Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

Americans and the Holocaust: Traveling Exhibit (Now at Your Library)

Americans and the Holocaust September 6 - October 12

Jacksonville Public Library is one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. The exhibition will be at the Main Library from September 6 – October 12, 2023, in the fourth-floor atrium, next to the Library's Holocaust Collection, the Memory Lab and Special Collections Department.

Books You'll Love But Might Have Overlooked

Okay, so technically, National Book Lovers Day is an "unofficial" holiday... but it is officially one of the Library's favorites! Celebrated on August 9 every year, it's the perfect opportunity for librarians, book clubs, and your everyday bibliophile to talk about their favorite books with other, equally-excited book lovers.

Automatic Renewals at Jacksonville Public Library

Indoor shot of tired student sleeping on book in reding room, being exhausted of studying, falling asleep while reading tutorial material for classes.

Starting August 1, most physical materials checked out to your account will be renewed automatically at Jacksonville Public Library. This convenient service means one less thing for you to do - no need to renew your materials on your account.

Books to Get You Excited About Going Back To School

Books to Get You Excited for Back to School

Summer is almost over... and while that means an end to summer reading, there are several, genuine reasons for everyone to get excited about going back to school! So, make sure you have your library card (the most important back-to-school supply) and check out these book recommendations and all of the awesome events at a library near you!

We Are Open for Photographers: August 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. This month, we have two local art shows, a Drop-In Summer Closing Party for teens, 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 Self-Improvement, How-To or DIY Book

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 August meeting takes place at the Southeast Regional Library!

Lit Chat with Historical Fiction Author Tracey Enerson Wood

What could happen if a wife secretly took over her husband’s presidency? Join us for Day #1 of the official, multi-state book tour for Tracey Enerson Wood’s newest book, The President’s Wife. Tracey will join us on the day of the book’s publication to talk about her writing process and her other well-loved books!

Lit Chat Interview with Crime Thriller Novelist Hank Phillippi Ryan

Lit Chat Interview with Hank Phillippi Ryan

Hank Phillippi Ryan has never liked surprises. She hated them so much in, fact, that long ago, she started reading the last page of books first. But even a lifetime of avoiding surprises hasn't kept her from being surprised (and often delighted) by the endings to her own books! This bestselling author knows how to craft thrilling tales that will leave you guessing until the very end... Hear her talk with one of Jacksonville's own mystery and detective novelists, Michael Wiley, about what it takes to write crime and thrillers. And join the discussion! An audience Q&A will follow the interview.

De-Stress Fest for Teens!

Feeling frazzled with back-to-school prep? Need a calm reset to face the upcoming year? Bring a friend, take a break and DECOMPRESS at Jacksonville Public Library! You’ll enjoy snacks, explore new ways to unwind, connect with other teens and pick up some fun giveaways from local organizations!

History Chat: Guitar Greats of Jacksonville

In the 1960s, the electric guitar became one of the most important instruments in popular music. Guitar gods came forth from LA, London, Chicago and Nashville. But there was another, bold southern city that arose as an unlikely incubator of talent. Learn more about the Guitar Greats of Jacksonville at Willow Branch Library on August 1 with author, musician and media scholar Michael Ray FitzGerald.