Book Recommendations

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by Jewish Americans to the fabric of our society. In honor of this month, we at the library have selected some great books that showcase Jewish Americans' rich history and culture. We hope you'll take the time this month to learn more about Jewish American heritage and the many contributions made by Jewish Americans throughout history. And if you're looking for a great book to read, check out our picks at the library.

April 22 is Earth Day! Started in 1970, the day is often celebrated via organized volunteer events with the health of our planet or our local natural resources in mind. Some folks celebrate by volunteering at a beach or river cleanup or by picking up trash in a park. Are you new to volunteering or activism? Whether you're looking for inspiration, role models, or just a place to start giving back and making a difference: the Library has you covered!

While Jacksonville may not be on the path of the total eclipse, we can still witness this incredible celestial event on Monday! If you’re planning to view the eclipse, remember to prioritize your safety. Here are some precautions to keep in mind. Plus, we've got some book recommendations that will help you answer any questions your little ones might have.

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

April is National Poetry Month and we've got some great recommendations for you, including some books of poetry by local poets like Jessica Q. Stark! Whether you enjoy reading poetry or writing it yourself, we also have several programs and drop-in activities happening around the library system including a poetry program double-header (Lit Chat and Writer's Lab) at Willow Branch Library on Saturday, April 13!

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.

Do you like exploring strange new worlds with your favorite away team? Do you dress up as one of those space wizards with laser swords from a galaxy far, far away? Do you like time travel, alternate universes, steampunk, and robots? National Science Fiction Day is celebrated (unofficially) every January 2 by fans across the U.S. If you're looking for your next escape into fantastical, futuristic worlds filled with advanced technology, we've got some great recommendations to get you started!

Has your to-be-read list gotten a little thin? Need a few more books to complete the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge? Looking for the perfect gift idea for that bibliophile in your life who's read everything else? Do you like to venture off the bestseller list to discover those rare literary gems that fell through the cracks? We've got some great books for you this month that, for whatever reason, you might have missed in 2023.

Are you a Hallmark movie fan? Can't wait to get your hands on the next cozy mystery or holiday romance? You're in luck! Not only do we have a large selection of books and audiobooks to with amateur sleuths, meet-cutes and other holiday treats... you can curl up with top-rated shows or movies like Murder She Baked, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, and The Way Home without the subscription fees. Keep reading to learn more!

National Native American Heritage Month acknowledges the many historical contributions and present-day achievements of America's indigenous people. This celebration also pays tribute to their rich ancestry and traditions, many of which are still observed by nations and tribes across the United States. 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. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us this month and all year long!