Little boy sitting reading a book about the dentist.

Overview Of The Jacksonville Public Library

If you’re looking for a great place to go to get your children ready for their pediatric dental appointment with Farnham Dentistry, the Jacksonville Public Library may just be the spot.

The library contains many children’s books on oral health care, dental visits, and more.

Reading a book about a child’s visit to the dentist is a great way of dealing with dental anxiety and preparing them for their up coming visit.

Children’s books are also a great way to teach your child about the basics of a consistent oral healthcare routine and the importance of keeping their mouth healthy.

Below you’ll find more information about the Jacksonville Library.

A Brief History

The Jacksonville public library was started in 1878 by Florence Murphy and May Moore. Its original name was the “Jacksonville Library and Literary Association”, but it was later shortened to “Jacksonville Library Association” in 1883. Since its founding, it has inspired many famous and well-known Jacksonville residents while still remaining true to its original intention of providing an outlet for book lovers to check out books and enjoy the reading room.

The original building consisted of a one-story facade that had a steep pitched roof and contained one small entrance facing Adams Street. In 1894, this building was promptly replaced and the Board of Trade and Elks Club building was shared with the public library. Located originally on the corner of Main and Adams, the library stood until May of 1901, when a fire destroyed it.

Fortunately, the library was not without a building for long. In 1902, a man by the name of Andrew Carnegie offered a $50,000 donation to help relocate the library and provided yearly funding of up to $5,000 for support. The city found the perfect building site for the library, and in 1903, construction started and ended in 1905, when the library officially opened to the public. The Jacksonville Public Library was the first tax-supported library in the state. Public support was so vast that the library quickly outgrew itself, and by the 1920’s, the building as it is seen today emerged.

Throughout the decades, public interest in public libraries have waxed and waned. In 2005, for example, a new Main Library was opened and it offers many specialized reading rooms, computer access, and thousands of book collections.

Programs For Young Kids At The Public Library

The Jacksonville Public Library regularly adds new books and media into circulation while offering plenty of events and programs for young children and parents alike. For example, the Library Academy program offers different age groups engaging learning activities that allow parents to participate in with their kids. This program starts out with an enriching book along with plenty of activities and a hands-on library experience! Parents will find that through this program, children learn to love reading and it is all done from the comfort of home.

The Jax Stacks Reading Challenge is a fun way to kick off 2022, and everyone can participate! Staff have handpicked 16 categories of books to read, and participants have to finish 12 out of 16 book categories by the end of the year. It is both a challenge and a fun way to broaden horizons through reading.

The digital library offers plenty of teaching and learning opportunities. The Jacksonville Public Library has partnered with Kanopy, Hoopla, Libby, and LinkedIn Learning to offer movie streaming, book downloads, and digital magazines.

Parents Love The Library And Here’s Why!

The library offers a great way for parents to help instill a love of reading in young children. With hands-on learning experiences and many cultural events scheduled, they provide an outlet for exploration.

Books open minds and offer insight into the world, and it all starts at a young age. Libraries teach the importance of researching and allow kids to develop life skills they will use in adulthood. More importantly, they teach the importance of tolerance.

Though libraries mainly house books, there are also many programs available to parents. They help children learn, socialize, participate in crafts, and enjoy other forms of expression.

Little girl searching the library for a book about the dentist

7 Benefits Of Public Libraries For Your Children

1. Introduce your children to a love of reading

One of the most important benefits of public libraries is that they introduce children to a love of reading. In a world where screens are everywhere, it’s more important than ever to encourage kids to read. Libraries provide a safe and welcoming place for kids to explore books and develop a love of reading.

2. Provide a safe and welcoming place for your children to explore and learn

Libraries provide a safe and welcoming place for kids to explore and learn. They offer a variety of resources and programs that help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Expose your children to new and different people and cultures

Libraries expose children to new and different people and cultures. They offer a variety of resources and programs that help children learn about other cultures and develop tolerance and understanding.

4. Teach your children how to use and appreciate technology

In today’s world, it’s important for children to learn how to use and appreciate technology. Libraries offer a variety of resources and programs that teach children how to use technology safely and effectively.

5. Help your children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Libraries help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They offer a variety of resources and programs that challenge children to think critically and solve problems.

6. Inspire your children’s creativity and imagination

Libraries inspire children’s creativity and imagination. They offer a variety of resources and programs that encourage children to be creative and use their imaginations.

7. Instill in your children a love of learning

Libraries instill in children a love of learning. They offer a variety of resources and programs that encourage children to explore and learn about the world around them.

The Library Is A Community Hub

The library is a community hub. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, explore, and connect. Libraries offer a variety of resources and programs that benefit the whole community. While places like the Museum of Science and History provide a more “hands on” educational experience, it’s hard to beat the learning potential that the library offers.

The Library Offers Something For Everyone

Libraries offer something for everyone. They are places of learning, discovery, and connection. Whether you’re looking for a place to read, study, or explore, there’s a library for you.

The Library Is Always Evolving

Libraries are always evolving. They are constantly adding new resources and programs to meet the needs of their communities. Libraries are places of learning, discovery, and connection. They offer something for everyone.

Closest Library to Farnham Dentistry

If you’re looking for the closest library to our dental office, you’ll want to visit the South Mandarin Branch Library at 12125 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Jacksonville Public Library was last modified: July 27th, 2022 by Farnham Dentistry