Booklist

What's your to-be-read pile looking like in 2025? Are you placing holds on the Library's Forthcoming Books so you're first in line for the next chapter in your favorite series? Or do you still have a ton of books on your list from 2024 that you've been meaning to pick up? January is a great time to take stock of your TBR and set reading goals for the year. That's why this year, we're celebrating "Book Blitz Month" along with you! 

Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service (MLK Day) is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off." By participating in service projects, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and create lasting change that will benefit our community for years to come. The service project might meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it might do the hard work of starting to build a sense of community or mutual responsibility. 

Are you a fan of puns and fancy word play? Do you do deep dives on the origin and evolution of language? Do you often find yourself enjoying a good game of Scrabble or Wordle? We've got some books for the Word Nerd in you (or the one in your family). 

We may not get much snow here on the First Coast, but that doesn't mean you can't still dream about snowy winter fun! Do you wanna build a snowman with your favorite Disney character? Do you wish you and your kids could sled down the side of a big hill? Have a snowball fight? Choose your winter adventure at the Library! 

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served, currently serve, and to the loved ones, family members, and caregivers of service members. Today and throughout the year, we honor and appreciate those who have made and continue to make sacrifices for our country. The Jacksonville Public Library has created veteran-themed booklists for all ages to pay tribute to this national holiday.

Each November, we take the time to honor and celebrate the enduring beauty and significance of picture books. This initiative reminds us of the power they hold in fostering literacy and imagination in readers of all ages. Join us as we explore the art of storytelling and the spark of joy that picture books bring to our lives.

National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic heritage and traditions rooted in all Latin American countries. The celebration begins in the middle of September to coincide with independence days in several Latin American countries and ends on October 15.

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.

Okay, so technically, National Book Lovers Day is an "unofficial" holiday... but it is officially one of the Library's favorites! Celebrated on August 9 every year, it's the perfect opportunity for librarians, book clubs, and your everyday bibliophile to talk about their favorite books with other, equally-excited book lovers.

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! This month, we are highlighting books about people embracing their disabilities and reclaiming visibility in public.