News Summary
The Jacksonville Public Library announces the Jax Book Fest will expand to a two-Saturday event in September, featuring workshops and activities for all ages. The first day, Writers’ Day, includes workshops led by renowned authors, while the second day, Youth Readers’ Day, highlights over 50 local authors specializing in children’s literature. Attendees can participate in various fun activities and book signings, fostering a love for reading and writing within the community.
Jacksonville – The Jacksonville Public Library’s Jax Book Fest is set to expand from a single-day event to a two-Saturday celebration in September 2025, showcasing both nationally recognized authors and a variety of literary activities. The festival will commence on September 13, 2025, at the Main Library, located at 303 N. Laura St., and will wrap up on September 20. Both days are free and open to the public, aiming to engage readers and writers of all ages.
Schedule of Events
The first day of the festival, Writers’ Day, will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 13 and feature a series of workshops focusing on various aspects of writing and publishing. Topics covered will include marketing, storytelling, revising works, traditional publishing techniques, as well as insights into contracts and licensing. Tiya Miles, a National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author, will present two featured programs during this day aimed at aspiring writers.
On September 20, the event will transition into Youth Readers’ Day, running from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This second day will highlight over 50 local authors specializing in children’s and teen literature. Renowned authors Shannon Messenger and Mac Barnett will participate, providing engaging activities and author talks tailored specifically for young readers.
Activities and Engagement
Youth Readers’ Day will also include several fun activities designed to captivate younger audiences, such as face painting, balloon artists, and the River City Readers Bookmobile, ensuring there’s something for every young reader. All featured authors will hold book signings following their sessions, allowing attendees to interact with their favorite writers.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking options for the event include a special rate of $5 at the Duval Street Parking Garage, while free street parking is available downtown on Saturdays. While walk-ins are welcome, attendees are encouraged to pre-register, which necessitates having a library card.
Support and Growth
This year marks the seventh annual Jax Book Fest, which has significantly grown from its initial format as a single-day event to a comprehensive two-day festival, consistently attracting thousands of visitors each year. Last year, the Jacksonville Public Library recorded over 2.2 million visits and facilitated more than 7.4 million checkouts, demonstrating its crucial role in the community by providing over 15,000 programs and services.
The financial support for Tiya Miles’s appearance comes from a grant by the Mellon Foundation as part of an initiative focusing on African American history, reflecting the library’s commitment to diversity in literature. On September 20, Mac Barnett will lead a Junior Lit Chat with a talk and Q&A session, while Shannon Messenger will host a Teen Lit Chat directed toward middle-grade and teen readers.
Getting More Information
Those interested in attending the Jax Book Fest can find more details and registration options by visiting jaxpubliclibrary.org/bookfest. The event promises to enrich the local community with a love for reading and writing, catering to individuals across various age groups.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Literary Festival
- Jacksonville Free Press
- Google Search: Jax Book Fest 2025
- My Journal Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Festival
- Folio Weekly
- Google News: Jacksonville Public Library
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