Jacksonville Public Library Brings 120+ Authors to Jax Book Fest
Featuring New York Times bestselling authors, local authors, and free activities for readers of all ages
Jacksonville Public Library will bring together 120+ authors and three New York Times bestselling guest authors for Jax Book Fest from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. in Downtown Jacksonville. This free, one-day event invites readers of all ages to meet authors, purchase books, attend Lit Chats with New York Times bestselling authors John Patrick Green, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Emma Straub, and enjoy book-related activities throughout the library.
The day begins with a book giveaway for kids and teens aboard the River City Readers Bookmobile from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. outside the library’s main entrance. Other indoor activities include face painting, book bedazzling, a photo booth, a meet and greet with Mango and Brash from the “InvestiGators” series, a LaVilla student writer showcase, a teen zine-making craft, and more.
“Since 2017, Jax Book Fest has shined a light on Jacksonville’s growing literary community. We have some amazing talent here in Duval County,” said Katie Devanny, manager for adult learning at Jacksonville Public Library. “Librarians are in the business of connecting readers to books and authors they’ll love. At this event, Jax readers have a chance to meet dozens of up-and-coming authors from their own backyard.”
Over 120 local authors will sell and sign books in the Conference Center and throughout the first two floors of the Main Library. The Junior Lit Chat with John Patrick Green begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Teen Lit Chat with Jennifer Lynn Barnes at noon and the Lit Chat Interview with Emma Straub at 3:00 p.m. Book signings will follow each program.
Pre-registration for Lit Chat programs is recommended at jaxlibrary.org/BookFest. A Jacksonville Public Library card is required to preregister. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Books by the featured authors will be available for purchase on-site, and attendees may also bring their own copies to be signed.
Event Details
- What: Jax Book Fest 2026
- When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Where: Main Library, 303 N. Laura St.
- Who: Open to readers of all ages
- Details: jaxlibrary.org/BookFestSchedule
- Cost: Free
Jax Book Fest is made possible, in part, by donations to the Library Foundation of Jacksonville and the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.
Street parking downtown is free on Saturdays. Paid parking is also available in the parking garage at 33 W. Duval St., next to the Main Library. During special events, there is a flat fee and there is no validation. All visitors should enter and exit at 303 N. Laura St.
For more information, the complete event schedule, and frequently asked questions, visit jaxlibrary.org/BookFest.
Featured Author Information
About John Patrick Green
John Patrick Green is the #1 New York Times bestselling writer and artist of the “InvestiGators” middle-grade graphic novel series as well as the early reader graphic novels “Hippopotamister” and the “Kitten Construction Company” duology. He also co-writes the “InvestiGators” spin-off, “Agents of S.U.I.T.,” with writer Christopher Hastings and artist Pat Lewis.
Check-in for the Junior Lit Chat begins at 9:30 a.m., and Green takes the second-floor stage from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a book signing in the Children’s Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Books will be available for sale on-site from San Marco Books and More.
About Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 acclaimed young-adult novels, including “The Inheritance Games” series, “Little White Lies,” “Deadly Little Scandals,” “The Lovely and the Lost,” and “The Naturals” series.
Check-in for the Teen Lit Chat Interview begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Hicks Auditorium. The program begins at noon and includes a 40-minute conversation followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. Barnes will sign one book per person in the Multipurpose Room from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with books available for purchase on-site from San Marco Books and More.
About Emma Straub
Emma Straub is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books for adults: the novels “American Fantasy,” “This Time Tomorrow,” “All Adults Here,” “The Vacationers,” and “Modern Lovers.” She and her husband own Books Are Magic, an independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.
Check-in for the Lit Chat Interview begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Hicks Auditorium. The program begins at 3:00 p.m. and includes a 40-minute conversation with interviewer Hurley Winkler followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. Straub will sign books in the Multipurpose Room from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., with books available for purchase on-site from Happy Medium Books Café.
About Jacksonville Public Library
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).