Book Recommendations

National Military Appreciation Month recognizes the incredible service, sacrifices and dedication of all members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Your librarians at Jacksonville Public Library have put together a few recommendations this month to help you mark Mother's Day in style (or find a last minute gift idea for that awesome, book-loving mom in your life).

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 Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians including here on our blog, through book displays in your local library, and via reading challenges for all ages on Beanstack.

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. Every April, we are encouraged to celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage, history, and hopes as well as their many contributions to our country. There are more than 3.5 million Arab Americans who are currently living in the United States.

April is National Poetry Month and we've got some great recommendations to get you inspired to write your own verses, including some poetry collections by locals like Jessica Q. Stark and Michelle Lizet Flores. Later this month, local author Lena Shaqareq joins us for a Junior Lit Chat Author Talk for children, ages 5-12. She'll be giving away copies of her rhyming children's book, How the Sun Got Its Light. Plus, we've got a special History Chat that explores the life and poetry of Matthew R. Ward and Jacksonville's role in the Great Migration.

International Children's Book Day was founded on April 2, 1967 to promote books and reading. It's observed on Hans Christian Anderson's birthday. This year's theme is "Read Your Way" and being able to read for pleasure. Celebrate the joy of reading and the magic of literature with your children by checking out some treasured classics you read as a child. Or, let them introduce you to a new series that they love!

Looking for something to read with the wee ones this St. Patrick's Day? Well, you're in luck! There's a nice pot of children's books at the end of this rainbow! An annual celebration of Irish culture, March 17 is one of the best times to find yourself a leprechaun, pick four-leaf clovers or just wear a lot of green! March is also Irish-American Heritage Month, a time to honor the achievements of notable Irish Americans throughout history and highlight their contributions to American life and culture.

Every March, we are encouraged to study and reflect on the vital role of women in American history and to celebrate the contributions of historical trailblazers. It's also a great time to uplift all of the contemporary female leaders in the arts, sciences, government, business, and technology who have followed in their footsteps. 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 amazing women and girls.

Find yourself without plans this weekend? Or maybe you're looking to treat yourself? This Valentine's Day, fall in love with a great book! We've got a mix of recommendations for you from first loves to late bloomers. We've even got some books about a really cute hedgehog for the kids!

Did you know? February is Library Lovers Month - dedicated to all of the book lovers here in Jacksonville (and around the world) who rely on their public library for their books, movies, music, author talks, storytimes, writing workshops, and so much more! That is why, this month, we've put together a few booklists that our biggest fans are sure to love. It's our way of saying, "Thank you!"