International Children's Book Day was founded on April 2, 1967 to promote books and reading. It's observed on Hans Christian Anderson's birthday. This year's theme is "Read Your Way" and being able to read for pleasure. Celebrate the joy of reading and the magic of literature with your children by checking out some treasured classics you read as a child. Or, let them introduce you to a new series that they love!
Looking for something to read with the wee ones this St. Patrick's Day? Well, you're in luck! There's a nice pot of children's books at the end of this rainbow! An annual celebration of Irish culture, March 17 is one of the best times to find yourself a leprechaun, pick four-leaf clovers or just wear a lot of green! March is also Irish-American Heritage Month, a time to honor the achievements of notable Irish Americans throughout history and highlight their contributions to American life and culture.
Find yourself without plans this weekend? Or maybe you're looking to treat yourself? This Valentine's Day, fall in love with a great book! We've got a mix of recommendations for you from first loves to late bloomers. We've even got some books about a really cute hedgehog for the kids!
Join us Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m. at Beaches Branch Library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library. After the program, there will be 30 minutes for a book signing with the author. A limited number of copies of Georgia's Terrific, Colorific Experiment will be given away to registered attendees, (first-come, first-served).
Did you know? February is Library Lovers Month - dedicated to all of the book lovers here in Jacksonville (and around the world) who rely on their public library for their books, movies, music, author talks, storytimes, writing workshops, and so much more! That is why, this month, we've put together a few booklists that our biggest fans are sure to love. It's our way of saying, "Thank you!"
Every February, Black History & Futures Month gives us all the opportunity to learn about and uplift Black excellence through history and in the present day. Whether it's honoring the historical achievements of Black leaders, artists, athletes, and astronauts or it's celebrating the movers and shakers and taste makers of today: Jacksonville Public Library has an AMAZING collection of books written by and for African American people as well as a great lineup of public programs to help you and your family learn from those stories.
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.
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.
What's your to-be-read pile looking like in 2025? Are you placing holds on the Library's Forthcoming Books so you're first in line for the next chapter in your favorite series? Or do you still have a ton of books on your list from 2024 that you've been meaning to pick up? January is a great time to take stock of your TBR and set reading goals for the year. That's why this year, we're celebrating "Book Blitz Month" along with you!
Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service (MLK Day) is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off." By participating in service projects, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and create lasting change that will benefit our community for years to come. The service project might meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it might do the hard work of starting to build a sense of community or mutual responsibility.
