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!"
Every February, Black History & Futures Month gives us all the opportunity to learn about and uplift Black excellence through history and in the present day. Whether it's honoring the historical achievements of Black leaders, artists, athletes, and astronauts or it's celebrating the movers and shakers and taste makers of today: Jacksonville Public Library has an AMAZING collection of books written by and for African American people as well as a great lineup of public programs to help you and your family learn from those stories.
Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake! Lunar New Year is the celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year - based on the lunar calendar and a solar year. Those born in the "Year of the Snake" (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025) are said to do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal! They are often associated with intelligence, resilience and love.
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.
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.
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!
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!
