Jax Book Fest 2023
- When: Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Location: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Cost: Free
Jax Book Fest is back and better than ever! Join them for not one but two bold, bookish days - back-to-back this September 22-23 at the Main Library!
Looking for your next favorite book series? Do you think authors are the best kinds of celebrities? Join us on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for Lit Chat Interviews for all ages, a Local Author Reading, scavenger hunts and drop-in activities for kids and teens.
You'll also find DOZENS of local authors set up at tables throughout the Conference level and the first two floors of the Main Library! That's three floors full of authors to explore!
#Lit Chat Author Talks
Teen Lit Chat with Angeline Boulley (for teen readers ages 13-18) from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Join us in the Hicks Auditorium for a 40-minute conversation between Angeline Boulley and a local interviewer, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. Note: fans over the age of 18 are more than welcome to attend but the interview questions and discussion will be crafted with teen readers in mind.
Junior Lit Chat with Dan Santat from 12 - 12:30 p.m. Children (ages 5-12) and their families are encouraged to attend this 30-minute presentation from author Dan Santat in Multipurpose Room 1 (on the Conference level). The program includes an audience Q&A. Plus: Pick up a FREE Art Kit (while supplies last) inspired by The Adventures of Beekle and make your own "unimaginary" friend!
Lit Chat Interview with Joe Hill (for teen and adult readers) from 1 - 2 p.m. Join us in the Hicks Auditorium for a 40-minute conversation between Joe Hill and Badr Milligan from The Short Box Podcast, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A.
#Book Signings
Our featured authors will sign books for one hour after their respective Lit Chat programs. You may bring a copy from home, purchased from your favorite bookstore. There will also be a local bookseller on-site with a limited number of copies for sale.
We will also be giving away a very limited number of signed posters to those who get all six stamps in their Jax Book Fest Passport. So, get here early!
#Local Author Readings
Looking for Florida authors to support? Join us between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in room G4 (on the Conference Level) where each of our community partners will get a chance to spotlight an author from their group. Authors will have about 15-20 minutes to tell you a little bit about themselves (and their work), read a passage or two from their book, and take a few audience questions.
#Kids Programs and Activities
After the Lit Chat Author Talk with Dan Santat, pick up your free Art Kit (while supplies last). They have all the supplies you need to make your very own "unimaginary" friend! There will also be a Balloon Show, face painters, scavenger hunts and more!
Our friends at the Early Learning Coalition of Duval are also hosting a Drop-In Book Making Craft Activity in the beautiful Betsy Lovett Courtyard (next to the Children's Department).
#Talented Teens Showcase
We're giving the spotlight and a mic to some talented local student-writers in the Teen Room!
12:30 - 1 p.m. - LaVilla School of the Arts
2:30 - 3 p.m. - Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
- Website: jaxpubliclibrary.org
- Category: Library Programs
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