Writer's Lab

Get help writing, publishing and marketing your own book with FREE Writer's Lab workshops!

Whether you're looking for tips on writing your next book, learning how to run a tabletop roleplaying game, building a small business website, or just looking for more book recommendations, the Library has a wide variety of programs for adults across Jacksonville. 

Are you ready for Jax Book Fest 2024? Jacksonville Public Library’s signature literary event, it brings book lovers of all ages together to meet their favorite bestselling authors and to discover up-and-coming local authors from right here in Florida. The event returns September 20-21 at the Main Library with Lit Chat author programs featuring three #1 New York Times bestselling authors, several free writing workshops, 70+ local authors, entertainment for kids, a showcase of teen writers, giveaways, and so much more!

Are you an aspiring author? Thinking about self-publishing? Need tips for marketing your work? Want to learn how to get your book on the library's shelves? Get help writing, publishing, and marketing your book with free workshops at the Library!

We are pleased to welcome creative writer, scholar, oral history storyteller, and performing artist Dr. Kitty Oliver to Jax Book Fest "Writer's Day" for a thought-provoking, entertaining journey through the complexities of collecting, writing, and preserving the stories and histories of marginalized communities today. Her appearance is also part of the Library's project to grow the African American History Collection and its digital Community Archive. All are funded by a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.

In addition to her Junior Lit Chat Author Talk on Saturday, September 21, our Jax Book Fest 2024 featured children's book author, Vashti Harrison, will lead a 90-minute hands-on workshop on Friday, September 20, during "Writer's Day" for aspiring children's book authors and illustrators.  

International Book Award winner Sohrab Homi Fracis leads a special workshop for aspiring authors during Jax Book Fest "Writer's Day" on Friday, September 20, on identity and place in immigrant fiction.

Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood is a multifaceted creative force, renowned for her roles as a poet, writer, author, emcee, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and curator. Affectionately known as Love, she has become a catalyst for empowering performers, artists, and entertainers within her community. She joins us for "Writer's Day" at Jax Book Fest 2024 this September to share her insights into the transformative power of poetry, highlighting its ability to connect people on a deeper level and foster empathy and understanding. 

Jax Book Fest returns September 20-21 to the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville with the #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Big, Little Leaders, Little Dreamers, and Little Legends and the illustrator of Andrea Beaty's I Love You Like Yellow, Matthew Cherry’s Hair Love, and Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic’s Hello, Star, among others. She received a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Lupita Nyong’o’s Sulwe and is also a two-time recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for Children.

This month, we've got local restaurateur, Kenny Gilbert talking all things cooking and cookbooks, Life Lab gardening and civic literacy workshops, and a "Pop-Up" Writer's Lab for authors looking to "Polish Your Pitch." Keep reading to learn more!