#Adult Programs in November
Whether you're looking for tips on writing your next book, learning how to run a tabletop roleplaying game, building a small business website, or just looking for more book recommendations, the Library has a wide variety of programs for adults in locations across the city.
In November, the Main Library will also play host to JaxbyJax year XI, a literary arts festival for writers, by writers. Plus, the African American History Community Programs series continues with a special History Chat with guest speaker Jerry Urso.
Be the first to know about Lit Chat author events, writing workshops, and more!
#Author Talks & Book Signings
Lit Chat Interview with Sheila Athens
Sheila Athens writes smart contemporary fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine state. Her stories are about women seeking to find the peace we all deserve. Readers are drawn to her work because they believe that everyday heroes can make a difference in our world. She will be in conversation with interviewer Jessica Hatch on Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m. at the Beaches Branch Library. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow, with books available for sale on-site from The BookMark.
Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m. | Beaches Library
Register for the FREE author talk!
JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival
A grassroots festival showcasing and bringing together local writers, JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival asks the city of Jacksonville to listen to its own literary voice. Founded in 2014 by prolific local author Tim Gilmore and his wife, Florida State College at Jacksonville professor Jo Carlisle, the event includes local author readings, workshops, coaching and a student showcase. JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival has hosted many writers over the years, in venues large and small all over Jacksonville.
For its 11th year, JaxbyJax will make its return to the downtown Main Library on Friday, November 8, from 4-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
#African American History Community Programs
History Chat: The Case for Grand Master David D. Powell with Jerry Urso
David Daniel Powell expertly steered the local Black community through numerous crises, including two pandemics, two World Wars, and the Great Depression, while leading the Grand Lodge and informally governing LaVilla for nearly 50 years. Discover the enduring impact of this prominent yet overlooked local Black leader with our next History Chat guest speaker Jerry Urso, Grand Historian for The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, live at the Main Library (Ansbacher Map Room) on Saturday, November 16, from 2-3 p.m. An audience Q&A will follow the presentation.
This program was made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.
#Writing & Publishing Workshops
Authors Roundtable: Authorship and the Holidays with Regina Edwards
Learn how to engage readers with holiday-themed stories, promotions, and events to increase visibility. Boost book sales during the holiday season by promoting them as gifts through targeted campaigns and festive packaging. Presented by Authors Roundtable of Northeast Florida - a 501c3 that supports authors reaching their highest potential. All genres are welcome.
Saturday, November 2, at 10:15 a.m. | Main Library (Conference Level)
Writer's Lab: Crafting Your Short Adventure with Drew Kline
In this workshop, professional game master Drew Kline of Rough Magic Games will show participants how to create dynamic, vibrant, and rich one-shot adventures for the Dungeons & Dragons game system. If you participated in October's monster-making Writer's Lab with Max Romans, feel free to bring that monster. He'll show you how to implement it into your story.
Saturday, November 16, at 2 - 4:30 p.m. | University Park Branch Library
Note: Attendance at last month's workshop is not required. Participants will learn how to write a short adventure with an engaging hook, memorable non-player characters (NPCs), balanced combat encounters, and more! Andrew Kline is a 27 year veteran of TTRPG and has been GMing a long running campaign for the last 12 years. Having played D&D, Star Wars, Star Trek, Cyberpunk, Shadowrun, Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse and more, and having been an educator for 13 years, Andrew can't wait to help you write your next adventure. No matter the genre!
#Other Programs
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.
- Habits of Successful Gardeners with UF/IFAS - Tuesday, Nov. 5 | 6 p.m. | Maxville Branch
- Hydroponics with UF/IFAS - Monday, Nov. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | University Park
- Wintering Wildlife with UF/IFAS - Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 6:30 p.m. | Willow 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
Library Book Clubs
Did you know? This month is "Nonfiction November." If you normally stick to fiction, this could be a good time to branch out. If it's your favorite genre, what better way to celebrate than to pick up a few books read by Library Book Clubs this month? Some of these groups read and discuss nonfiction every month! Whether you're partial to History, True Crime, Biography or Memoirs... you have a few options!
