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 i

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 i

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 i

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

• City of Jacksonville announcement
• Jacksonville Public Library Jax Book Fest page