Books for Kids

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). 

Ever wonder what it takes to become a published author? As the author of Teemu the Emu and other upcoming releases, our friend Mr. Joe offers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse. This is a chance for your budding artists and authors to discover the magic of storytelling within themselves. Don't miss this Junior Lit Chat with Mr. Joe, Saturday, September 7, from 2-3 p.m. at Mandarin Branch Library!

International Moon Day is observed annually on July 20. It marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969. Whether you take this opportunity to learn more about the moon landing, astronauts, and NASA or you spend the day reading some fun (or fantastical) books inspired by space exploration - the staff of Jacksonville Public Library has some great recommendations to get you started.

There are so many traditions when it comes to the Fourth of July. Why not create a new one by adding a few books to your day with family wherever you may find yourself? At Jacksonville Public Library we have a variety of books you can choose from chosen by our awesome librarians! You'll be sure to find something you love to read with your little ones.

This month, we've put together a list of books by and about Muslim Americans. These books are available in multiple formats and cover various topics, from history and biography to fiction and poetry. 

Ready for something magical, inspiring, and a whole lot of fun? Live from the Library is a series of engaging and educational performances - happening all summer long at your local libraries! Designed for children ages 5-12 and their families, you'll meet and learn from exciting musicians, clever scientists, caring animal handlers, crafty magicians, and more!

Make the Library - and reading - part of your summer from June 3 through August 3! Our theme this year, Adventure Begins at Your Library, invites you to read, play and explore together with interactive performances, fun programs, hands-on activities, and, of course, all kinds of books! 

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, commemorates the Mexican army's victory in 1862 in the Franco-Mexican War. Also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, it's a relatively minor holiday in its home country. In the United States, however, it has become a day to celebrate Mexican heritage, food, and culture - especially among Mexican Americans or in areas of the country with large Mexican American populations.