If you haven't seen this art exhibit that features the works of 14 black female artists, there's still time. The exhibit will run through April 23 and artists will lead interactive programs throughout the month. Help us close the exhibit April 23 with your attendance. We'll have workshops, demos, a dance performance, and closing acknowledgments to thank artists and sponsors, and to announce our upcoming exhibit in the Jax Makerspace gallery. Get schedule of Kesha Collab Closing Exhibit. And more about Kesha events on our website and on Facebook.

 

 

Every year at this time a special effort is made to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives through organ and tissue donation, and to encourage more people to follow their fine examples. You're invited to learn about the importance of organ, tissue and eye donation during the City's annual Donate Life event (light lunch available while supplies last). And join us at the library to hear stories of local people whose lives were changed by donation. Check locations, dates and times.

Hear the fascinating history of your library presented by Margaret Smith, retired librarian and library advocate. Ms. Smith's career spans 38 years with the Jacksonville Public Library, and includes being the only librarian to have worked at all three downtown libraries, including the Jacksonville Free Public Library on East Adams Street, the Haydon Burns Library on Ocean Street, and the Main Library on Laura Street. Look for more upcoming library programs.

 

Jacksonville Public Library offers a new way for indie authors to publish their e-books and be included in the library's e-book collection to gain more exposure to readers. This is a good opportunity to get your book in the local collection with other regional authors. It also might be chosen for the national collection and reach a broader audience across the country. It's a win-win for indie authors and for libraries because it adds to JPL's collection of indie books, and gives indie book lovers a lot more to choose from. Find out more about SELF-e for free self-publishing and learn how to gain access to indie books through BiblioBoard. For questions, please schedule an appointment with an e-specialist online. 

 

Check here to see what you need to bring and where to go to get free tax prep assistance at a library. Taxes must be postmarked by April 18 this year! 

 

 

In a fractious world, how do we move forward with U.S. national nuclear security policy? Join this engaging conversation as you learn about policy and the most pressing global issues and regions around the world. Read more.
 

 

Join us for an afternoon of chamber music featuring Susan Hicks Brashier on oboe (left), Malia Guttierrez Springfield on piano (center), and Shannon Lowe, Ph.D., on bassoon. Concert is free and open to the public. Read more about each of these accomplished musicians and how to enjoy free, covered parking for Sunday concerts.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy works spanning from the Renaissance to the modern era brought to you by the Fair Winds Woodwind Quintet. Bring your lunch to the Lounge, just inside the Main Library entrance on Laura Street. Relax to the music while dining solo or with friends. Read more.

 

 

Learn how to better manage your personal finances. Jacksonville Public Library, RealSense, and VyStar Credit Union have partnered to bring events to teens, young adults and older adults in the community. Programs include: Money Smart for Young Adults, Money Smart for Adults, Money Smart for Small Business, On My Own: VyStar Reality Fair for Teens (register free 630-0673), Money Smart Art, and Money Smarts for Kids. Read more.

 

 

Join us for a panel discussion about the life and labor of A. Philip Randolph moderated by Anthony "Tony" Hill, Outreach Coordinator for Congressman Al Lawson, Florida – 5th District. Enjoy a variety of speakers, and a special exhibit on the Fourth Floor Atrium. A Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin founded A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) in 1965 to continue the struggle for social, political, and economic justice for all working Americans. APRI is an organization of Black Trade Unionists to Fight for Racial Equality and Economic Justice. Read more.

 

Does your art have that "wow" factor? You could win a Reddi Arts gift certificate and solo show in the Teen Gallery. Get more details. 

 

Submit an original short story and volunteer 10 hours at any library location for a chance to win a $100 prize. Write your short story using the assigned theme and your imagination. Submissions and completed volunteer applications are due between June 1 and July 1. First ($100) and second ($50) prizes for grades 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 categories.
Get more details and entry form.

 

#Adulting 
Five-Week Series, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Main Library, Teen Department
 

In this workshop series, young adults ages 15 – 24 can learn key skills to become a successful adult. and prepare for the Young Adult Job Fair on June 6. April classes include Budgeting 101, Advanced Budgeting and Scholarships, and Resume Writing. May workshops cover Interviewing Skills and Dressing for Success. Find out more about these and other job readiness workshops at multiple library locations.

 

Mystery/suspense writers Max Allan Collins and Ellen Hart were chosen as winners of the 2017 Grand Masters by Mystery Writers of America (MWA). Collins has hundreds of books to his credit including the True Detective series and Road to Perdition graphic novel, the basis for the Academy Award-winning film starring Tom Hanks. Hart is the author of 32 crime novels. The library has dozens of novels by Max Allan Collins and Ellen Hart so place a hold on a thrilling whodunit now. And stay tuned to May e-news to see the 2017 Edgar Allan Poe Award winners, which will be announced April 27 in New York City. Learn more about The Edgar Awards.

Give a Hi $5 for Summer Reading
 

Summer Reading may look like fun but it's chock full of literacy skills that children need to keep up over the summer. If kids don't use it, they lose it—up to two months of academic learning—over summer break. Summer Reading library programs are so important! Every $5 you donate helps keep Jacksonville children having fun, wanting to learn, and loving to read over the summer. Donate when you visit the library, or online through the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. Your donation is tax deductible. Learn more or donate at giveahi5.com.