special collections

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! 

Wayback Wednesday Open House & Live Demo in the Memory Lab

Image caption reads: "Remember this?" Illustration shows a pencil being used to rewind an audio cassette tape

What does a pencil and an audio cassette have in common? If you know you know... but you're definitely also going to want to check out the newly expanded Memory Lab at Main Library! Learn more at our next Memory Lab Open House on Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8:30 p.m. (during Art Walk). You can also stop by any time the Main Library is open for a demo! The Memory Lab is located on the fourth floor of the Main Library in Special Collections (next to the Ansbacher Map Room).

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.

Jax Bicentennial Special Guest Speaker

Jacksonville Origins: A Talk with Emily Lisska June 11 1-2pm Conference Center at the Main Library
The countdown to our City’s bicentennial has begun! How will you celebrate Jacksonville’s 200-year anniversary? The Library’s doing what it does best: sharing and collecting stories! We hope you’ll join us for "Jacksonville Origins: A Talk with Emily Lisska" on Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m. And leave your mark on Jacksonville's history: Add your story, your family history, and your vision for the future of this Bold City to the Library's permanent collection!

Jacksonville's First Black Lawyer

Joseph E. Lee, Jacksonville's first black lawyer

Joseph E. Lee is a prominent figure in Jacksonville history. He holds the distinction of having been the City's first Black lawyer as well as having left a legacy of commitment to public service and community. Jacksonville Public Library was recently able to digitize an extensive collection of Joseph E. Lee's professional and personal correspondence, dating from 1877 – 1882. These papers help paint a clearer picture of the man and his accomplishments.

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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