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Weaving the Stories of Women’s LiteratureSaturday, March 7, 2 p.m., Mandarin Branch LibraryYou’re invited to join this special presentation as we recognize and celebrate the many ways that women’s history has become woven into the fabric of our national history. The Readers Theater cast will give life to the words of Sue Miller, Maya Angelou, Julia Alvarez, Judy Yung, Ava DuVernay, Julie Otsuka, Harper Lee, Carmen Agra Deedy and others. The program, directed by Tangela Floyd and Emanuel Washington, and supported by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, is open to the public.
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Women Writing History – Share the experienceSaturday, March 28, 1 p.m., Main Library The Lounge at 303 North Join students from the University of North Florida in a celebration of female artists, and writers in particular. Enjoy presentations and readings by local artists and students who are passionate about sharing passages from their favorite authors. Other presenters will discuss real life experiences—their own and of women throughout history. Audience members will receive a reading list that complements the program, filled with a wide range of female writers in celebration of Women's History Month.
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Women: Raise your voices for Open Mic NightWednesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m., Main Library The Lounge at 303 North This is one event night during Art Walk you won’t want to miss. Join Women Writing for (a) Change, Jacksonville to hear women writers read their work to the public. All women (and girl) writers are welcome and encouraged to bring their essays, poems, stories, memoirs, articles and book chapters. There is a 4-minute time limit. Enjoy a ukulele sing-along as we unite to raise women’s voices in words and song. Male audience members welcome! No cost, but please RSVP.
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Step back in time when you go online...Meet the first computer programmer Do you know the woman considered to be the first computer programmer? Did you know she was born in 1815, long before computers existed? Follow this link to read an article about Ada Byron King. To learn about other computer pioneers visit the library’s Science in Context resource, available to all card holders. Or visit U.S. History in Context, another source of online information at your fingertips. Get help navigating this e-resource at a special web page celebrating Women's History Month.
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Kudos to a woman making a difference in our community Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, honored at Mayor's Trailblazer AwardsMayor Alvin Brown (left) presented Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins with a Distinguished Service award at the Mayor’s Trailblazer Awards on Feb. 24. Simmons-Hutchins, who serves on the Board of Library Trustees, was recognized for her work in education and as the co-creator of the Jacksonville Black History Calendar which has been produced for the community for 26 years. Congratulations to Dr. Simmons-Hutchins, a long-time advocate for the library and outstanding educator!
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Spring into fun (and prizes) with the library’s Spring Break Happenings March 11 – 25From earthworms and extraterrestrials to puppets and pixies, the library has nearly 100 activities to keep kids engaged and learning over spring break. Programs are designed for ages from birth to 18, and for all interests with movies, gaming, story times, arts and crafts, drama, technology and more. Get a Spring Break Happenings Guide, along with reading lists and activity cards, online or at your neighborhood library.
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Treat the kids to an original puppet show over spring break... If Wishes Were FishesImagine finding a bottle in the woods. Upon cleaning the bottle, out pops a fairy ready to grant your wishes. Pretty great—NOT! Especially when your fairy is hard of hearing and messes up every single wish. Children ages 5 – 12 will delight in seeing what happens when wishes go wrong, and enjoy a craft and sing-along. Check dates and locations in the Spring Break Guide.
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Tech Fun for Teens March 9, 10 & 13, 3 p.m., Main Library Teen Department Join your friends for three afternoons during Teen Tech Week and explore the library’s digital resources. In Hour of Code and Device Discovery, you can learn simple command and game coding, plus check out cool tech devices. Don’t miss MaKey MaKey Machines. We’ll build a simple machine with a computer or tablet, networking cards and simple components like clay, food or tin foil. And try out new sports games on the PlayStation 4 during our Friday Fun Gaming Day.
