The truck stops here! Digital Bookmobile National Tour.
Monday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Main Library

Get ready for an all-day tech fest as the Digital Bookmobile, a 74-foot traveling exhibit decked out with the latest in library e-books and e-services, opens its doors to all ages. Step inside to explore an incredible gadget gallery, surround yourself with premium sound, see interactive demonstrations, and watch engaging videos. Try out mobile devices of every kind. E-library specialists will answer questions so bring your own devices. Bring your appetite too—convenient food truck cuisine will hit the spot. The Digital Bookmobile National Tour stop is like one huge tech party on wheels!  Read more. 

A great return for your money—
Jacksonville libraries!
 
Libraries in Duval County were visited nearly 3.5 million times last year and more than 6.5 million items were checked out by customers. Our libraries provide those products and services at a great value: In Duval County, residents received $6.29 for every $1 of taxpayer revenue invested. The City of Jacksonville invests less than $46 per year per resident to support library services, yet residents receive more than $252 billion in value. 

That’s according to a new study, “Taxpayer Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries (2013) by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development, University of West Florida,” commissioned by the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services.

But what if libraries didn’t exist? In short, it would cost you a lot in terms of time and money.

If Duval County did not have libraries, residents would have to spend nearly $3 billion to access alternative sources, including buying books, DVDs, CDs and magazines online or in stores, paying for meeting space for their community organizations, and being charged to use WiFi or Internet services.
  

Library wins Best Local Use of Public Money again!

For the third consecutive year, the Jacksonville Public Library has been voted Best Local Use of Public Money by Folio Weekly in its annual Best of Jax Readers’ Poll. It’s no wonder. With a focus on education, economic and technology success, the library offered 9,000 programs to the community last year—including Summer Reading, financial and parenting series, author chats, computer classes, concerts and more! Thanks, Jacksonville, for recognizing the library as a good investment!

It’s official: 113th Congress pays tribute
to Jacksonville Public Library

It’s not every day that a library gets honored by having its name placed in the Congressional Record. Thanks to U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, the Jacksonville Public Library was commemorated on Sept. 18 for marking 100 years as a Member of the Federal Depository Library Program in August. The letter stated that since its designation in 1914, the Jacksonville Public Library system has faithfully provided information from the federal government to the citizens of Northeast Florida, providing a better informed and education citizenry. Brown said, “The Library has made accessing information easier and more convenient for those wanting to extend the breadth of their knowledge.” Read more.

Starting Nov. 17: Stream FREE movies and music
to PCs, tablets and mobile devices
 
The most current library technology is headed your way later this month. All you will need is a valid library card to access instant streaming or temporary downloads of movies, television and music. If you don’t have a library card, sign up now. Watch your inbox for more details and see what all the hoopla’s about. 

Your digital search capabilities just got better
with access to 1,700 full-text magazines and more

Consumer Reports, Entertainment Weekly, Forbes, Fortune, Jet, People and Time are a few of the 70 new magazine titles now available on the library website with an e-research tool called MasterFILE Premier from EBSCOhost. Using basic or advanced searches, you can access information on business, health, education, general science and more from nearly 1,700 full-text magazines, reference books and primary source documents. You can also access photos, maps and flags. Click to start your search.

“Florida Is A Land Remembered”
Nov. 19, 5 p.m., Main Library

Join us for an entertaining multimedia show, “Florida Is A Land Remembered,” based on the beloved book A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith. The innovative program will be presented by Rick Smith, the author’s son. Using visual storytelling that’s fun and fast-paced, he reveals how his father came to know and write with authority about the Florida pioneers, Seminoles, migrant workers, “river rats” of Mississippi, social injustices of the South and the challenges of the present. This Special Collections Author Series program was funded by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.

Get Financially Fit @ your library
The Gift of Good Sense
Nov. 19 & 20, Multiple Locations

Hosting a party over the holidays? Trying to reign in your gift shopping expenses? Or just want to learn how to make your money go further this time of year? Learn great strategies to manage your holiday—and special event—spending in Financially Fit @ your library workshops. Register for a free workshop or call 630-4655.

Lawyers in Libraries: 
Online Legal Resources & Landlord/Renter Issues
Multiple Dates and Locations

The Lawyers in Libraries series hits on two important topics. In the Online Legal Resources workshops, learn how to research legal issues on your own and when to seek counsel. In the Landlord and Renter Issues workshop, find out everything about leasing—from a landlord’s and tenant’s standpoint—including written and oral contacts, rights and responsibilities, and local health and safety codes. What happens when a renter or landlord violates the law? Real attorneys answer that and more. Register for a free workshop.

Parenting & Family Life @ your library
Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m., South Mandarin Branch

Parenting styles have a dramatic impact on your child’s behavior and success. In this workshop, you’ll learn how you can guide your child toward respect, a positive relationship with you, and success in their endeavors. Register free for Being Informed: Parenting Styles that Lead to Success. 
 

Small Business Resources Workshop
Nov. 12, 4:30 p.m., Main Library, Multipurpose Room

The Small Business Administration and Jacksonville Public Library will conduct a free workshop for small business owners and potential owners. Topics include planning and business development; who to contact for assistance (private and government agencies); where to get financing (search for loans and incentives); research support (print and electronic); and how to contact others who can help. First come, first served. Email inform@coj.net (subject line: SBA Workshop) for more information. 
 

