Library U

Before writing, Cat Sebastian was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs. But she liked those jobs much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. Her latest book, We Could Be So Good has been described as "Casey McQuinston meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." And if you like that, she's got over a dozen other queer historical romance novels and glowing reviews from bestselling authors like Julia Quinn, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series. The best part? You can also meet her live and in person, right here in Jacksonville!

Join us for Resisting Hate, Repairing the World -- a panel discussion and open dialogue that focuses on the impact acts of hate have on the individuals and communities being targeted, whether Jewish, Black, LGBTQ+, or others, and how we, as a larger community, can work together to provide mutual support. This program was made in partnership with LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) and will be moderated by Hope McMath, Curator of the JFCS's Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery.

There's no question that characters drive a story. In this writing workshop, author Karen Chow will guide writers to develop interesting characters, create active goals for them, and get into their heads, so readers will want to know more. Bring your writing tools because we will be writing!

It's October... which means you have just three months left to finish the 2023 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge. But don't worry. You've got this! There are three Lit Chats Interviews coming up soon. Besides the obvious ("A book by a 2023 Lit Chat author"), their books could fit a few different categories. Plus, there are thirteen Library Book Clubs meeting and discussing their recommendations this month! There's even a book club dedicated solely to recommending and discussing books that meet the Jax Stacks Reading Challenge categories. We also have a new community partner offering free workshops for budding entrepreneurs!

Join the Lit Chat Interview with Mark Woods on Tuesday, October 10 at 6 p.m. live at the Mandarin Library or live online via Zoom. Books will be available to purchase on-site from San Marco Books and More or you can bring a copy purchased from your favorite bookseller. This Lit Chat Interview is sponsored by the Friends of the Mandarin Library.

Abigail Ricketson said that she'd given up on herself until she had kids. "I have a three-year-old and a two-year-old and it's just us at the moment. I was trying to get a job but... a lot of the higher-paying jobs require a diploma," she said. Thankfully, she heard about the GED Test® Prep program at the Jacksonville Public Library from her sister. "I made the call... and it's honestly one of the best decisions I ever made," she said.

Looking for ways to increase biodiversity in your home garden? Want to create a pollinator habitat? Interested in composting or container gardening? Learn everything you need for a successful home garden from Master Gardeners and our friends at the UF Extension Office!

There's so much to fall in love with about this time of year! Whether it's spooky season, autumn festivals, candied and caramel apples, or the ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte (or Pumpkin Spice Iced Chia Latte): There's nothing quite like finding just the right book or a group of people to talk about it with! This October, join a Book Club! Not only will you get some great reading recommendations from fellow readers, but you might just bond with someone over a favorite fall treat (and maybe share a recipe or two). 

Jacksonville Public Library is one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines the motives, pressures, and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war, and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. Please note: Because the Main Library will not be closing as usual at 6 p.m. on September 28 and October 12, Holocaust program attendees will have an extra 30 minutes to browse the exhibit or check out books from the Holocaust Collection between 6 - 6:30 p.m. However, the Library will close promptly at 8 p.m. So, there will be no time to browse the exhibit after the program.

You probably already know and love Firekeeper's Daughter - the "Indigenous Nancy Drew thriller" novel that set the world (and BookTok) ablaze. Not only was it a Reese's Book Club YA Pick and a TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time Selection... It's getting adapted for TV at Netflix! But did you know Angeline Boulley has a new, bestselling follow-up to her breakaway debut hit? Join us for a trhilling Teen Lit Chat interview with Angeline Boulley on Saturday, September 23 during Jax Book Fest!