The Jacksonville City Library was established in 1878, making it one of the oldest public libraries in the state of Florida. It was originally known as the Jacksonville Free Public Library and was located in the City Hall building.
The library was founded by the Jacksonville Library Association, a group of prominent citizens who saw the need for a public library in the growing city. The association raised funds through donations and subscriptions to purchase books and establish the library.
The library's first librarian was Miss Annie B. Jordan, who served from 1878 to 1882. She was followed by several other librarians, including Miss Mary E. Godfrey, who served for over 30 years and oversaw the library's move to a new building in 1905.
The library's collection grew steadily over the years, and in 1965, the Jacksonville City Library became the first public library in Florida to offer a bookmobile service. In 1977, the library moved to its current location on North Laura Street, where it continues to serve the community today.
The library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of a new children's wing in 2005. It now houses over 1.2 million items, including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital resources.
The Jacksonville City Library remains a vital resource for the community, providing access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for all ages. It continues to uphold its mission of promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
1. Fiction Books Collection: This collection includes a wide range of popular and classic fiction books from various genres such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and more.
2. Non-Fiction Books Collection: This collection includes books on various subjects such as history, biographies, self-help, business, and more.
3. Children's Books Collection: This collection is specifically curated for children and includes picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels.
4. Reference Books Collection: This collection includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and other reference materials for research and information purposes.
5. Local History Collection: This collection includes books, documents, and other materials related to the history of Jacksonville and its surrounding areas.
6. Audio Books Collection: This collection includes audiobooks in various formats such as CDs, MP3s, and digital downloads.
7. Large Print Books Collection: This collection includes books with larger font sizes for readers with visual impairments.
8. E-Books Collection: This collection includes a wide range of e-books that can be accessed and downloaded through the library's website.
9. Periodicals Collection: This collection includes magazines, newspapers, and journals on various topics.
10. Special Collections: The library also has special collections such as rare books, local author collections, and book club kits available for borrowing.
The Jacksonville City Library in Jacksonville, United States, is home to a vast collection of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts that are available for readers to explore and discover. These materials offer a unique glimpse into the past and provide valuable insights into various subjects and topics.
Some of the rare books available at the library include first editions of classic works such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. These books are not only valuable for their literary significance but also for their historical and cultural importance.
The library also houses a collection of rare history archives, including documents, photographs, and maps, that offer a glimpse into the history of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. These archives cover a wide range of topics, including the city's founding, its growth and development, and significant events and figures in its history.
One of the most notable collections at the library is the Florida Collection, which contains rare books, manuscripts, and archives related to the history of the state. This collection includes materials on Native American history, early explorers, and the development of Florida's cities and towns.
In addition to rare books and history archives, the library also has a collection of manuscripts that offer a unique perspective on various subjects. These manuscripts include personal letters, diaries, and journals of notable individuals, providing a firsthand account of their lives and experiences.
The library also offers access to digital archives, allowing readers to explore rare books, history archives, and manuscripts online. This feature is especially useful for those who are unable to visit the library in person.
Overall, the Jacksonville City Library's collection of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts is a valuable resource for readers interested in exploring the city's past and gaining a deeper understanding of its culture and heritage. With its diverse and extensive collection, the library is a must-visit for anyone interested in rare and historical materials.

Services:

1. Book Borrowing: The library offers a wide range of books for subscribers to borrow, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and audiobooks.
2. Online Resources: Subscribers have access to a variety of online resources such as ebooks, emagazines, and databases for research and learning.
3. Computer and Internet Access: The library provides free computer and internet access for subscribers to use for research, job searching, and other purposes.
4. Reference and Research Assistance: Librarians are available to help subscribers with research and reference questions, and to provide guidance on how to use library resources effectively.
5. Programs and Events: The library hosts a variety of programs and events for subscribers and the community, including author talks, book clubs, workshops, and children's activities.
6. Interlibrary Loan: Subscribers can request books and other materials from other libraries through the interlibrary loan service.
7. Meeting Rooms: The library has meeting rooms available for community groups and organizations to use for meetings and events.
8. Printing and Copying: Subscribers can use the library's printing and copying services for a small fee.
9. Book Sales: The library holds book sales throughout the year, offering subscribers and the community the opportunity to purchase books at discounted prices.
10. Outreach Services: The library offers outreach services to bring library resources and programs to underserved communities and populations, such as homebound individuals and senior centers.

