Brooke Stephens: Author Talk & Book SigningSaturday, Feb. 14, 3 p.m., Main Library, The Lounge @ 303 North Author Brooke Stephens will discuss her latest work, Men We Cherish, which features stories from 30 African-American women as they celebrate everyday heroes—fathers and grandfathers, brothers and best friends, sons and husbands. These essays, memoirs, and love letters offer moving portraits of the three-out-of-four black men who never make the headlines. Read more.
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Readers Theater cast members give life to Stetson Kennedy’s works including The Florida Slave and Palmetto Country. Folklorist and Jacksonville author, Stetson Kennedy (1916 – 2011) served as director of Ethnic Studies for the Federal Writers' Project. The program will draw from these books to recall oral histories from ex-slaves, and African-American lore Kennedy gathered with Zora Neale Hurston and Alan Lomax. Read more.
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Through the illuminating letters of ordinary and exceptional African-Americans, cast members give life to correspondence from Toni Morrison, Paul and Alice Dunbar, Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes and others. This multimedia Readers Theater production is based on “Letters from Black America” by Pamela Newkirk. Read more.
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Own a small business? Or are you a budding entrepreneur? Join this workshop by the Small Business Administration and the Jacksonville Public Library. Learn about planning and business development, private and government agencies to contact for assistance, where to search for loans and incentives, and how to contact those who can help. Call 288-6385 for information.
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Lawyers in Libraries Workshops offer a wealth of information at no costThroughout February – Multiple LocationsThis month is packed with a variety of practical workshops—led by lawyers who provide general advice and guidance—at no charge. Gain knowledge you need to handle home ownership or foreclosure; initiate a living will, medical directive, will or power of attorney; dissolve a marriage; avoid tax-help scams; deal with domestic violence; and seal or expunge a criminal record. Register for a workshop of your choice and location.
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Constantly adjusting the thermostat? Curious what you can do to lower your utility bill? Join this workshop to learn how to do your own home energy and water assessment and save money on your utility bill. Register for the workshop—there’s no cost—and learn how to use the JEA Evaluation Backpack Kit from the library.
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Florida spring gardening presents unique challenges but experts from UF Duval County Extension Services offer research-based assistance, information and advice. Join us and get tips for preparing for your spring garden and learn about easy-care plants for the landscape.
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This game and discussion will help you determine your dominant money style. We offer strategies to help you attain more balance in your financial life. There is no cost for these workshops but registration is suggested.
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Music @ Main Feb. 3, 8 & 17, Times Vary, Main Library, Hicks Auditorium
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Percussionist Tony Steve - Feb. 8
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Pianist Heidi Louise Williams - Feb. 17
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From classical to contemporary, there’s a concert for everyone to love this month—at no cost. Emergence features chamber ensembles with talented students from Jacksonville University presenting works by Mozart, Mussorgsky and Mintzer. The Intermezzo Concert promises to be a treat with composer and percussionist Tony Steve—a well-known favorite to First Coast music lovers. And catch Tuesday Serenade with Heidi Louise Williams, a pianist who has performed at Carnegie’s Weill Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Read more.
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Job & Resource FairTuesday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. – Noon, Main Library Conference Center Are you looking for a job? Deciding on a career? Thinking of starting your own business? It’s a new year—let us help you get a new start! The Job & Resource Fair offers an opportunity to meet with local businesses that are hiring; meet recruiters; discover career opportunities; learn about various companies; and distribute your resume. Attendees will be able to meet representatives from companies that are hiring now. Read more.
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You’re invited to a Valentine’s Day Open HouseSaturday, Feb. 14, 2 – 4 p.m. Pablo Creek Regional LibraryJoin the party as we celebrate Library Lovers' Month with snacks, music, door prizes, and a Valentine’s Day craft for the kids. Visit with community groups including the Jacksonville Humane Society, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) and many others. It's a special event everyone will love!
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Need help filing your taxes? Don’t wait till the last minute—help is here!It’s not too soon to think about getting your tax information in order—April 15 will be here before you know it. AARP Tax-Aide and the United Way of North Florida’s Real$ense will host free tax preparation assistance workshops at library and other community locations starting in February through mid-April. Let IRS-certified volunteers help you get the job done. For a schedule of dates and participating locations visit the library’s tax help site.
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Regional Braille Challenge brings wizards and witches to Main Library More than 60 students—most dressed in Harry Potter garb—along with hundreds of chaperones and parents attended the 2015 North Florida Regional Braille Challenge held for the first time at the Main Library. Students in kindergarten through high school participated in the event which is in its 15th year. The competition drew the largest number of participants than any previous challenge of its kind, with students from Duval and Clay counties, as well as the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. Drum circle, pictured at right, was a big hit with the students. Read more.
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Experience the 2014 Annual Report Any building can house books; information is available anytime, anywhere thanks to the latest technology. However, the value of the Jacksonville Public Library lies not in merely providing information. Our value lies in the expertise behind that information that enriches a customer’s library experience. We believe that expertise is what makes visiting a Jacksonville Public Library an enriching experience. You could say it’s like taking a black and white photo and splashing on a bit of color. You’ll see what we mean when you open up our Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Report to the Community. Thank you to all our customers who support us as we work to provide the most enriching library experience possible. We look forward to another great year of serving you!
