Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

Lit Chat Interview with graphic novelist Leela Corman at DCAZ Fest

Lit Chat Interview with Leela Corman at DCAZ Fest

Join us for a Lit Chat Interview with graphic novelist Leela Corman. She'll be in conversation with local podcaster Badr Milligan live at the Main Library during the second annual Duval Comic and Zine Fest on Saturday, June 10, at 1:30 p.m. Corman is a founding instructor of the Sequential Artists Workshop in Gainesville, Florida, and an instructor at Rhode Island School of Design. DCAZ Fest is a celebration for self-publishing that brings together local comic and zine makers with fans of underground art, alternative press and DIY media. Chair seating will be guaranteed to those who register for the in-person program and there will also be standing room available at the event.

Level Up Your Small Business Marketing with Life Lit Classes

Is 2023 the year you... Make your hobby a side hustle? Start your own business? Or work on taking your business to the next level? In May, we're looking at the University of North Florida's Small Business Development Center (Florida SBDC) and the management, marketing and other assistance they provide for free to prospective and existing small business owners in North Florida. In June, they're hosting two Life Lit small business workshops at the Library!

The History and Future of Zines and DIY Media: A Panel Discussion

Forward Thinking: DIY Inspiration Saturday, June 10 at 3:30 p.m. at the Main Library

Join us for a panel discussion on Saturday, June 10 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. during Duval Comic and Zine Fest to discuss do-it-yourself culture and inspiration within the context of self-made media like zines, comics and printmaking.

Chat with local celebrated chef Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo

Lit Chat Interview with Chef Dennis Chan at Beaches Library

Anyone can be a writer – even an accomplished chef! The first step is deciding what you'll write about. It could be something you're passionate about or particularly skilled in... Or could it simply be the book (or cookbook) you think is missing from the world!

If you’ve ever wondered how a cookbook comes together and what it takes to write one, here's your chance to ask a local expert!

Children's Books That Celebrate Mothers

This Sunday, May 14, join us as we celebrate mothers, grandmothers and the bonds shared between them and their children. If you're looking for some last-minute gift ideas or ways to spend some quality time as a family, the Library has a few suggestions!

Books Celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

This month, we are highlighting books in our collection by and about people in the Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. This includes people with connections to the cultures and ancestries of China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Hawaii and other Asian and Pacific Islands.

How To Write a Summary of Your Novel for Literary Agents and Editors

In this workshop, you will learn how to construct a query synopsis for submission to a literary agent or publishing house editor. You will leave knowing how to create a blueprint of your story with key elements of fiction revealed in a narrative format, the purpose of a novel synopsis, the components of a selling synopsis, the ideal synopsis length, and more.

We Are Open for Zinesters: May Art Walk at the Main Library

Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library is directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, from one of Art Walk's three major hubs of activity. We host student art shows, teen open mic nights and more! Plus, it's the perfect time to take a self-guided tour of murals, maps and public art found throughout your library headquarters.

Jax Stacks Book Recommendations: A book by an author under 30

Welcome to a new month of the 2023 Jax Stacks Reading Challenge! We are going to give you suggestions for each* category in the challenge every month so that you always have a great library book waiting for you when you need it. Plus, you can share what you're reading with other Jax Stacks readers at our monthly Jax Stacks Reading Challenge Book Club. Note: Our May and June meetings take place at the Beaches Branch Library!

Killin' It: An Immersive Murder Mystery for Teen Advisory Board

Killin' It: An Immersie Murder Mystery for Teens

Someone’s been poisoned, and world-class teen sleuths Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys need your help! Join up with other amateur crime solvers across various branches of the Jacksonville Public Library for an immersive detective experience, where you’ll examine evidence from the scene of the crime to figure out whodunnit before they strike again. As with every great mystery, come expecting a few surprises! To participate, join us at Teen Advisory Board May 8-19!