Councilman Bill Gulliford at Beaches Branch; Author James Crooks at Main Library
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 21, 2018 – Current and former city council members, a state representative, authors, and other special guests are telling it like it is—and how it was—sharing experiences, insights and information about consolidation, a voter-approved plan that paved the way for the 1968 consolidation of Jacksonville city government and the Duval County government. Find out what prompted consolidation and how it has affected life in Jacksonville 50 years later. The public is invited to attend the free events.
Community Conversation: Reflections on 50 Years of Consolidation
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 26
7 – 9 p.m.
WHERE: Beaches Branch Library, Community Room
600 3rd St. – 32266
In partnership with the Beaches Watch, the Beaches Branch Library will host a panel discussion with community leaders who implemented consolidation. The panel will be moderated by author and professor, Tim Gilmore, and includes:
- City Councilman Bill Gulliford (District 13)
- Former State Representative Bill Basford
- Former City Councilmen Matt Carlucci, Walter Dickinson, Don MacLean and Walter Williams
- Former City Council Auditor Robert (Bob) Johnson
Art Walk: Consolidation Presentation with Author Jim Crooks
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 3
6 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library, Jax Makerspace
303 Laura St. N. – 32202
Historian James (Jim) Crooks, author of Jacksonville: The Consolidation Story, from Civil Rights to the Jaguars, can get you up to speed on everything you want to know about consolidation. Enjoy a piece of cake, too, while the library commemorates the 50th Anniversary of consolidation. Don’t miss art exhibitions: Jacksonville: A Tale of My City, Jax Makerspace Gallery; photographs by Wes Lester, second floor; photographs by Bob Self, third floor; and historic Ax Handle Saturday photography exhibition, fourth floor Special Collections.
About the Jacksonville Public Library
The mission of the Jacksonville Public Library is to enrich lives, build community and foster success by bringing people, information and ideas together. Last year, more than 3.4 million visits were made to Jacksonville Public Libraries, items were checked out more than 5.1 million times, and over 14,000 programs and services were offered to Duval County residents at the Main Library and 20 branch locations. For more information about the Jacksonville Public Library, call 630-BOOK (2665) or visit jaxpubliclibrary.org.
