Book Recommendations

Celebrating Black History, Art and Culture this February at the Library

February is Black History Month

Every February, Black History Month prompts us all to learn from and about our history. It is also a time to celebrate the historical, artistic, culinary, scientific, and other achievements of Black Americans. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about people in the African American community including here on our blog, through book displays in your local library, and via reading challenges for all ages on Beanstack. The Library and our Friends Groups also have several events and programs planned, starting on February 1.

Travel Across Space and Time: Read A Book In Honor of Sci Fi Day!

Books for Sci Fi Day

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!

Great Books You Might Have Missed in 2023

Great Books You Might Have Missed in 2023

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.

Read Cozy Winter Romances and Mysteries or Binge Holiday Movies

Cozy Winter Reads

Are you a Lifetime or Hallmark holiday 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 with amateur sleuths, meet-cutes and other holiday treats... you can curl up with classic holiday movies or even top-rated shows or movies on the hoopla Digital and Kanopy apps without the subscription fees. Keep reading to learn more!

Books to Celebrate Native American Heritage

National Native American Heritage Month

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!

Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

The 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! Between September 15 and October 15, we are highlighting books in our collection by and about people in the Hispanic and Latine/Latinx communities. 

Books to Read for Talk Like a Pirate Day

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Shiver me timbers and batten down the hatches! September 19 is Talk Like a Pirate Day. If you're looking for some inspiration, the Library has some great books about our favorite scallywags and seadogs. No need to raid Davey Jones' locker. The best part: these books won't cost you a single doubloon! So, check out a book, sing your favorite sea chantey, and "yo ho ho" the whole day long!

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