Jax Stacks

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! 

Jacksonville Public Library starts the year-long celebration of San Marco Branch Library's 75th Anniversary this January with a Forward Thinking discussion panel, kick-off party, and a Call for Memories. Plus, Great Decisions returns this January to discuss critical issues facing America. Each program begins with a 30-minute film on a discussion topic and is followed by a group discussion, facilitated by a local subject matter expert.

Are you signing up for the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge in 2025? We've got 16 brand-new challenge categories. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new or cross a book you've been meaning to read off your to-be-read list! Just make sure it fits one of the categories! The challenge is simple: You pick the 12 categories that interest you most and just start reading. Of course, one of those categories is "A book read by a Library Book Club in 2025." So, just by joining one of these groups, you're already 1/12 of the way to completing this challenge!

We've got 16 new categories for 2025 - along with some great book recommendations to get you started. Start with the categories that interest you most and see how far you get! If you read just one book this year, you're a Jax Stacks reader! To officially complete the challenge, read at least 12 books from 12 of the categories listed below. If you need help keeping track, pick up a Jax Stacks Reading Challenge bookmark - available at your local library.

The writer/editor relationship can be a bountifully productive, creative collaboration. It can also leave both parties frustrated with each other and the resulting manuscript. Join us as we expel some myths about the author/editor relationship and expand your publishing knowhow with author/editor Jessica Hatch at our next Writer's Lab workshop! Or, meet local civil rights activist and author, Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. and hear about his latest book, Black and Brilliant.

Join us on Friday, December 6, from 1-3 p.m. at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Riverside for a spirited discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer! There is no charge for admission if you're registered for the book club. We'll start off by taking a tour of the Spirit in the Land exhibit before talking about the book. Plus, find out what books our Library Book Clubs are reading and discussing!

Whether you're looking for tips on writing your next book, learning how to run a tabletop roleplaying game, building a small business website, or just looking for more book recommendations, the Library has a wide variety of programs for adults in locations across the city. In November, the Main Library will also play host to JaxbyJax year XI, a literary arts festival for writers, by writers. Plus, the African American History Community Programs series continues with a special History Chat with guest speaker Jerry Urso. 

Did you know? This month is "Nonfiction November." If you normally stick to fiction, this could be a good time to branch out. If it's your favorite genre, what better way to celebrate than to pick up a few books read by Library Book Clubs this month? Some of these groups read and discuss nonfiction every month! Whether you're partial to History, True Crime, Biography or Memoirs... you have a few options!

Whether you're looking for tips on writing your next book, learning how to run a tabletop roleplaying game, building a small business website, or just looking for more book recommendations, the Library has a wide variety of programs for adults across Jacksonville. 

Hey, Book Club fans: It's National Book Month! Celebrate reading and talking about books with your favorite book club. Of course, our free Library Book Clubs continue this October with some great book discussions. And if you can't get enough reading and recommendations: There's also still time to finish the 2024 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge!