Lab workshop with Hurley Winkler.

Are you looking to start an email newsletter for your readers, business, friends, or strangers? Learn about newsletter content strategies, the benefits of Substack over other social media platforms, and monetizing your newsletter. Writer's Lab: Launch and Grow Your Substack Newsletter with Hurley Winkler on Tuesday, May 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Regency Square Library.

These Are the Star Wars Books and Free Comics You're Looking For

May the Fourth Be With You (Star Wars Day). Graphic includes an image of a Mandalorian reading a book on being a better dad.

Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!), Free Comic Book Day, attending the Beaches Library Comic Fest or just looking to revisit your favorite characters in a galaxy far, far away: the Library has the books and comics you’re looking for! Plus, hear a special message from Bo-Katan Kryze and the Armorer, who visited the Main Library back in March!

Celebrating Children's Book Week with FREE Books for Kids

Children's Book Week takes place every year in May. The purpose of this event is to promote the love of reading and to encourage children to explore the wonderful world of literature. This week-long celebration is marked with various activities and events across the country, including book readings, storytelling sessions, and book fairs. Of course, i you're looking for great stories, storytimes or a chance to meet a children's book author, Jacksonville Public Library is the perfect place to start looking!

Children's Books Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, commemorates the Mexican army's victory in 1862 in the Franco-Mexican War. Also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, it's a relatively minor holiday in its home country. In the United States, however, it has become a day to celebrate Mexican heritage, food, and culture - especially among Mexican Americans or in areas of the country with large Mexican American populations.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Every May, we are encouraged to celebrate the Asian-Pacific 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 Asian-Pacific Americans including here on our blog, through book displays, and on Beanstack.

History Chat - Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories

Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories History Chat

From 1984 to 1992, Marcia Jo Zerivitz traveled 250,000 miles throughout Florida, conducting grassroots research and retrieving the state’s hidden, 250+ year Jewish history, resulting in a major archive and the MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida exhibit that traveled to 13 cities (1990–94) and eventually, Jewish Museum of Florida (JMOF) on Miami Beach. At our next History Chat, she will present highlights from her research and her seminal book, Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories - the first comprehensive history of the Jews of Florida from colonial times to the present.

Art Tours at the Main Library

Main Library Art Tours. Photo shows a volunteer giving a tour, pointing off screen to a mural.

Augusta Savage, Al Held, Kathryn Freeman, Lee Adams, Jerry Uelsmann. Did you know that works by these artists and many more are on permanent display at the Main Library? Main Library offers small group tours showcasing the beautiful public art and architecture on the first Wednesday and one Saturday a month!

Lit Chat Interview with Bestselling Environmental Writer Jeff Goodell

Register now for the Lit Chat Interview with New York Times bestselling author Jeff Goodell. He will appear in person on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m., live at the Main Library. If you are unable to attend in person, you can catch the live stream online via Zoom. A book signing will follow and books will be available to purchase on-site from partner The Bookmark.

Great Reads for Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by Jewish Americans to the fabric of our society. In honor of this month, we at the library have selected some great books that showcase Jewish Americans' rich history and culture. We hope you'll take the time this month to learn more about Jewish American heritage and the many contributions made by Jewish Americans throughout history. And if you're looking for a great book to read, check out our picks at the library.