Contacts: Chris Boivin, (904) 255-6106
Cell: (904) 759-5643
cboivin@coj.net
Amanda Toman, (904) 255-2348
atoman@coj.net
New York Times Best-Selling Author and Newbery Medal winning author, Matt de la Peña, To Speak at Jacksonville Public Library on September 13th & 14th
Jacksonville youth to enjoy two lively conversations and book signings with award winning author Matt de la Peña who specializes in novels for young adults
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., August 30, 2022 – On Tuesday, September 12, and Wednesday, September 13, Jacksonville Public Library will host New York Times best-selling author Matt de la Peña for a Junior Lit Chat and a Teen Lit Chat.
A Junior Lit Chat with Matt de la Peña will be held on Tuesday, September 13, from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. This event will take place live at the Mandarin Library and is intended for kids ages 5-12. The first 50 attendees will receive a copy of his brand-new book, Patchwork and de la Peña’s other books will be for sale at the event.
A Teen Lit Chat with Matt de la Peña will take place on Wednesday, September 14, from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. This event will take place live at the Pablo Creek Library and is intended for teens ages 13-18. The first 30 attendees will receive a copy of Mexican WhiteBoy and de la Peña’s other books will be for sale at the event.
WHEN and WHERE:
WHAT: Junior Lit Chat with NYT Bestselling Author Matt de la Peña
WHERE: Mandarin Library, 3330 Kori Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 and livestreamed virtually
WHEN: Tuesday, September 12, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
HOW: Click here to register (at least two hours prior to event)
WHO: Open to all
WHAT: Teen Lit Chat with NYT Bestselling Author Matt de la Peña
WHERE: Pablo Creek Library, 13295 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
WHEN: Wednesday, September 13, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
HOW: Click here to register (at least two hours prior to event)
WHO: Open to all
" We are excited to bring Matt de la Peña to town to share his work and empowering messages directly with our young readers," says Youth Learning Manager Rebekah Mitchell.
Matt de la Peña is the New York Times Bestselling, Newbery Medal-winning author of seven young adult novels (including Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, and Superman: Dawnbreaker) and six picture books (including Milo Imagines the World and Last Stop on Market Street). In 2016 he was awarded the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award. Matt received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific where he attended school on a full basketball scholarship. In 2019 Matt was given an honorary doctorate from UOP. de la Peña currently lives in Southern California. He teaches creative writing and visits schools and colleges throughout the country.
Registration is required for these events and must be completed two hours prior to the start time.
Jacksonville Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to all persons. If you need special accommodations, please ask for the Special Needs Library at (904) 255-2665 or email your request to JPLTBSpecialNeeds@coj.net at least 72 hours prior to the event.
