Jacksonville Public Library Blog

2025 Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards: Gold Key Exhibition

There are talented, creative teens all over Northeast Florida. The visual arts can give them the skills and the tools they need to express that creativity and, with the right opportunities, let it propel them to college and careers. That's why every year, the Main Library plays host to some of the most amazing and talented student artists that the region has to offer. Celebrate their artistry and achievement with us this February and March!

Preschool Palooza with Elephant and Piggie at Highlands Library

Meet Elephant & Piggie, explore community resources for preschoolers, participate in themed activity stations, and enjoy a performance starring singer/songwriter and children's edu-tainer, Shana Banana at the first "Preschool Palooza" at the Highlands Regional Library (1826 Dunn Avenue) on Saturday, February 15, from 2 - 4 p.m!

125 Years of Lift Every Voice and Sing + More Adult Programs

The Friends of Brentwood Library, Inc. and its founder and matriarch, Sharon Coon, invite you to celebrate the 125th anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at free, public events February 12-16, 2025, at the Conference Center at Main Library and in other venues throughout Jacksonville. Plus, Great Decisions continues this February to discuss critical issues facing America.

Read Your World Day: Celebrating Diversity in Children's Literature

Read Your World Day, formerly known as Multicultural Children's Book Day, is celebrated every year on the last Thursday in January. While there are some events, both online and offline, you can also celebrate by simply reading multicultural books with your kids on the day or throughout the month.

Life Lab: Gardening, Genealogy and Business Workshops in February!

Learn how to grow your own garden or small business and take control of your health, career, and personal finances with free workshops at the Library! Life Lab programs are offered by trained professionals and aimed at improving your day-to-day life.

Year of the Snake: Celebrating the Lunar New Year with Books

Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake! Lunar New Year is the celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year - based on the lunar calendar and a solar year. Those born in the "Year of the Snake" (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025) are said to do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal! They are often associated with intelligence, resilience and love.

Join a Library Book Club during Library Lover's Month in 2025

February is Library Lover's Month - a time to celebrate libraries and the people who use them. So stop in and check out a book (or twelve). If you're a book lover, you might also consider joining one (or more) of our Library Book Clubs. It's a great way to meet people and get more book recommendations. If you're busy or just looking for more accessible options, we've got plenty of digital apps and resources like Libby, hoopla Digital and Kanopy that you can use from home.

Never Forget, Never Again: Honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day

Books to Honor Holocaust Remembrance Day

The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Around the country and the world, Holocaust victims are mourned and remembered by the reading of their names, by the lighting of candles, and by learning about the Holocaust.

Stock Up & Save at the Friends of Mandarin Library Winter Book Sale

January 31 - February 1: Shop and save on books, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles with the Friends of Mandarin Library's next Book Sale. There's a wide selection of items for every age - children, teens, and adults. The sale is located at 3330 Kori Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Both days of the sale are open to all, but membership is encouraged and appreciated. Proceeds from sales and memberships are used to enhance programs and services at the Mandarin Library.

Lit Chat Interview with Rebecca Brenner Graham - Live on Zoom

Meet the authors that everyone's talking about - from New York Times bestsellers to up-and-coming local writers. This month, meet the author of the new book, Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany. This Lit Chat Interview is a 60-minute (virtual) program consisting of a 40-minute conversation between author Dr. Rebecca Brenner Graham and Professor Jennie Ziegler, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A.