Jacksonville Public Library’s Jax Book Fest returns for its seventh year this September with an exciting new format: two consecutive Saturdays of programs for readers and writers of all ages. The free event will be held at the Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., and will feature appearances and book signings by three New York Times bestselling authors — Tiya Miles, Mac Barnett, and Shannon Messenger — along with dozens of local writers and activities for all ages.
The festival opens Saturday, Sept. 13, with Writers’ Day, offering a full schedule of workshops from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Topics include revising your work, understanding traditional publishing, and navigating contracts and licensing. The day also includes two featured programs with National Book Award winner Tiya Miles.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, the focus shifts to young readers and families with Youth Readers’ Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include more than 50 local authors of children’s and teen books, appearances by New York Times bestselling authors Shannon Messenger and Mac Barnett, Junior and Teen Lit Chat author talks, face painting, balloon artists, the River City Readers Bookmobile, and other free youth activities.
“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.”
Since its first year, Jax Book Fest has grown from a single-day event to become Jacksonville’s premier literary celebration, consistently drawing thousands of attendees and featuring dozens of local and national authors. The expansion to two days reflects the festival’s continued growth and the library’s commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community. For more event details and registration, visit jaxpubliclibrary.org/bookfest.
Festival Schedule:
What: Jax Book Fest 2025
Writers’ Day: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13
- Workshops for aspiring writers and authors
- Writer’s Lab with Tiya Miles
- Free admission with advance registration recommended
Youth Readers’ Day: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20
- Appearances by Mac Barnett and Shannon Messenger
- 60+ local authors for kids and teens
- Free family-friendly activities
Where: Jacksonville Public Library, Main, 303 N. Laura St.
Price: The event and programs are free to attend. A library card is required for pre-registration.
Parking: $5 special event rate at the Duval Street Parking Garage, 33 W. Duval St. Free street parking is also available downtown on Saturdays.
Featured Authors:
Tiya Miles, author of “Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith and Dreams of a Free People” and the National Book Award-winning “All That She Carried”, will present two programs on Sept. 13 focused on writing across genres and documenting women’s lives. Her appearance is supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation as part of the Library’s African American history initiative.
Mac Barnett, New York Times bestselling author and U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, will lead a Junior Lit Chat with a 30-minute talk and Q&A on Sept. 20.
Shannon Messenger, author of the “Keeper of the Lost Cities” series and the “Sky Fall” series, will speak to middle-grade and teen readers during a Teen Lit Chat on Sept. 20.
All featured authors will sign books following their events.
About Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library enriches lives, builds community, and helps people succeed by connecting them with information, ideas, and each other. With more than 2.2 million visits last year, over 7.4 million checkouts, and 15,000+ free programs and services, the Library continues to evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and growing population in Duval County. From job seekers and students to lifelong learners and families, visitors rely on the Main Library and 20 neighborhood branches for access, inspiration, and support. Learn more at jaxpubliclibrary.org or call 904-255-BOOK (2665).
For more info visit:
https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/bookfest