Writer's Lab

Did you know? April 6 - 12 is National Library Week. This annual celebration highlights the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives. Of course, our cardholders are at the center of any celebration. You are the reason we do what we do! On occasions like this, we like to talk a little bit more about those programs and services that we offer and encourage everyone in our communities to read, learn and grow. Chart your next literary adventure by browsing the stacks or joining a book club. Let an author color your imagination at an author talk, outline your big business idea at an entrepreneur workshop, or trace your history with your library’s genealogy resources.

Get help writing, publishing and marketing your own book with FREE Writer's Lab workshops! We've also got a ton of free resources like Pressbooks and Indie Author Project that will help you find new readers and make self-publishing easier. Speaking of which... Indie Author Project's Annual Contest is accepting entries starting April 1 through May 31, 2025. Get the recognition you deserve for writing great books! There's also a prize of $2500 for first place!

Are you an aspiring author? Do you have fantasy worlds, epic love poems or even a memoir that you've been meaning to put down on paper? What's stopping you ? Everyone has a story and on March 14, National Write Your Story Day challenges you to tell your story in written form. Jacksonville Public Library loves local authors - so much so that we have free, monthly writing workshops and lots of great books and online resources to help you get your book ready for submission or self-publishing.

From a Screening Room watching and discussing Great Unsung Women of Computing to a Lit Chat Interview with Jamie Ford, author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, there are a lot of reasons to be excited about the adult program lineup at the Library this March! This Spring Break also marks the return of Jax Pop Con, an all-ages pop culture and fandom event at the Main Library. This year, you'll get a chance to meet fantasy author and guest of honor, Django Wexler.

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.

Jacksonville Public Library starts the year-long celebration of San Marco Branch Library's 75th Anniversary this January with a Forward Thinking discussion panel, kick-off party, and a Call for Memories. Plus, Great Decisions returns this January to discuss critical issues facing America. Each program begins with a 30-minute film on a discussion topic and is followed by a group discussion, facilitated by a local subject matter expert.

The writer/editor relationship can be a bountifully productive, creative collaboration. It can also leave both parties frustrated with each other and the resulting manuscript. Join us as we expel some myths about the author/editor relationship and expand your publishing knowhow with author/editor Jessica Hatch at our next Writer's Lab workshop! Or, meet local civil rights activist and author, Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. and hear about his latest book, Black and Brilliant.

The writer/editor relationship can be a bountifully productive, creative collaboration. It can also leave both parties frustrated with each other and the resulting manuscript. Whether you're an aspiring author reaching out to literary agents, who will likely request a revision pass before sending your manuscript out on submission; an indie writer wondering how best to use your time and money to hire a freelance editor; or a writer doing their best with a round of self-revision, there's something in this hour-long, virtual workshop for you.

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. 

Get help writing, publishing and marketing your own book with FREE Writer's Lab workshops!