Kids activities

Halloween is almost here! Before you know it, the ghosts and goblins will be showing up at your doorstep, with trick-or-treat bags in hand! It can be a fun time for horror fans and pranksters alike. And we can't forget about all of the yummy fall treats like pumpkin pie, caramel apples and free, full-sized candy bars from your favorite neighbor down the street! But with all of the masks and monster makeup, strange noises and zombie movies... It can also be a scary time for kids. While it can definitely be fun to be scared... Sometimes you want a not-so-scary alternative! And the Library has plenty of both! 

Jacksonville is covered with all kinds of cool animal statues – jaguars, turtles, manatees and more! It can be really exciting when you spot one "out in the wild." While running to see a big blue statue of a manatee, three-year-old James was so excited that he got stuck in the mud and needed to be rescued by his grandmother. Hear this fun, true story with local author Ruth Lewis on August 4 at Beaches Branch Library. She'll also about family outings, real-life manatees, and more (intended for children ages 5 - 12).

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of nearly 50 books for young readers, among them The Red Pencil and A Poem for Peter, as well as several collaborations with her husband Brian Pinkney, including Sit-In and Hand in Hand, which received the Coretta Scott King Book Award. Join us for a Junior Lit Chat with Andrea Davis Pinkney, Friday, June 16, from 4:30-5 p.m. live at the Brentwood Library. Intended for kids, ages 5-12. The first 50 kids in attendance will get a FREE copy of A Poem for Peter to take home. A reception and book signing will follow.

You know the power of a good book. And if you're a parent, you know that it's important for your kids to see you reading for enjoyment. But as adults, we're all reading role models! The more we use the Library, talk about books, and attend awesome author events and book signings, the more literate (and well-read) Jacksonville becomes. That's why we hope you'll celebrate reading with your community starting March 27 through April 1!

Does your child loves singing, dancing, playing and reading?! Bring them to Klutho Park every Monday at 9:30 a.m. for a special pop-up storytime they'll be talking about all week long! We’ll read rhythmic stories together and add songs and movements to make it a wonderful time for all (even parents can get in on the fun)!

Are you looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during Spring Break? We've got live animals, scientists, storytelling puppets and other special guests performing "Live from the Library" March 13 - 17 in seven locations all across Jacksonville! The best part? It's all FREE to library cardholders!

Join us at James Weldon Johnson Park, across from the Main Library, on Saturday, April 1 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for Family Reading Day with free book giveaways, fun activities, special guests and more! Come dressed as your favorite book character and join us for a parade around the park. Enjoy fun activities, face painting, balloon twisting, and so much more! Plus, start building your own home library you can read anytime you want with a free Book Giveaway sponsored by READ USA (until they run out)! Free boxed lunch from Firehouse Subs will be provided!