Jacksonville Public Library Blog 2023 Archive

De-Stress Fest for Teens!

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

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.

Join us for a Life Lit Gardening Program in August

Life Lit workshops

Do you have questions about how much and how often to water your garden? Want to avoid common garden mistakes or learn how to grow a completely organic garden with no harmful pesticides? Learn all the tips and tricks from Master Gardeners and our friends at the UF Extension Office! And if you want to be the first to know about new workshops and locations, sign up for our Life Lit mailing list!

Adult Programs this August: Two Lit Chats, a History Chat and more!

Adult Programs

We are excited to offer not one but two exciting Lit Chat Interviews this August! We've got a bestselling mystery/thriller novelist and a bestselling historical fiction author! There's also a History Chat exploring Jacksonville's music history and culture and a publishing workshop for all of our aspiring authors out there! We also have gardening workshops, book clubs to join and a few Jax Book Fest updates you might want to check out!

Join a Library Book Club this August

Join a Book Club

Did you know? August 9 is National Book Lovers Day! If you're looking for ways to celebrate or a few fellow bibliophiles to celebrate with: Join a Library Book Club and get book recommendations from librarians and book lovers like you! Reading doesn't have to be a solitary activity when there are book lovers all over Jacksonville!

Junior Lit Chat and Book Giveaway with Ruth Lewis

Junior Lit Chat with Ruth Lewis

Jacksonville is covered with all kinds of cool animal statues – jaguars, turtles, manatees and more! It can be really exciting when you spot one "out in the wild." While running to see a big blue statue of a manatee, three-year-old James was so excited that he got stuck in the mud and needed to be rescued by his grandmother. Hear this fun, true story with local author Ruth Lewis on August 4 at Beaches Branch Library. She'll also about family outings, real-life manatees, and more (intended for children ages 5 - 12).

Finding Work-Life Balance as a Small Business Owner

Small Business and Side Hustles Library U newsletter

Did you know July 16 is National Workaholics Day? This month, we take a step back from the traditional business books and resources and take a look at helping ourselves. Conquer self-doubt and learn how to feel more balanced, motivated and passionate about your work and life with free courses taught by other small business owners.

The Jazz Jam Photography Collection at Main Library

The Jazz Jam Photography Collection

A Visual Testimony: The Jazz Jam Photography Collection is making a stop at the Gallery at Main, Jacksonville Public Library's gallery space located on the first floor of the Main Library from August 2 through September 24.  

Lit Chat Interview with Deb Rogers, author of Florida Woman

Lit Chat Interview with Deb Rogers

People around the country know the tales of "Florida Men" and "Florida Women," but only those fortunate enough to live here can truly capture their spirit! Learn how Northeast Florida author Deb Rogers did exactly that with her wild debut novel, Florida Woman.

Books to Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Books to celebrate Disability Pride Month

The Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us! This month, we are highlighting books about people embracing their disabilities and reclaiming visibility in public.

Pages