Listen to the Music!
Nov. 4, 9, 18 & 19, Main Library, Hicks Auditorium
 
We’ll give you four good reasons to get out for a live concert this month. With a variety of exceptional performances, take your pick and enjoy the toe-tapping sounds of the Navy Band Southeast brass band; celebrated show pieces by the Vivace Trio; University of Florida student chamber ensembles with flute and piano quartets, and violin sonatas; and the Ritz Chamber Players in all their Brahms Sonic Splendor. Oh, and did we mention free parking? Make a date for late lunch or dinner. Then enjoy a free concert on us! Read more. 

 

Save the Date - Don't miss this author!

Love Rizzoli & Isles? Hear the author of the books that launched the TV series! New York Times best-selling author Tess Gerritsen will appear at the Main Library on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Put it on your calendar now.
 

Musical Storybooks for Preschoolers
Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m., West Regional Library

Musical Storybooks is an interactive musical program for preschoolers designed to foster a love of reading and books. The featured storybook, Mole Music by David McPhail, teaches vocabulary, listening skills, math, art and more, as the story is interwoven with live music and interaction with a string quartet from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Click for more dates.
 

Turkey time crafts for youth at two branches
Nov. 22, 11 a.m., Beaches Branch Library
Children’s Room Nov. 22, 3 p.m., Murray Hill Branch Library, Meeting Room

The Beaches Branch Library is hosting a Saturday session of fun, easy holiday-themed crafts for children of early childhood and school ages. Or celebrate the upcoming holiday by creating a fun and funky Thanksgiving art project at the Murray Hill Branch Library at 3 p.m. This program is for ages 5 – 12. 
 

Hey, “Speak Up” and be heard!
Nov. 5, 6 – 9 p.m., The Lounge at 303 North, Main Library

AHYNTE, the well-known spoken-word artist who pronounces his name as “Ant,” will be hosting the lively after-hours Speak Up program during Art Walk. This spoken word event is open to all ages, and all levels, from amateurs to the seasoned poet. Come out for a spirited event held in the chic, new Lounge at the front of the library. It’s where it all happens! 
 

World AIDS Day Poetry Slam
Dec. 4, Main Library, Conference Center Level

Attention all poets ages 15 – 18. Lend your poetic voices to HIV/AIDS awareness. Enter the poetry slam for a chance to win up to $100 and attend the World AIDS Day Awards Luncheon. Check details for preregistration, poetry criteria and other prizes. 
 

Cyber Monday means good deals
for you AND your library

If you plan to shop on Amazon.com on Cyber Monday or any day, you can support your library at the same time. Just use the library’s Buy It Now link to Amazon.com. Proceed as you normally would to shop. Every purchase you make using our Buy It Now link benefits the library in a big way and it doesn’t cost you anything. Bookmark the link to use all year long. Look for the Buy It Now button on our homepage or in our catalog beside book titles. Remember, Buy It Now isn’t just for books. Use the link to Amazon.com to buy whatever you want and it helps the library! 

Jacksonville's Best Book Warehouse Sale
Various Days, Nov. 6 – 15, University Park Branch Library

Who says good hardbacks are too expensive to buy? Shop the Warehouse Book Sale for an affordable way to add to your personal library or to pick up a nice gift book. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library as a major fundraiser for the library. Check dates and times. Then book it to the sale for bargains such as $10 for a whole bag of books!

Judges select top fiction book of 2014
 
Looking for a new read or the next selection for your book club? The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan recently captured the 2014 Man Booker Prize as the year’s top fiction written by a citizen of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland. Judges chose Flanagan’s novel from a longlist of 13 and then a shortlist of six, as part of the prize’s ongoing mission for the past 40 years to increase the reading of quality fiction. Click here to read a synopsis of all the book finalists. Check this special library catalog list to see all the finalist titles available in our collection.

Spotlight on NextReads: Biography and Memoir 

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes—immerse yourself in the lives of the famous, the infamous, and the ever intriguing. Monthly.
View Latest Issue here; then sign up for NextReads to receive an e-newsletter with book recommendations based on your interests each month. Choose from 26 categories from Armchair Travel to New York Times Best-sellers to Thrillers and Suspense.

Willowbranch Branch Library Updates

Want to know what’s happening at the Willowbranch Branch Library since the water intrusion? Now you can keep informed about repairs by checking the weekly Willowbranch Branch Library Updates blog. Service at the branch was suspended Sept. 11 due to water intrusion. Last month, a public meeting was held in Riverside with a representative from the Public Works Department and Councilman Jim Love to determine what steps should be taken. Get the latest on our blog. 

Voting Precincts

Remember to vote on Nov. 4. There are several voting precincts located at libraries around town. Please check to see where your voting precinct is located. Click here for a list of voting precincts, including libraries.

 

 Veterans Day - Nov. 11

In observance of Veterans Day, libraries will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11. Thank you to all of our veterans.

Thanksgiving Hours

In observance of Thanksgiving, please note the following holiday hours:

Wednesday, Nov. 26 – All libraries will close at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 – All libraries will be closed

Board & Committee Meetings

Remember, the public is always invited to attend the library’s monthly board meetings.