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Musical Storybooks for PreschoolersSaturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m., Beaches Branch LibraryMusical Storybooks, an interactive musical program for preschoolers, is designed to foster a love of reading. The story is interwoven with live music and interaction with a string quartet from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. It's a fun way to teach vocabulary, listening skills, math, art and more.
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Learn the art of making books Multiple Locations Children and teens can learn how to make books in a series of art workshops made possible by a library grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Participants create a small art book from scratch, learning about everything from papermaking and printing to binding and writing. Books will be shared with the community. The next workshops focus on printmaking, binding and writing. So join the fun. Read more.
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Money Smarts for Teens Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., Multiple Locations This money program designed just for teens will cover checking, savings and credit accounts; tips to avoid money scams; how to avoid debt; and balancing a checkbook using a check register. Programs are presented by experts in the field. Get more information.
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Art Contest Reception Rescheduled
The Teen Art Contest Reception, originally scheduled for Feb. 4, will be held during Art Walk on Wednesday, March 4. Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Library as we recognize the contest winners.
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Library joins collaborative initiative to celebrate Year of the River The Year of the River is an initiative bringing together over 50 institutions to raise awareness of the St. Johns River as the “cultural current” of our city and an important driver for economic development, recreation, tourism and quality of life throughout Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Public Library is proud to be part of this year-long celebration offering programs, performances, and special events highlighting the importance of the St. Johns River. The Year of the River is made possible through the collaborative efforts of arts, culture, and environmental organizations who are members of Cultural Fusion and generous community support. Learn more about Cultural Fusion. And choose from a big selection of books and movies inspired by our beautiful river in the JPL library collection.
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Music of Florida and the St. Johns River with everybody’s favorite musician—Al Poindexter February and March, Multiple Locations Hear songs about Florida legends, the St. Johns River, colorful characters and backwater places as Al Poindexter performs original songs, old timey songs and blues tunes backed up on his National steel bottleneck guitar or clawhammer banjo. Read about upcoming Year of the River programs for children, adults and all ages.
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Carolyn Williams Retiring after 34 years means...Resolution City Councilman John Crescimbeni (left) presents a Resolution from City Council to Jacksonville Public Library Deputy Director Carolyn Williams in honor of her 34 years of service to the library and community. To her right are Williams' son Avery and Library Director Barbara Gubbin. Reception Although no gift can adequately express JPL's gratitude for Carolyn's leadership and contributions, Julie McNeil, assistant director for public services, presented Carolyn Williams with a framed rendering of the library and gift certificates at a reception with staff, family, friends and special guests at the Main Library.
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Recognition Carolyn Williams is all smiles after being recognized at the annual Jacksonville Black History Calendar unveiling ceremony for her many years of service, dedication, and for continual support of JPL staff who researched the calendar. Reward It was also announced that a special award fund for JPL employees was established in Williams' honor. Here, Williams enjoys a warm goodbye as JPL staff and well-wishers Library Assistant Diane Alexander (behind sign) and Regional Manager Marshelle Berry help her hold up a sweet gift.
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JPL Lost in the Stacksmakes EU’s “Best of” List JPL’s Lost in the Stacks radio show made EU Jacksonville’s list of 14 Best Things that Happened in Jacksonville in 2014. The show is produced and hosted by Librarian Matthew Moyer and E-Library Specialist Andrew Coulon, both avid music fans. The show airs on WJCT Thursday nights at 11 p.m. Due to popular demand, the show soon will be expanded to two hours beginning in February. Read more.
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Friends New Store Hours and Upcoming Book SaleThe Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Bookstore at the University Park Branch Library is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. – noon. The store is no longer open on Tuesday evenings. However, beginning Feb. 7, shopping hours will be extended on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The spring book sale will be condensed to three days, March 6 – 8. Check the March e-news or fjpl.org for updates on the sale.
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The Friends of the Murray Hill Library will be holding its Annual Meeting. This meeting is always an interesting event, with the introduction of board members, recap of previous year's activities, and a look at what's planned for the year ahead. It provides a chance for library supporters to meet and socialize over refreshments provided by local merchants. Hope you will join us!
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Questions about African-American leaders? Get answers using the library’s e-Research. Online and easy to use, The African American Experience can enlighten about the black experience from African origins to the present day. JPL e-research sites provide you with access to accurate information by credible scholars. Just enter your library card information to read about Booker T. Washington, who said: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
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New catalog feature makes it easy to find information in one place Welcome to our improved catalog, where researching for multiple resources just got easier. With a single catalog search—just one easy step—new information resources are available at your fingertips. In addition to a list of books, you will find a new “e-Research” tab that lists articles and more. One search, multiple resources. Read more.
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More in store for Downton Abbey Fans Image © Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECE
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Next Reads: Christian Fiction Do you like a little faith with your fiction? These titles, representing a range of genres from historical fiction to romance to suspense, will hit the spot. This newsletter is bi-monthly. View the latest issue, then sign up for NextReads to receive e-newsletters with book recommendations based on your interests.
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Closed for Presidents Day In observance of Presidents Day, the library will be closed Monday, Feb. 16.
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Don’t forget to vote! Do you live in State House District 13? Then prepare to vote early in the special general election beginning Feb. 7; election day is Feb. 17. Early voting will also begin later in the month for other offices up for election in March, including mayor, sheriff and more. Click for early voting and general polling sites.
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Willowbranch Branch Updates: Get the latest news 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 needs and other 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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