Jacksonville Public Library is commemorating the 75th anniversary of San Marco Branch Library with a series of public programs focused on the past, present and future of the neighborhood. This year-long celebration of the San Marco community, its residents and their library officially kicks off this January!
Discussing the Past, Present and Future of San Marco
We'll start things off with a "Forward Thinking" panel discussion on Saturday, January 11, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. next door in the Balis Community Center. A panel of community members involved in the San Marco neighborhood will discuss the history of the San Marco Library and the neighborhood, how the area has developed into what it is today, and where it’s going in the future.
This will be a 40-minute conversation between moderator Kelsi Hasden and three panelists, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. You may know Hasden as a copywriter/editor for ModernCities.com, TheJaxsonMag.org, and WJCT. She'll be joined by Dorothy K. Fletcher, a local author who writes about Jacksonville history; Robin Robinson, chair of the San Marco Preservation Society committee for Historic Resources; and Tracy Thompson of the San Marco Merchants Association.
Then, join us after the program for an Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration from 12-1 p.m. with cake and cupcakes sponsored by the Library Foundation of Jacksonville, mini Crumbl cookies from the San Marco location, special guests and more!
#A Brief History of San Marco Branch Library
75 Years of Service to the San Marco Community
San Marco Branch Library originally opened its doors to residents as the Southside Branch Library on January 3, 1950, following the annexation of South Jacksonville in the 1930s. Since then, the branch library has changed its name to reflect its important position in the San Marco neighborhood and to help new citizens find their way to their local library.
A $1.8 million library renovation project, funded by the Better Jacksonville Plan, began in 2000. At that time, the former 7450-square-foot library expanded in size to 11,400 square feet. The renovation also included the addition of the new Balis Community Center, bringing the size of the new building to 19,000 square feet.
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#San Marco Memories & Photo Project
Call for Memories
Do you remember visiting the library as a child? Or did you find your family's connection to the Library through your children's love of books? Have you found friends and fellow book fans through a library book club? Or do you still remember that one librarian that recommended the perfect book for you or your little one? We want to read your stories!
The next time you stop by the Library, pick up a card from the Call for Memories display and write your fondest memory, favorite book or a funny story!
Neighborhood Photo Project
Help us tell San Marco's story through the Neighborhood Photo Project. We’re looking for your photos of historic buildings, churches, parks, landmarks, parades, ceremonies, and other places, people, and events important to Jacksonville's rich history.
Donate in person at the San Marco Branch Library or email digital copies to SpecColl@coj.net.
Photographs should:
- Be your personal property, without depiction of any protected material
- Be sensitive to the privacy concerns of others
- Not promote products or services
Explore the San Marco Collection!
Note: All donations are handled in accordance with the Library’s Donation Policy.
Don't miss the San Marco Memories Exhibit in the glass case display at the San Marco Branch Library. If you'd like to contribute photos, newspaper clippings, old brochures and other items relevant to library or local history: Please bring them by!
The display will be up all year and we definitely want it to keep growing!
Preserve Your Family Memories at the Memory Lab
Do you have old photographs in storage or home movies on VHS, 8mm, 16mm, or Super8 film that you haven't seen in years? Transfer them to a digital format that you can store and share online! Before you know it, they'll be ready for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or wherever you connect with family and friends. Once digitized, you can also donate your photos to the Neighborhood Photo Project or the San Marco Memories display. To contribute, speak with Special Collections staff at the Main Library or email digital copies to SpecColl@coj.net.
Unlike other, often very expensive out-of-state digitization services, you don't have to worry about sending anything through the mail. The equipment you need is on the fourth floor of the Main Library. It's free for public use and open six days a week! All you need is a Jacksonville Public Library card.
Walk in or book your DIY digitization station in advance.
Please note: If you're visiting on Saturday or just want to make sure a particular station or piece of equipment is available for you to use when you arrive, please call (904) 255-BOOK or book online.
About Our Speakers
Moderator Kelsi Hasden has worn many hats in her career; whether she’s taught composition courses at local colleges or worked as a technical writer or content designer, her primary focus has always been user experience. Currently, Kelsi is researching older African American neighborhoods and crafting their historic narratives to help advocate for inclusive revitalization. She’s written and edited articles for MetroJacksonville.com and its current version, the Jaxson. She loves reading, petting cats, and, as a true geriatric millennial, embroidery.
Panelist Robin Robinson graduated from Colorado State University. She has resided in Jacksonville since 1984. She always had a keen interest in history and once she moved to San Marco, her interest in the stories and local culture of the area deepened. She served on the board of San Marco Preservation Society as President and currently serves as the Chairman of Historic Resources. Robinson also served on the board of the Jacksonville Historical Society for six years, serving as President for two of those years. In 2021 she spearheaded the multi-day celebration of the Centennial of the Acosta Bridge, its importance lying in the fact it was the first bridge in Jacksonville to span the St. John’s River. She is currently looking forward to celebrating the Centennial of San Marco next year followed by celebrating the 50th Anniversary of San Marco Preservation Society the following year.
Panelist Dorothy K. Fletcher is a retired high school English teacher in Jacksonville, Florida. She has written articles for Small Press Review and Christian Science Monitor and has had the honor of reading her poetry at an event at the Library of Congress. Not long after she retired, she wrote a monthly column for the Florida Times-Union called “By the Wayside,” and that became the basis for the six history books she has written about her beloved city, Jacksonville. Remembering Jacksonville, Growing Up Jacksonville, Lost Restaurants of Jacksonville, and more all published by The History Press. Dorothy and her husband Hardy reside in the San Jose area of Jacksonville, near their children and grandchildren, and whenever they can, they go traveling.
Panelist Tracy Thompson is the 2025 President of the San Marco Merchants Association. He has served on the SMMA Board in the role of Secretary for the past eight years. He has been in the Jacksonville area for over 2 decades. Tracy and wife Jane have five children and three grandchildren, have called San Marco home for the past ten years and are passionate about fostering connections and supporting local businesses. Tracy earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky and led a successful career as a Sales and Marketing Executive in the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry. He currently serves the San Marco area as a highly successful real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. Tracy is excited to use his professional experience while working alongside the entire SMMA Board to achieve its mission to celebrate and uplift the vibrant San Marco neighborhood by promoting and supporting the business community while fostering a sense of unity among SMMA members.
