Author: Lana Breazeale, JFOL President
Jacksonville Public Library is located at 340 West C Street in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Friends of the Library is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to supporting lifelong learning through reading, education, community, and events and programs supported by donations, contributions, and memberships.
The Jacksonville Library was previously located in the Historic Brunner Building on South Oregon Street. The small building was the oldest library building in Jackson County, built before Abe Lincoln was born. Jacksonville was a growing community and rapidly outgrew its walls.
Jacksonville Friends of the Library was formed in late 1999 or early 2000 by a group of dedicated residents and friends of the community with the goal of supporting and funding enhancements for a new Library to be located on the property located behind the Jacksonville Post Office.
The Library you see and use today is the result of those dedicated and generous people. Through used book sales, raffles, teas, movie nights, selling donor bricks for the patio, donations and grants, funds were raised to pay for books, shelving, computers, the mining sculpture and much, much more.
The Friends of today are of the same mindset. We still raise funds through memberships, donations, and contributions but also hold our annual “Wrap It Up” winter wrap event every December near the holidays. We sponsor the “Book Nook” with quality used books for sale by donation. All events are donor driven. We are always looking for new and creative ways to raise funds.
The Friends organized and hosted the 20 year anniversary of the Jacksonville Library on September 23, 2023. Historic photos, newspaper articles, and a video of the time period were on display for an enthusiastic crowd.
The Friends support many activities at the Library. In the summer months, we provide funds for the adult and children’s reading programs for books and prizes. We sponsor concerts and programs in conjunction with Jackson County Library Services (JCLS). We recently purchased a new train table for the children’s area. We also provide magnets featuring the Library hours, bookmarks, a newsletter, and supplement the branch manager’s budget for programing.
Library cards are free to Jackson County residents and are a key to books, videos, CDs, audiobooks, eBooks, and more. JCLS has a great loan program called Library Of Things with items like an air fryer, tools, camping equipment, musical instruments, etc. The library also offers a children’s play area and computer and technology advice by appointment. The Community Meeting Room is a perfect spot to reserve for events.
The Summer Reading program is right around the corner. Read books, attend events, share your progress, and win prizes. It’s simple and fun for all ages. The theme is Read, Renew, Repeat. Learn more at jcls.org
Interested in becoming a Friend? Friends membership forms are available at the Library.
Lana Breazeale, President, JFOL
Some Upcoming events at the Jacksonville Library:
Password Management
Learn best practices for establishing strong and secure passwords and how to best manage and track the passwords you will accumulate over time.
6/7 – 2:30pm-3:30pm
Community Meeting Room, Jacksonville Library
A Conversation With Authors Maisey Yates and Megan Crane
Local, ultra-successful authors (and friends!) talk publishing, the craft of writing, pen names and more!
6/15 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Community Meeting Room, Jacksonville Library
Preparing Your Digital Estate Plan
Have you ever wondered what happens to your digital accounts after death? Or how your loved ones will get access to those accounts to save precious data, such as photos and videos? Or how they would close them after you pass on? This program will help you, and your loved ones, take practical steps to prepare your digital legacy.
7/2 – 2:30-3:30pm
Community Meeting Room, Jacksonville Library
Babies and Wobblers (0-36 months) Storytime
The Babies and Wobblers program is a storytime tailored to smaller groups.
Fridays, 10:30 – 11:00 am
Community Meeting Room, Jacksonville Library
Preschool (3-5 years) Storytime
Bring your preschoolers (ages 3-5) to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and fun at the library. A great opportunity to encourage an interest in books and reading and help young children develop important socialization skills.
Wednesdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Community Meeting Room, Jacksonville Library
I’m an experienced volunteer tutor with Project Read in both ESL and Citizenship prep. I began at the main public library in San Mateo, CA, before moving to Jacksonville three years ago. I’ve continued to tutor by Zoom and Facetime since then.
I’ve contacted the Medford, Jacksonville, and Ruch libraries about tutoring locally. I’ve yet to get a response to my offer. It seems there must be a need. Perhaps you can help?
Thanks,
Tim Berndt
(541) 702-2381 home
Hello Tim,
I’m going to forward your inquiry to Kat Gore who works in the library system and has been a volunteer with us. We don’t have any school tutoring programs going here at the Jville Comm. Center but she might know who to talk to. Also – I would image there might be something at the school sites themselves.
Thanks for contacting us. Sorry for the late reply. I didn’t see your message come in until today.
Warmly,
Julie Raefield