River City Readers

We may not get much snow here on the First Coast, but that doesn't mean you can't still dream about snowy winter fun! Do you wanna build a snowman with your favorite Disney character? Do you wish you and your kids could sled down the side of a big hill? Have a snowball fight? Choose your winter adventure at the Library! 

Each November, we take the time to honor and celebrate the enduring beauty and significance of picture books. This initiative reminds us of the power they hold in fostering literacy and imagination in readers of all ages. Join us as we explore the art of storytelling and the spark of joy that picture books bring to our lives.

Join us for the Fall Literacy Festival at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park in Jacksonville, FL on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 3 - 6 p.m. We are excited to celebrate the opening of our newly added StoryWalk® with our community partners. The festival promises to be fun, featuring face painting, arts & crafts, games, storytime, StoryWalk Tours, and much more!

September 8th is World Literacy Day, and the Jacksonville Public Library is excited to be a part of the global celebration! Literacy is the foundation for learning. It is a critical component for sustainable development and an essential tool for individuals and communities to access and understand the world.

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.