The Jacksonville Public Library is gearing up for the seventh annual Jax Book Fest this month, featuring bestselling authors and a wide range of activities for readers of all ages. Due to growing popularity, the free festival will take place over two Saturdays, offering an expanded lineup to celebrate the city’s vibrant literary community.
Today, designated as Writers' Day, aspiring authors can participate in workshops from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that cover topics such as revising work, navigating traditional publishing, and understanding contracts and licensing. The event will also feature National Book Award winner Tiya Miles, who will present two sessions focused on writing across genres and documenting women’s lives, supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.
For young book lovers, Youth Readers' Day on September 20 promises an exciting lineup from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring over 60 local children’s and teen authors, including New York Times bestsellers Shannon Messenger and Mac Barnett. The event offers a welcoming space for young readers, with free activities such as face painting and balloon art to keep children entertained throughout the day.
"We're excited to spread Jax Book Fest across two Saturdays this year," says Katie Devanny, Manager for Adult Learning at Jacksonville Public Library. "The festival has grown so much over the past six years because people really love it, and they tell us! We've gotten great feedback. We want to serve the readers and writers of all ages throughout Jacksonville and Duval," Devanny told the City of Jacksonville. For those planning to drive, parking is available at the Duval Street Parking Garage for $5, though free street parking may be available for those who find a spot.
With over 2.2 million visits last year, the Jacksonville Public Library has established itself as a vital community resource, providing more than 7.4 million checkouts and over 15,000 free programs and services. Serving job seekers, students, families, and more, the Main Library and 20 neighborhood branches are key centers for access, inspiration, and support. For more information, visit the library’s website or call 904-255-BOOK (2665).
