Library U

Bestselling author and renowned writing instructor Elizabeth Gilbert joins us in September for two days of bookish excitement! Readers can check out our Lit Chat Interview with her on Friday evening, and writers can attend a 3-hour Writer’s Lab workshop on Saturday morning. We’d love to see you at both!

The Library is delighted to feature Elizabeth Gilbert in two big events this September! Read on to learn more about how you can watch and learn from the bestselling author this month. In addition, check out our other great writing and gardening workshops and awesome book clubs!

In her self-published novel, Seen, Julie G. Delegal takes a story straight from Jacksonville’s headlines and tells a fictional version that explores a similar event from two perspectives. Join us to chat with Julie about the process of fictionalizing true events and how she was inspired to write this novel!

Continue your summer reading at the library with one of our 12 great book clubs this month! We’ve got nonfiction, mysteries, fantasy, romance, and a classic you might have missed to fill your reading hours.

New York Times bestselling author Marc Cameron joins us virtually in August to talk about his newest book, Cold Snap, and how his experiences in law enforcement have helped him write his wildly popular thrillers. Join us to learn more!

Lit Chat with Madeline Martin, Saturday, July 30, at 1 pm. This event will take place live at the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium and will be livestreamed online via Zoom. Martin will sign books after the event. Books will be available to purchase on-site or in advance from sponsor San Marco Books or you can bring a book purchased from your favorite bookseller.

Learn the Newborn TOUCH method and master the essential steps needed to help your newborn cry less, sleep more, and flourish as they develop. This program is sponsored by Kids Hope Alliance: The Jacksonville Partnership for Children, Youth & Families. Sign up for the two day session at the Beaches Branch or a one day session at University Park Branch.  

Nikesha Elise Williams has been featured at the library as a Writer’s Lab workshop instructor and Lit Chat interviewer many times over the last two years. Now she takes on the role of featured author in our next Lit Chat! Join us at the Highlands Library to learn about Nikesha’s journey as an award-winning self-published author, journalist, and podcaster.

You’ve written a polished story or two or ten and you feel confident that it’s time to share your work with the world. You’ve heard about self-publishing, but is it the right fit for you, financially? Join us for a Writer’s Lab with local author Siera London that covers the basics of the indie publishing business and what you should consider before jumping in.

In July we continue to help you hone the skills you need in your yard or outdoor space! Join us for workshops with our friends from the UF Extension office that will teach you all about plants and bugs in your garden.