Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

Join a Library Book Club in June

Whether it's a sizzling summer romance for that much-deserved day at the beach, a cozy mystery for that long flight or night in... or the perfect nonfiction audiobook for that cross-country road trip - you can count on the Library to have all of the hottest titles! And with all the money you save from those FREE books, that just means more money towards your next vacation (or stay-cation)!

Book your next visit to the Library. Find your next read and chat with your fellow readers this summer at a Library Book Club near you!

Adult Programs this June: Lit Chats, Writer's Labs and More!

Summer is almost here and so are a ton of great programs! There are three - count them THREE - awesome Lit Chats in June, a Writer’s Lab doubleheader, and our newest Book Club at Pablo Creek! If you're not sure what to read this summer, we've got some great book recommendations for you on our blog.

In June, we'll announce the dates for Jax Book Fest 2023 and the three authors who'll be headlining that event! Join us at Lit Chats and Writer's Labs this summer and be sure to follow our social media (and read your emails) for the BIG reveal.

Summer Reading Recommendations for Kids, Teens and Adults

Make the Library - and reading - part of your summer from June 1 through August 12! Our theme this year, All Together Now, invites you to read, play and explore together with fun shows, programs, hands-on activities and, of course, all kinds of books!

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.

Shop the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Book Sale

Join the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library for a book sale! The Friends will be selling gently used materials on May 23-27. Find some great books and great deals too!

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.