Local History

Lift Every Voice and Sing 125th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 175 Years of Lift Every Voice and Sing: February 12-16. Image includes a photo of James Weldon Johnson

The Friends of Brentwood Library, Inc. and its founder and matriarch, Sharon Coon, invite you to celebrate the 125th anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at free, public events February 12-16, 2025, at the Conference Center at Main Library and in other venues throughout Jacksonville. Part of a nation-wide tribute, it honors the roots of the "Black National Anthem" in the city where it was created.

Call for Memories: Share Your San Marco Photos and Stories

San Marco 75th Anniversary call for memories graphic

Jacksonville Public Library is commemorating the 75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library with a Call for Memories and a series of public programs focused on the past, present and future of the neighborhood. This year-long celebration of the San Marco community, its residents and their library officially kicks off this January. But you can start donating your family's photos and contributing your library stories to the San Marco Memories project right now! 

Share Your Stories with Special Collections at the Main Library

Your Story is Special. Share it at the Library.

Special Collections at Jacksonville Public Library is a place to ask questions, trace your family roots, research the history of your home, explore old city maps and directories, and so much more! You, your story, and your questions are always welcome. Special Collections is located on the Fourth Floor of the Main Library and is open to the public during library hours. Appointments are not required but you can call ahead or book online if you need a research guide, a tour of the department, or help using the equipment in the Memory Lab.

Be a part of Jacksonville's Story

Be a part of Jacksonville's story

What do you like people to know about you another 80 years from now?

How have you shaped – or been shaped by – this Bold City?

To celebrate the City's upcoming Bicentennial, the Jacksonville Public Library will be doing what it does best: Collecting stories, preserving history, and sharing what it finds with the community. But we need your help!

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