Things To Do:

1. Art Exhibitions: The Jacksonville City Library regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of local and national artists. These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
2. Book Readings and Author Talks: The library hosts book readings and author talks throughout the year, giving book lovers the opportunity to meet and interact with their favorite authors.
3. Book Clubs: The library offers a variety of book clubs for different age groups and interests. These clubs provide a great opportunity for book lovers to discuss and share their thoughts on a particular book.
4. Children's Storytime: The library hosts regular storytime sessions for children, where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities.
5. Writing Workshops: The library organizes writing workshops for aspiring writers, providing them with the opportunity to learn from experienced authors and improve their writing skills.
6. Film Screenings: The library hosts film screenings of classic and contemporary movies, as well as documentaries, throughout the year.
7. Music Performances: The library hosts live music performances by local musicians, covering a variety of genres such as jazz, classical, and folk.
8. Cultural Events: The library also hosts cultural events, such as dance performances, poetry readings, and theater productions, showcasing the diverse cultures and talents of the community.
9. Technology Workshops: The library offers workshops on various technology-related topics, such as coding, digital photography, and social media, to help patrons improve their digital skills.
10. Special Events: The library hosts special events throughout the year, such as book fairs, holiday celebrations, and community festivals, providing a fun and engaging experience for all ages.

1. Respect the library's rules and regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the library's policies on noise levels, food and drink, and use of electronic devices. Follow these rules to ensure a peaceful and productive environment for everyone.
2. Keep your voice down: Libraries are meant to be quiet spaces for studying and reading. Be mindful of your volume when talking to others or using your phone. If you need to have a conversation, move to a designated talking area or step outside.
3. Use headphones: If you need to listen to music or watch a video, use headphones to avoid disturbing others. Be sure to keep the volume at a reasonable level.
4. Handle books and materials with care: The library's collection is meant to be shared by everyone. Treat books and other materials with respect and avoid damaging or marking them.
5. Return books and materials on time: Be considerate of others and return books and materials on or before their due date. This allows others to have access to them and avoids late fees.
6. Keep the library clean: Help maintain a clean and tidy environment by throwing away trash and returning books to their proper shelves. If you notice any spills or messes, inform a staff member so they can address it.
7. Use designated study areas: If you need a quiet space to study, use the designated study areas in the library. Avoid talking or making noise in these areas to respect others' need for a quiet space.
8. Be mindful of personal belongings: Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times. Do not leave them unattended, as the library is a public space and theft can occur.
9. Use the library's resources: Take advantage of the library's resources, such as computers, printers, and databases. These can be valuable tools for research and learning.
10. Be respectful of others: Remember to be respectful and considerate of others in the library. Avoid disruptive behavior and be mindful of those around you.
11. Follow COVID-19 safety guidelines: During the pandemic, it is important to follow the library's safety guidelines, such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. This helps keep everyone safe and healthy.
12. Seek help from library staff: If you need assistance finding a book or using a resource, don't hesitate to ask a library staff member for help. They are there to assist you and make your experience at the library a positive one.

The Jacksonville City Library offers a variety of subscription plans for its patrons. These plans are designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our community members. Below are the details of the subscription plans offered by the library:
1. Basic Plan: This plan is free for all library cardholders and includes access to physical materials such as books, magazines, and DVDs. It also includes access to the library's online resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and databases.
2. Premium Plan: This plan is available for a monthly fee of $10 and includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan. Additionally, it offers access to premium online resources, such as language learning programs, genealogy databases, and test preparation materials.
3. Family Plan: This plan is designed for families and offers access to all the benefits of the Premium Plan for up to four family members. It is available for a monthly fee of $15.
4. Student Plan: This plan is available for students with a valid student ID and offers access to all the benefits of the Premium Plan at a discounted rate of $5 per month.
5. Senior Plan: This plan is available for senior citizens (age 65 and above) and offers access to all the benefits of the Premium Plan at a discounted rate of $5 per month.
6. Business Plan: This plan is designed for small businesses and offers access to all the benefits of the Premium Plan for up to five employees. It is available for a monthly fee of $25.
All subscription plans can be purchased at the library's circulation desk or online through our website. We also offer a 30-day free trial for all our subscription plans. For more information, please visit our website or contact the library staff.

Monday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Sunday: Closed

"Travel to Jacksonville City Library in the United States with ease using public transport options such as buses, trains, and taxis. Plan your route and check schedules for a convenient and affordable journey to access the library's resources and services."