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You can judge a book by its coverThe Newbery Medal is awarded every year for the most distinguished American children’s book published the previous year. The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the artist who created the most distinguished picture book the previous year. The Coretta Scott King Book Award is given to one African-American author and one illustrator for outstanding and inspirational contributions. Check out these 2015 winners— The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (Newbery); The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, illustrated by Dan Santat (Caldecott); Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, (Coretta Scott King author award) and Firebird, illustrated by Christopher Myers (Coretta Scott King illustrator award). See more book award winners.
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Teen Art Contest Winners ReceptionWednesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m., Main Library Zimmerman Overlook What better way to celebrate Art Walk than to applaud the winners of the library's Teen Art Contest! The show was juried by Tony Allegretti of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Lynn Norris of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and Lauren Spencer of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The first place winner will earn a $30 gift certificate to Reddi-Arts and a solo show next month at the library. Come out and support our teen artists, take in the art show and enjoy some refreshments.
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Celebrate Will Eisner – Read a Graphic Novel Week!Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., Main Library, Teen Department Will Eisner Week (March 1 – 7) is an annual celebration in March promoting graphic novel literacy, sequential art, free speech awareness, and the legacy of Will Eisner. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Will Eisner, one of the most innovative figures in the history of comics and graphic novels. University of North Florida Associate Professor of Literacy Dr. Katie Monnin will read a graphic novel and talk about the meaning of Will Eisner Week. In addition, she will bring away graphic novel giveaways to the event.
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Hey kids and teens, you can Help Fight Blight in Jacksonville Name the Fight Blight mascot and you could win an iPad Air The Jacksonville Public Library is partnering with the Jacksonville Children's Commission to help fight blight and clean up our neighborhoods. We need your help in naming our new mascot. Beginning March 4, go online to jaxkids.net/blight to submit your entry. You can also fill out an entry form in person in the Children's Department at any Jacksonville Public Library. The naming contest is for youth ages 5 – 18. See more details online or the entry form at the library. Have fun and do your part to fight blight. You could be a winner!
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Five Music @ Main Concerts this month!Multiple Dates, Main Library JPL is hosting an exciting line-up of musical talent ranging from piano students from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts to players from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and The Daniel Bennett Group, jazz artists on tour from New York City. Enjoy Out to Lunch/Brown Bag Jazz, stroll in for chamber music during Art Walk, or make plans for a Sunday afternoon of Brahms and Beethoven. Read more.
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Author Robert W. Mann presents: Streetcars of Florida’s First Coast Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., Main Library The Lounge at 303 North Award-winning author and historian Robert W. Mann will discuss his latest book, Streetcars of Florida’s First Coast, chronicling the story behind Florida’s bygone streetcar epoch and the dramatic history of city builders, financiers, organized labor, civil rights, fire, fever, nabobs and railway men. This Special Collections Author Series program is open to the public. Books will be available for purchase by cash.
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High energy bills? Need a plan of attack? Discover ways to save money on your utilities. Everything you need is right inside the JEA Do-It-Yourself Home Energy & Water Efficiency Evaluation Backpack Kit. It’s fun, easy to use, and available for checkout to anyone with a Jacksonville Public Library card. Join the one-hour workshop to learn how to use the tools inside the backpack, and do your own home energy and water assessment to save money on your utility bill. Register for the Green Team Project workshop.
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Impress your friends: Learn Conversational FrenchTuesdays, March 10, 17 & 24, 6 p.m., West Regional Library In this three-part French class series, you’ll use Transparent Language Online software to learn all about the French language. You’ll be speaking it, too, before the series ends. This fun adult class welcomes and engages you with popular topics including shopping, travel, food and more. You also have the advantage of learning and interacting with a French speaker/facilitator. The class is first come, first served. Call 693-1448 for more information.
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Trust Lawyers in Libraries for general guidance from child custody issues to tax scheme prevention You can get a lot of information from friends, the Internet and television. But what’s the truth? In these workshops, real attorneys give real advice on important and practical matters—at no charge. This month you can get general legal information about child support, small claims, guardianship, avoiding tax scams, business formation and startup, and working with nonprofits. Choose a workshop and location.
