Saturday in central Jacksonville could be abit boring but when waiting for MOCA to open we strolled into the Central library in Jacksonville and were amazed by the artwork, the incredible collection including the history of the city and the dedication to young people's learning. The staff was incredible helping us tour the place and clearly proud of a library that is a credit to the city.

First time coming here after dropping off the SO at the airport and needed to catch up studying on a certification. First, one has to park across the street in a garage which cost me $7 after 2 hours. I got to the library roamed about and marveled at its “big city” library vibe, modern and sophisticated in design etc. It wasn’t busy and there were assorted school groups passing thru. So far so good. I sat down to work then the occasional wailing and thumping on table became a distraction but I thought a few homeless sorts were here for sure. Then this guy got arrested right behind me while I was sitting in a carrel. There were more than a few folks not well and unkempt there. Honestly the city needs to find a way to fix this, as these folks are not contributing anyway to the library system as it becomes more a daycare or day shelter for the homeless. It was disappointing to say the least. I feel for the staff and the tax payer. Hope it eventually gets resolved. Maybe it could be a school annex one day, seems like folks aren’t reading the paper much these days anyhow.

The Jax Main Library is not only beautiful to behold, but it is also the ideal place to find a quiet spot and read or study. The children's department is beautifully decorated with thoughtful staff. Right now they only have the first two floors open and temperature checks, masks, and a form are required for entry.

I was wondering around the Jacksonville Library waiting for the MOCA to open and what was nice is that the museum had so much to offer in ways of reading rooms, lectures, movies and a really nice children's library. There were various floors dedicated to different genres of books and each had their own reading room. The place is huge and even has a garden you can sit out and relax in on the second floor. The Children's Library is unique in that you enter through a small jungle set up with sound effects and it almost looks like a Children's bookstore with the displays of books and seating for the kids. They also have a series of lectures during certain times of the week on the history of Jacksonville and of the film industry when it was here for the summers. The only problem was that the homeless population was using the bathrooms and sitting all over the place. They won't harass you but it is a little intimidating at times when you have to use the Men's room or walk around the first floor. Still it is a huge library with a lot to offer and see.

The library staff were so helpful. A young man on the second floor helped me procure a room to study in, but then I went downstairs and found the chess corner! A lot of good games to be had there!