#Free Adult Programs in December
The writer/editor relationship can be a bountifully productive, creative collaboration. It can also leave both parties frustrated with each other and the resulting manuscript. Join us as we expel some myths about the author/editor relationship and expand your publishing knowhow with author/editor Jessica Hatch at our next Writer's Lab workshop! Or, meet local civil rights activist and author, Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. and hear about his latest book, Black and Brilliant.
Be the first to know about Lit Chat author events, writing workshops, and more!
#Author Talks & Book Signings
Lit Chat Interview with Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.
As the sixteen-year-old President of the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP, he was one of the leaders of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations that culminated in the infamous and violent Ax Handle Saturday. Hurst's first book, the award-winning It Was Never About a Hot Dog and a Coke®!, tells that story. Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. will be in conversation with interviewer TiLena Robinson. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow, with books available for sale on-site from Café Resistance Bookstore & Coffee Shop.
Saturday, December 7, at 2:30 p.m. | Dallas Graham Branch Library
Register for the FREE author talk!
Rodney Lawrence Hurst Sr., is a civil rights activist, a Black historian, a veteran of the United States Air Force and the award-winning author of four books. Rodney has won countless awards for his books and his civil rights work. In addition to his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, Hurst served two four-year terms on the Jacksonville City Council. Read more on his website.
#Writing & Publishing Workshops
"My Editor's Out to Get Me!" and Other Myths About the Revision Process
Whether you're an aspiring author reaching out to literary agents, who will likely request a revision pass before sending your manuscript out on submission; an indie writer wondering how best to use your time and money to hire a freelance editor; or a writer doing their best with a round of self-revision, there's something in this hour-long, virtual workshop for you.
Monday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m. | Live on Zoom
Jessica Hatch is a novelist and editor based in Florida. Her first two romantic comedies were published by Hachette Book Group's Bookouture imprint in 2022 and 2023. Before she became a published novelist, Jessica interned and worked for New York publishing institutions Writers House and St. Martin's Press; for over a decade, she has served as freelance editor for award-winning, bestselling authors on the six habitable continents.
Authors Roundtable: Connect the Craft of Writing to Community
Participants will learn how to host writing workshops or readings to connect with and inspire their community. Learn how to partner with local organizations or schools to create community-driven writing initiatives. Presented by Authors Roundtable of Northeast Florida - a 501c3 that supports authors reaching their highest potential. All genres are welcome.
Saturday, January 4, at 10:15 a.m. | Main Library (Conference Level)
#Other Programs
Join a Library Book Club in December
In addition to our regular book clubs, we have two special events* at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Riverside! Join us for a spirited discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, on Friday, December 6, from 1-3 p.m. Teens (ages 12-18) are invited to discuss Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults on Saturday, December 7, from 12-1:30 p.m. We'll take a tour of the Spirit in the Land exhibit before talking about the book.
*Note: There is no charge to enter the Museum if you are registered for one of the Braiding Sweetgrass book clubs.
Life Lab: Improve Your Day-to-Day Life
Grow your own garden or small business and take control of your health, career, and personal finances! Life Lit is now Life LAB - a series of free workshops offered by trained professionals and volunteers, aimed at improving your life. They cover a wide range of topics from gardening to financial literacy to small business needs. No need to bring anything but yourself to participate!
Gardening Workshops:
Offered by the Duval County University of Florida Extension Office. Their mission: To continually enhance the quality of life for a unified Jacksonville through strengthening decision making, knowledge application, economic security, environmental care and leadership skills for all citizens.
- Container Gardening - Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 6 p.m. | Maxville Branch
- Container Gardening - Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 6:30 p.m. | University Park
- Camellias: Belles of the South - Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 6 p.m. | Murray Hill Branch
Business/Career Workshops:
Offered by EY (Ernest & Young). Their mission: Bridging the digital divide is an EY commitment to build a better working world by supporting all people with the opportunity to fully participate in modern education, the economy and society.
- Workforce Readiness & Personal Branding - Tues., Nov. 26 | 6:30 p.m. | University Park
- Entrepreneurship - Monday, Dec. 9 | 6:30 p.m. | University Park
#Be the Light, Give Blood
'Tis the Season for Giving!
With the blood supply running critically low, your community needs you now more than ever. LifeSouth will be visiting several Jacksonville Public Library locations this December to make donating even easier. When you donate, you change lives.
LifeSouth is a nonprofit that provides blood for 80% of the local hospital beds, including every Lv.1 and Lv.2 trauma center! Donors will be saving lives at UF Health, Baptist, and HCA FL by donating with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.
The LifeSouth BloodMobile will be visiting the following locations:
- Friday, December 6 – Beaches Branch Library, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7 – Pablo Creek Regional Library, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, December 13 – South Mandarin Branch Library, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14 – Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday, December 20 – University Park Branch Library, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, December 21 – Main Library, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Friday – December 27 – Pablo Creek Regional Library, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, December 28 – Beaches Branch Library, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Whole blood donation is the standard donation of a pint of blood; in contrast to platelet or red cell donation. For platelets, you can donate again the next week. You are asked to wait eight weeks after donating whole blood.
