More than 100 Local Authors and Illustrators to Participate in ‘Literary Event of the Year’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 16, 2018 – The Jax Book Fest is coming back to the Main Library on March 3 with big name and local authors. No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of Everything, Everything, Nicola Yoon, and New York Times best-selling author and author of more than 26 books Kimberla Lawson Roby will headline this year’s event. More than 100 local authors and illustrators representing every genre from fiction to mystery to romance—including graphic novels and zines—for every age group from toddlers to teens to adults, for an all-day, everything-you-want-to-know-about-books festival.
The public is invited to attend the free event, take home a special free tote bag while supplies last, hear presentations by favorite authors, buy books and get them signed, learn about e-publishing including the library’s SELF-e platform with Library Journal, witness the unveiling of the library’s new Local Author Collection, browse vendor exhibits, and much more. For eats and treats, food trucks will be at Hemming Park across from the Main Library during the event.
WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 2018
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library
303 Laura St. – 32202
For a schedule of the day’s events and more about participating authors and illustrators, go to jaxbookfest.org. The schedule of events is broken up into four tracks—kids, book lovers, writers and educators—so you won’t miss any of the fun. Following are some highlights of the day:
Kids: Author Deborah Sosin will be reading and discussing her book Charlotte and the Quiet Place. Kids can also enjoy balloon twisters, face painters, caricature artists and interactive storytellers throughout the day.
Book Lovers: Hear presentations and get your favorite books signed by New York Times best-selling authors Nicola Yoon and Kimberla Lawson Roby. You will also have the opportunity to chat with New York Times best-selling author Brenda Jackson and Rodney Hurst, Sr. and discuss graphic novels with Al Letson.
Writers: Writers can enjoy a chat and Q&A session with the local Sisters in Crime Chapter, a craft talk with author Laura Lee Smith, a presentation on how to self-publish with the library’s free SELF-e platform, and learn how the Florida Authors and Publishers Association can be a resource for local writers. Local authors and writers can submit their work to be included in the Jacksonville Public Library’s Local Author Collection, which will be unveiled at the event. For more information about this new collection, go to jaxbookfest.org.
Educators: We are providing free breakfast for educators at 10:15 a.m. Educators can also enjoy workshops and discussions on story journals, music and movement for the early learning classroom, mindfulness for children and much more. Educators can RSVP for the free breakfast at jaxbookfest.org/educators.
Jax Book Fest was made possible by the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation and participating sponsors. The children’s literacy programs were sponsored in part by the Joy G. Korman Endowment. Other sponsors include the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, Folio Media House, Lexington Hotel and Brunet-Garcia Advertising.
San Marco Books and More will set up its book store at the Main Library during Jax Book Fest to sell participating authors’ books, the official Jax Book Fest poster, and other literary items. A portion of proceeds from all San Marco book store sales will go back to the library. San Marco Books and More have also sponsored the tote bags that will be given out to Jax Book Fest attendees while supplies last.
The 2018 Jax Book Fest poster was chosen from nearly 50 entries by local artists in a poster contest sponsored by Ameris Bank. This year’s winner—Brenna Antram—is a Jacksonville native and local graphic designer. You may purchase a copy of the poster at San Marco Books and More during Jax Book Fest. Poster entries are currently on exhibit on the first floor of the Main Library and will remain up for viewing during Jax Book Fest.
Jacksonville Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to all persons. If you need special accommodations, please call 630-4655 (TTY 630-1999) at least 72 hours prior to the event.
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.
