Jacksonville prepares for September 19 Jax Book Fest with more than 120 authors
Jacksonville Public Library is preparing for Jax Book Fest 2026, a free literary festival scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at the Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. in Downtown Jacksonville.
The festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to readers of all ages. More than 120 local authors will showcase, sell and sign books throughout the library, giving visitors a chance to meet Jacksonville-area writers and browse their work.
Featured author schedule
The festival’s featured New York Times bestselling guests are John Patrick Green, Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Emma Straub.
Green’s Junior Lit Chat is scheduled for 10 to 10:30 a.m. on the second-floor stage, followed by a signing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Library. Barnes will lead the Teen Lit Chat from noon to 1 p.m. in Hicks Auditorium, followed by a signing from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
Straub’s Lit Chat interview is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. in Hicks Auditorium, with her book signing from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The signing extends beyond the festival’s general 4 p.m. closing time.
Pre-registration is recommended for the Lit Chat programs because seating is limited, and a Jacksonville Public Library card is required to preregister. Walk-ins may be seated if space remains. A library card is not required to attend the free festival or its general activities.
Activities for children, families and teens
The River City Readers Bookmobile will distribute books to youth and teens from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. outside the library’s main entrance. Other activities include face painting, book-related crafts, a photo booth, an InvestiGators mystery and appearances by Mango and Brash.
Teen programming includes a LaVilla Student Writer Showcase from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and a make-your-own-zine activity from noon to 3 p.m. Local-author and vendor tables will be available during the day throughout the Main Library.
Parking and arrival information
Street parking downtown is free on Saturdays, according to the city and library. Paid parking is available in the garage at 33 W. Duval St., next to the Main Library; special-event parking uses a flat fee and does not include validation.
Visitors should enter and exit at 303 N. Laura St. Readers planning to attend a featured Lit Chat should review the schedule and registration information before arriving because walk-in seating depends on remaining capacity.
Sources
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