#We Are Open for Art Walk
Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent with us on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library stays open until 9 p.m. for the festivities! We are conveniently located directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, one of Art Walk's two major hubs of activity. This month, check out local art in the gallery, join the zinesters meeting and collaborating in the Zine Zone, or sign up for an art tour.
Don't forget to pick up a Map & Guide to the Main Library on your way in! You'll find public art, a huge vintage map collection and more!
#History Chat: Women in Service
Learn about the history of women in service with presenter Deloris Quaranta, USAF (Retired) on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Deloris Quaranta served in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1998. She has served her Nation and the State of Florida honorably. She is a sought after expert on the status of women veterans.
She has traveled to the state capital as well as Washington DC to advocate on behalf of women veterans. Starting out, there was very little emphasis on women veterans. Her ability to deliver with passion and commitment has reached the ears of elected officials, even from other states.
Exhibit Honoring America's Servicewomen of Color
Jacksonville Public Library is proud to host The Color of Freedom, presented by the Military Women’s Memorial and AARP, from September 7 to October 23, 2024, on the fourth floor of the Main Library. This powerful exhibit honors the diversity and contributions of America’s servicewomen.
The Color of Freedom exhibit is a tribute to the resilience, courage, and dedication of servicewomen of color. It features the stories of remarkable women who have served in various capacities across different branches of the military. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and triumphs these women have faced.
#We Are Open for Art Tours
Docent-Led Art Tours Start at 6 PM
Augusta Savage, Al Held, Kathryn Freeman, Lee Adams, Jerry Uelsmann. Do you know that works by these artists and many more are on permanent display at the Main Library? Come take a 20-minute docent-led tour during Art Walk and (re)discover these remarkable paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Tours start every half hour starting at 6 p.m. Meet the docent by the Art Tours sign in the Pacjic Promenade (the entry/hallway on the first floor).
Registration is strongly recommended. The last tour starts at 8 p.m.
Note: In addition to the permanent works, we also have exhibits that rotate regularly in our galleries on the first, second, and third floors, featuring works by local students and professional artists.
#Drop-In Activities
An Extra Special Zinester & Comix Makers Meetup
Do you read zines? Make your own comics? Want to take a truly DIY approach to self-publishing? Drop by the Main Library every first Wednesday of the month (during Art Walk) from 6 - 8:30 p.m. where local zinesters meet to network, learn skills, do group projects, and make art! They meet in the "Zine Zone" across from the first-floor gallery.
This month, we're celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Zine Collection! Get a FREE copy of a new zine created by library staff about the history of this incredible collection. You will also be able to create a page for a new collaborative zine that will be compiled, organized and printed by library staff, and given out (also for FREE) at the November Art Walk!
If you haven't already, this is also a good time to browse the Zine Collection (they are available for checkout!). If you have a zine or self-published comic to donate to the Library, bring it with you! For more info, visit jaxlibrary.org/zines.
Smash Bros. Tournament for Teens
Stop by the Teen Room (on the first floor) for a Super Smash Bros. Tournament for teens (ages 12-18) on the big screen TV! Tournament starts at 5 p.m. and runs until someone claims victory (or 8:30 p.m.).
Play Board Games with Adults
Looking for other adults to play board games with? Join us from 6-8 p.m. in the "engagement" space on the first floor. Just look for the big red carpet between the Gallery and the Zine Zone. Note: Participation from beginning to end is not required and players can join/leave at any time.
#Art Exhibits
Pack Your Bags - Main Gallery (1st Floor)
Are you inspired by travel? Good food? Do you have a favorite vacation spot or retreat that's maybe off the beaten path? Well, pack your bags now because we've got a new art exhibit perfect for the globe trotters and armchair travelers alike...Check out the amazing work of 27 local artists from the Art Center Cooperative and Jacksonville Artists Guild on display in the main gallery on the first floor.
The exhibition runs through October 28. Check the passports hanging beside each piece for information about the art and artist.
Relentless Courage: Ukraine and the World at War
From the frontlines of the war in Ukraine, this compelling collection of images from world-class photographers captures the humanity, perseverance, and determination of Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence against all odds. The exhibition includes the work of five award-winning women photojournalists who are also featured in the photographic essay book of the same name. Published by Blue Star Press, sales of the book help support the work of combat photojournalists in Ukraine.
Natural Nywele: Photography by Aaron Mervin
The Main Library is hosting a stunning exhibit featuring a collection of photographs by the talented photographer, Aaron Mervin. Called "Natural Nywele" (nywele is Swahili for hair), the collection consists of large-format fashion photographs showcasing natural African American hairstyles.
This must-see exhibit is perfect for fans of Matthew Cherry’s Hair Love (which was illustrated by Jax Book Fest featured author/illustrator, Vashti Harrison). Make your way to the Betty Francis Gallery on the third floor during October Art Walk for a reception with the artist from 6-8 p.m. or visit the Library during normal business hours anytime between September 6 - October 25 to view the collection.
