By Jeremy Yates
Spend more time reading in 2026. Jax Stacks, the library’s year-round reading challenge for adults, is back for its fifth year.
As always, there are 16 challenge categories to choose from, including “A book read by a Library Book Club in 2026.” Participants choose the 12 categories that interest them from the list and start reading books that fit those challenges.
Prizes are available for those who read 12 books by Dec. 31, 2026. Even if you aren’t interested in a Jax Stacks mug or tote for yourself, the library branch with the most completed bookmarks gets bragging rights. Pick up a tracker bookmark and log your reading. Find challenge categories and rules at jaxlibrary.org/jaxstacks.
Looking for a reading challenge for kids? Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers is an ongoing, citywide literacy challenge for school-aged children. To participate, download the free Beanstack app. For instructions on signing up or logging reading minutes, visit jacksonville.gov/rivercityreaders.
Families with infants or toddlers ages birth to 5 can also make friends and read great books through the Little Readers program. The sessions include stories, music and movement. Storytimes run weekly from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays and 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Thursdays at South Mandarin Library. Alternatively, visitors can attend at 10:15 or 11 a.m. on Fridays at the Mandarin Library.
For older kids, writer and illustrator Michael Regina will visit the South Mandarin Library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, to chat about his new graphic novel, “Deepwater Creek.” A limited number of copies will be given away to registered attendees ages 5 to 12. Sign up at jaxlibrary.org/litchat.
Youth ages 9 and older are invited to join in at 4 p.m. Mondays at the Mandarin Library for fun with games, movies and books. Coming up this month are activities inspired by “Artemis Fowl” on Jan. 5, “Sonic the Hedgehog” on Jan. 12 and “Naruto” on Jan. 26.
Those interested in technology can explore the latest tech and complete fun challenges during “Turn Up for Tech” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at South Mandarin Library. Attendees can drop in and interact with everything from robots to circuits, animation and coding.
Please note that all Jacksonville Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Add these activities and more to your calendar at jaxlibrary.org/events.