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Thinking about starting a small business? Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 p.m., Main Library Conference Level – G-4 Economic Development Specialist Annette Paulson with the Small Business Administration North Florida District Office will discuss how the SBA can help entrepreneurs, start-ups and newly established businesses. Topics include information about planning and business development; who to contact for assistance (private and government agencies); where to get financing; research support; and how to contact others who can help. Call 630-2665 for information.
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One of the most common financial goals is to become debt free. But how do you begin? Kick off the process in a 90-minute Tackle Debt class with Jacksonville Area Dave Ramsey Financial Coach Mary Hayford. Gain strategies you need to pay off your debt and learn how to move closer to a debt-free lifestyle. Bring a pencil and calculator. Each family will leave with a workbook—their own personal financial playbook—and a practical plan to pay off debt. There’s no cost—so call 557-1637 to sign up.
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Doing your taxes won’t be so taxing when you use volunteer tax prep assistance It’s that dreaded time of year—tax season! But don’t despair. Help is just around the corner at your neighborhood library. AARP Tax-Aide and the United Way of North Florida’s Real$ense will host free tax preparation assistance workshops with IRS-certified volunteers at libraries and other community locations through mid-April. For a schedule of dates and locations visit the library’s tax help site.
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Vito Di Bari talks about “Future Cities”Wednesday, March 11, 5 p.m., Florida Theatre As part of the VyStar International Artist Lecture Series, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville presents Vito Di Bari, thought leader of Neo-Futurism and world-renowned speaker, to talk about the future of technology, innovation and art in our city and our world. There is no charge but RSVP is required.
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Ask the candidates your questions Hear their answers at the Candidates Debate
What community issues are most important to you? If you were hosting a debate for city council candidates, what questions would you ask? Now’s your chance to suggest topics and questions for the 2015 City Council Candidates Debate. On April 20, the Board of Library Trustees and the League of Women Voters of Jacksonville First Coast will host a Candidates Debate at four neighborhood libraries so you can meet the candidates running for city council and hear first-hand where they stand on the issues. The debates will be moderated by Melissa Ross and Karen Feagins of WJCT, Frank Denton, editor of The Florida Times-Union, and others to be announced. Now through March 16, go online to suggest questions or topic areas. Mark your calendar for April 20 and get more details.
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Don’t forget to vote! Your vote counts, so vote for the offices of mayor, sheriff and supervisor of elections, and city council and council-at-large members. Early voting runs March 9 – 22. The first election is March 24 and the general election will be held May 19. Click for early voting and general polling sites, including many library locations.
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2015 Community Education Summit featuring Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, III Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, III, will give keynote remarks at the 2015 Community Education Summit, promoting college opportunities and success for Jacksonville’s children. Dr. Hrabowski has authored numerous articles and co-authored two books, Beating the Odds and Overcoming the Odds (Oxford University Press), focusing on parenting and high-achieving African American males and females in science. Visit coj.net/edsummit to register today! Read more.
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Music of Florida and the St. Johns River Multiple Dates and LocationsIt’s Florida folklore set to music! Learn about some interesting Sunshine State legends, the St. Johns River, colorful characters and backwater places as Al Poindexter, winner of the 2014 St. Johns Riverkeeper Song Contest, performs on his National steel bottleneck guitar and fast picking clawhammer banjo. The concerts are all part of Cultural Fusion’s Year of the River celebration. Click here for an event schedule, and for book, music and movie lists.
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Family Water Spirit Weaving Workshop
Help build a “waterspirit” with environmental artist Sarah Crooks Flaire as she leads a family workshop as part of In the Mouth, the Oyster and I, a playful community project that explores the flora and fauna of the St. Johns River through puppetry, storytelling, song and creative play. See her tapestry of a waterspirit illustrating the ways we are interconnected to water on the third floor of the library. The program is part of Cultural Fusion's Year of the River celebration.
