![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_Jax_Book_Fest_2025-02-JPL-678x375.jpg\" "\\"Blog_Jax_Book_Fest_2025-02")
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Jacksonville Public Library\u2019s 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.<\/strong>, and will feature appearances and book signings by three New York Times bestselling authors \u2014 Tiya Miles, Mac Barnett, and Shannon Messenger \u2014 along with dozens of local writers and activities for all ages.<\/p>\n The festival opens\u00a0Saturday, Sept. 13<\/strong>, with Writers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n On\u00a0Saturday, Sept. 20<\/strong>, the focus shifts to young readers and families with Youth Readers\u2019 Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include more than 50 local authors of children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re excited to spread Jax Book Fest across two Saturdays this year,\u201d says Katie Devanny, Manager for Adult Learning at Jacksonville Public Library. \u201cThe festival has grown so much over the past six years because people really love it, and they tell us! We\u2019ve gotten great feedback. We want to serve the readers and writers of all ages throughout Jacksonville and Duval.\u201d<\/p>\n Since its first year, Jax Book Fest has grown from a single-day event to become Jacksonville\u2019s premier literary celebration, consistently drawing thousands of attendees and featuring dozens of local and national authors. The expansion to two days reflects the festival\u2019s continued growth and the library\u2019s commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community. For more event details and registration, visit\u00a0jaxpubliclibrary.org\/bookfest.<\/a><\/p>\n Festival Schedule<\/strong>:<\/p>\n What<\/strong>: Jax Book Fest 2025<\/p>\n Writers\u2019 Day<\/strong>: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13<\/p>\n Youth Readers\u2019 Day<\/strong>: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20<\/p>\n Where<\/strong>: Jacksonville Public Library, Main, 303 N. Laura St.<\/p>\n Price<\/strong>: The event and programs are free to attend. A library card is required for pre-registration.<\/p>\n Parking<\/strong>: $5 special event rate at the Duval Street Parking Garage, 33 W. Duval St. Free street parking is also available downtown on Saturdays.<\/p>\n Featured Authors<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Tiya Miles<\/strong>, author of \u201cNight Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith and Dreams of a Free People\u201d and the National Book Award-winning \u201cAll That She Carried\u201d, will present two programs on Sept. 13 focused on writing across genres and documenting women\u2019s lives. Her appearance is supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation as part of the Library\u2019s African American history initiative.<\/p>\n Mac Barnett<\/strong>, New York Times bestselling author and U.S. National Ambassador for Young People\u2019s Literature, will lead a Junior Lit Chat with a 30-minute talk and Q&A on Sept. 20.<\/p>\n Shannon Messenger<\/strong>, author of the \u201cKeeper of the Lost Cities\u201d series and the \u201cSky Fall\u201d series, will speak to middle-grade and teen readers during a Teen Lit Chat on Sept. 20.<\/p>\n All featured authors will sign books following their events.<\/p>\n About Jacksonville Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n For more info visit:<\/p>\n\n
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