The library is expecting a large turnout for R.L. Stine’s 1 p.m. presentation in Hicks Auditorium at the Main Library. The first 60 people in line outside Hicks Auditorium at 10 a.m. will receive a wristband for a guaranteed spot in line to get their books signed by Stine following his presentation. The first 380 people in line will receive a wristband for a guaranteed seat in Hicks Auditorium for the presentation. Library doors open at 10 a.m., those who received a wristband will be allowed to enter the auditorium at noon.
 
The public is invited to attend the free event, take home a free souvenir tote bag while supplies last, hear presentations by favorite authors, buy books to get signed, learn about e-publishing including the library’s SELF-e platform with Library Journal, browse vendor exhibits, and much more. For eats and treats, food trucks will be at Hemming Park across from the Main Library during the event.
 
For a schedule of the day’s events and more about participating authors, go to jaxbookfest.org. The schedule of events is divided into three tracks—kids, book lovers, and writers—so you won’t miss any of the fun. Following are some highlights of the day:
 
Kids: Author Mike Thaler will be reading and discussing his books from the Black Lagoon series. Kids can also enjoy balloon twisters, face painters, and interactive sing-a-longs throughout the day.
 
Book Lovers: Hear presentations and get your favorite books signed by best-selling author R.L. Stine. You will also have the opportunity to chat with New York Times best-selling author Brenda Jackson and Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.
 
Writers: Writers can enjoy a panel discussion with local young adult writers, a presentation on how to self-publish with the library’s free SELF-e platform, hear readings from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Creative Writing department, and learn how the Florida Authors and Publishers Association can be a resource for local writers. Local authors and writers can submit their work to be included in the Jacksonville Public Library’s Local Author Collection. For more information about this collection, go to jaxbookfest.org.
 
Jax Book Fest was made possible by the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation and participating sponsors. The children’s literacy programs were sponsored in part by the Joy G. Korman Endowment. Other sponsors include Ameris Bank, Lexington Hotel, Publix, San Marco Books and More and Yelp.

San Marco Books and More will set up its book store at the Main Library during Jax Book Fest to sell participating authors’ books and other literary items. A portion of proceeds from all San Marco book store sales will go back to the library.
 
Tenikka Hughes, evening anchor for Action News Jax, will attend Jax Book Fest to collect donations for her second annual Tenikka’s Books for Kids Book Drive. Tenikka’s Books for Kids collects new children’s books to give to children and teens who complete summer reading goals in Jacksonville Public Library’s summer learning program. San Marco Books and More will have book bundles available for purchase at Jax Book Fest for those who wish to donate to the drive. For more information about Tenikka’s Books for Kids, go to jaxpubliclibrary.org. 

Special Accommodations

The Jacksonville Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to all persons. If you need special accommodations, please ask for the Special Needs Library at (904) 630-2665 or email your request to JPLTBSpecialNeeds@coj.net at least 72 hours prior to the event. 

About the Jacksonville Public Library

The mission of the Jacksonville Public Library is to enrich lives, build community and foster success by bringing people, information and ideas together. Last year, more than 3.1 million visits were made to Jacksonville Public Libraries, items were checked out more than 4.7 million times, and nearly 15,000 programs and services were offered to Duval County residents at the Main Library and 20 branch locations. For more information about the Jacksonville Public Library, call 630-BOOK (2665) or visit jaxpubliclibrary.org.