#Adventure Begins at Your Library
Jacksonville Public Library has everything kids and their families need to make learning fun: from interactive storytimes for families with Little Readers (from birth to age five) to exciting hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) activities for children ages 5-12.
This Summer at Your Library, there's even more to explore! Take part in fun and educational programs, weekly drop-in activities, reading and book-related challenges, and more! Summer reading, learning, and fun run June 3 - August 3. It's all 100% FREE, all summer long!
Special Performances (for ages 5-12)
Live from the Library is a series of engaging and educational performances - happening June-July at your local libraries! Designed for children ages 5-12 and their families, you'll meet and learn from exciting musicians, clever scientists, caring animal handlers, crafty magicians, and more!
Note: Attendance is limited and is first-come, first-served (no pre-registration required). Check-in starts 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
Want book recommendations inspired by your favorite Live from the Library show? Check out our Live from the Library blog for books about animals, magic, science, and music!
#More Library Programs
Early Literacy Programs (birth to age 5)
You want your child to have all the tools they need to start school. Little Readers is the toolbox! We start with a story they'll love, and add music, get everyone up and moving and then we sprinkle in other fun to make it all stick.
We also have a Sensory Friendly Storytime (at select locations) for children with sensory sensitivities. It combines traditional storytime components with supportive elements. We’ve also limited attendance to enhance the experience.
Reading & Hands-On Activities (for ages 5-12)
Check out STEAM & Stories, our newest children's program (for ages 5-12). It's an opportunity for your child to engage with their peers, enjoy a good story, and participate in themed games or crafts.
Your kids can also explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) with our other popular homeschool and afterschool programs like Junior Scientists, Junior Artists, Junior Labs, and more!
Looking for programs and services for youth, ages 12-18? Check out our Teens page!
#Book Recommendations
Summer Adventure Reads - Little Learners (ages 0-5)
Summer Adventure Reads - Elementary (ages 6-10)
Muslim American Heritage Month - Little Learners (ages 0-5)
Muslim American Heritage Month - Elementary (ages 6-10)
Looking for book recommendations for ages 11-18? Check out our Teens page!
Let's Get DUUUVAL Reading!
Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers is a citywide literacy challenge for students of all ages that runs through 2024. Participants are asked to read 20 minutes a day and to log their reading in Beanstack, a reading challenge app. You'll be awarded digital badges for logging multiple days in a row and for completing other reading-related activities. At the end of the year, the city’s top young readers will be given prizes!
Click here to learn how to download and use Beanstack.
Free Digital Resources
There are also several educational games, databases, and homework help resources that you can access online, anytime - all FREE with a library card! Grownups can find tons of kid-friendly and age-appropriate content like e-books, movies, music and TV shows on popular Digital Library apps like Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy. Many even offer a Kids Mode or other parental controls for worry-free browsing. There are also e-book platforms like Tumblebooks that are just for kids (grades K-6)!
Explore the Digital Library! Find Educational Games!
#Activities To Do At Home
Make family time learning time when you bring the library home!
Traveling Tales are a collection of convenient book bundles and activity kits for parents of preschoolers, ages two to five, that you can take home! It's storytime, any time!
To get a Traveling Tales Kit, you'll first need to pick a theme and place a hold. Materials for each theme are contained in a sturdy bag and can be picked up (and returned) at any library location.
Library Academy
Be the first to hear about upcoming events or new services with our Library Academy email newsletters. You'll also get great book recommendations, engaging videos and sing-alongs, and themed activities that coincide with programs going on at the Library. It's the easiest way to encourage reading motivation and build literacy skills - all from the comfort and convenience of home.
Check out recent book recommendations and activities in our Library Academy archives!
Early learning activities (Birth – Age 5) you can do at home or in the Library! Get your child ready to read with books, songs, crafts, and other activities that you can enjoy together.
Activities for Elementary age children (K-5th Grade) that you can do at home or in the Library! Engage with books, e-books, fun crafts, and more while developing key literacy skills along the way.
