2024 Festival

2024 Event Summary

JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival XI, held on November 8–9, 2024, at the Jacksonville Public Library, showcased a vibrant celebration of local literary talent. The two-day event opened with readings by acclaimed authors Jennifer Chase and Michael Wiley, followed by a community open mic. Saturday featured panel-style readings from established and emerging Jacksonville writers across fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and memoir, as well as a student showcase honoring young talent with the Dr. James Robert Cobb Student Writer Awards. Attendees enjoyed readings, book signings, and interactive discussions with local literary voices across multiple library venues.

Event Highlights

The 2024 JaxbyJax Festival brought together Jacksonville’s literary community for two dynamic days of readings, student awards, and writer meet-and-greets.

  • Opening Night Readings: Jennifer Chase and Michael Wiley launched the event with readings and Q&As in the Main Auditorium.
  • Open Mic: Community voices took the stage Friday night.
  • Student Showcase: Talented students from DA, FSCJ, and UNF shared award-winning work.
  • Writer Sessions: Over 30 Jacksonville-based writers read across poetry, prose, memoir, and nonfiction.
  • Featured Keynote: Tia Levings concluded the festival with a reading and signing of her memoir Rockhounds.

Featured Participants

  • Jenny Noble Anderson
  • Tricia Booker
  • Maxwell Carrillo
  • Rebecca Craig
  • Shutta Crum
  • Bill Delaney
  • Jim Draper
  • Sohrab Homi Fracis
  • Tim Gilmore
  • James Greene
  • Abel Harding
  • Lynn Skapyak Harlin
  • Andrea LeDew
  • Dimitri McCloghry
  • Phoebe Mullins
  • Victoria Nations
  • Princess Simpson Rashid
  • Heather Stafford
  • Damon Thomas
  • Schynell Walker
  • Michael Walsh
  • Jeff Whipple
  • Nicole Zwolinski
  • Jennifer Chase
  • Michael Wiley
  • Tia Levings

November 8 & 9, 2024

Jacksonville Public Library​ 32202

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