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Argyle Branch Library: 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Saturday, March 28, 3 - 5 p.m., Argyle Branch Library As part of the Better Jacksonville Plan, the Argyle Branch Library opened its doors on March 26, 2005. Since then, the thriving branch has grown to serve a diverse population with a variety of programs and events for every age. The public is invited to come out and help us celebrate this exciting 10-Year Anniversary. We'll have refreshments, door prizes, community groups sharing information, and activities for children.
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Laugh out loud during the Humor Festival Throughout April – Multiple Dates and Locations The libraries of the Jacksonville Public Library’s Southeast Region have joined forces to bring you the second annual Humor Festival. Get ready to celebrate with everything from a Joke Fest to family movies to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Check events and plan ahead.
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Hear Matthew T. Corrigan speak about his book Conservative Hurricane: How Jeb Bush Remade FloridaWednesday, April 22, 5:30 p.m., Main Library The Lounge at 303 NorthDr. Matthew Corrigan, chair and professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Florida, will discuss his latest book with us. The program is open to the public. So mark your calendar for this fascinating inside look into the world of politics and the Bush legacy. The program is part of the Special Collections author series.
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Book Warehouse Overstock Sale & Sunday Fun DayMarch 6 – 8, University Park Branch LibraryStock up three days while books are just $10 a bag. The Book Warehouse Overstock Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library kicks off Friday at 4 p.m. with member night (you can become a member at the door). Shop all day Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. On Sunday, bring the kids to enjoy a bounce house and other carnival games. Proceeds help the library. Check details at fjpl.org.
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Do you love your library? Tell us about it.You could win a $100 Visa gift card. What do you love about Jacksonville Public Library? Is it a helpful librarian who always knows what to recommend? Or the story time and art classes your children love to attend? Now the Love your library! contest gives you an opportunity to share memories about your library and win a $100 Visa gift card. Submit your video or letter highlighting your perspective, experiences, and relationship with your library. Ten runner-up participants will receive prizes and winning libraries will receive money to improve their services. Click for entry details and to see what others have written from all around the world!
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An English professor teaches Shakespeare to maximum security prisoners. Read her riveting real-life story.E-book starting March 17 – April 1 with no holds, no waitlists As part of the Big Library Read program, the Jacksonville Public Library will be featuring Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the Bard, by Laura Bates starting March 17 through April 1. During this time period, Bates’ e-book will be available to every customer who wishes to read it with no holds, no waiting. During the week of March 23, readers can ask the author questions about her book and her life through a Twitter chat. Shakespeare Saved My Life is Bates’ autobiography about working with inmates in solitary confinement, teaching them the works of William Shakespeare. Her fascinating life story will captivate you as she shares the unlikely friendship she formed with Larry Newton, a convicted murder with multiple escape attempts to his name. Beginning March 17, click here to get started.
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Love literary classics? This book club is for you.The Literary Classics Online Book Club hosts online discussions of classic works via Facebook, Twitter, and the club’s blog. Books are selected from the Classics Collection on OneClickdigital (featuring free e-book and e-audio titles with unlimited simultaneous access). Library customers are able to access the title in any format from another source. Recorded Books launched the book club to celebrate classic literature.
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NextReads: Fantasy Unimpressed by reality? No matter what kind of fantasy you like—dark or fairy-tale, comic or romantic—you'll find something of interest here. View the latest issue, then sign up for NextReads to receive monthly e-newsletters with book recommendations based on your interests.
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Willowbranch Branch Updates: Keep up with the latest Have you been following the progress of repairs at the Willowbranch Branch Library? It was temporarily closed Sept. 11 due to water intrusion. Things are progressing with cleaning, painting, sodding and more. Currently, window replacements and paint issues are being addressed. Follow weekly postings on the Willowbranch Branch Library Updates blog. .
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Beaches Branch Library Construction Repairs are still in progress at the Beaches Branch Library, However, the library will be open as usual during this time. Thank you for your patience.
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Board & Committee MeetingsRemember, the public is always invited to attend the library’s monthly board meetings.
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