Monthly Newsletter

Thank You for Your Service 

This year we said farewell to a long-standing Board member, Susan E. G. Smathers. Susan was a member of the Foundation Board from 2006-2018. Her enthusiasm for the Library showed through her consistent dedication to the mission of the Foundation. During her tenure, Susan helped plan several successful fundraising events such as Much Ado About Books and Library of the Year. Additionally, Susan  supported Library awareness efforts throughout the Jacksonville community. Her passion for the Library and dedication will be missed! We honor her service by dedicating and donating The Gulf  by Jack E. Davis to the Library collection, Thank you, Susan, for your hard work, dedication, and service to the Foundation! 

 (Left: Kathy McIlvaine, Chair, Right: Susan Smathers, Former Board Member) 

Save The Date 

You're invited to an exclusive Author event with New-York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer on Friday, February 28, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. Brad Meltzer is the NO. 1 New York Times best-selling author of The Inner Circle, The Book of Fate, and 10 other best-selling thrillers. His most recent book, The First Conspiracy, is his first nonfiction and is about a secret plot to kill George Washington. He is the host of Brad Meltzer's Lost History on H2 and Brad Meltzer's Decoded on the History Channel. The Hollywood Reporter listed Meltzer as one of the top 25 most powerful authors. Save the date on your calendar for an incredible evening with this renowned author. More details on how to purchase tickets to follow. 

Support the Library This Season with Amazon 

This holiday season -- and all year round-- support the Library when you shop on Amazon. For every eligible purchase made, Amazon gives a portion of the proceeds back to the Foundation. Setting the Library as your charity of choice is easy! Instead of going to Amazon.com go to www.smile.amazon.com. It's the same Amazon website you love, but it allows you to give to your favorite charity- the Library! Once there, it will prompt you to choose your charity of choice. Select "JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOUNDATION" and you are all set. It's a great way to get what you need and give back at the same time. You shop, Amazon gives.  

Direct contributions can also be made to the Foundation at www.jplfoundation.org/donate-now. 

We appreciate you support of the Library this holiday season. Thank you! 

Library News & Updates

Completely Booked: The Library's Podcast 

From animatronics and cooking to paranormal investigations and the Southern Living Idea House, Library hosts Amanda and Gabby bring it home with up close interviews with some of the most likely—and unlikely—people around town. This podcast is entertaining, fascinating, and all around a great show! If you have an idea for a thought-provoking podcast episode, please let the Library know at jplpromotions@coj.net.

Santa Stops & Photo Ops

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday fun begins with a visit from Santa at all 21 library branches. Little ones will delight in hearing a winter-themed story, singing holiday songs, and getting a photo with St. Nick. Bring your camera to capture the memories! And look for more holiday events all month, including arts, crafts, games and movies. Check out the Library's website to find when Santa will be at a Library near you!  

Journey Beyond Your Imagination 

Journey with us as National Geographic's director of cartographic databases traces the 132-year history of maps and cartography of National Geographic, and map out your day to hear about Mapping Jax and La Florida. Did you know you can check out National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler online? Enjoy reading both cover to cover every month—free—with RB Digital at the library. Help is here if you need it. Mapping Our Past will take place at the Main Library on the 4th Floor in the Ansbacher Map Room on January 25, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.