River City Readers

International Moon Day is observed annually on July 20. It marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969. Whether you take this opportunity to learn more about the moon landing, astronauts, and NASA or you spend the day reading some fun (or fantastical) books inspired by space exploration - the staff of Jacksonville Public Library has some great recommendations to get you started.

We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us this month! Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since the 1800s and became a federal holiday in 2021. A combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth," it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.  

Jacksonville Public Library has a great collection of books about fatherhood that kids and their dads are sure to love! Of course, summer is a great time to spend time reading as a family. Not only does it help prevent learning loss while the kids are out of school for the summer, it gives kids and dads an opportunity for quality time and connection. You can listen to an audiobook together in the car on your next road trip. Or grab a book of spooky ghost stories to read around the campfire! 

Join Mayor Donna Deegan, Jacksonville Public Library, and a host of literacy advocates and exhibitors for one big Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Ed Austin Regional Park. Mayor Deegan will take the main stage at 9:30 a.m. to discuss her River City Readers citywide literacy challenge, distribute free books and backpacks, and meet and greet attendees.

Rainbow Book Month™ is a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, agender, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Originally established in the early 1990s as National Lesbian and Gay Book Month, it is now an initiative of the American Library Association and is coordinated through its Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services and the Rainbow Round Table.

June is African American Music Appreciation Month! Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences. Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation.

May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about people in the military and their families. Find books on military history, including biographies of famous military leaders, accounts of battles and wars, memoirs of soldiers, and more.

Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's no denying the joy that comes from watching your plants grow and thrive. The Library has an extensive collection of books on gardening, from how-to guides for beginners to advanced techniques for seasoned pros - everything you need to get started on your own gardening adventure!

As Mother's Day quickly approaches, Jacksonville Public Library hopes to help you celebrate by sharing a list of books about motherhood and all that comes with it. Reading is an excellent way to connect with others, and the Library has compiled a list of books related to the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Children's Book Week takes place every year in May. The purpose of this event is to promote the love of reading and to encourage children to explore the wonderful world of literature. This week-long celebration is marked with various activities and events across the country, including book readings, storytelling sessions, and book fairs. Of course, i you're looking for great stories, storytimes or a chance to meet a children's book author, Jacksonville Public Library is the perfect place to start looking!