African-American Collection

(From top left) - Eartha M.M. White, Sheriff Nathaniel Glover, Marcus Roberts, Dr. Johnetta Cole, Boy Scout Troop 51, James Weldon Johnson, MaVynee Betsch

Welcome to the African-American Collection!

The African American Collection is a reference collection of materials highlighting the cultural life and contributions of people of African descent in Jacksonville, in Florida, in the United States, and in the world. It contains materials that highlight the historical, social, civic, religious, economic, and cultural life of African Americans. The collection is new to the Jacksonville Public Library, debuting in the Main Library in November 2005.

This emerging collection contains books, microfilm, microfiche, periodicals, and more than 1700 subject and biography files. Unique resources in the collection include photographs, personal papers and primary source materials of notable individuals and organizations in Jacksonville's African American community. These unique resources have been scanned and digitized to increase accessibility and to preserve and extend the lifespan of fragile materials. They are available in the library's Digital Library Collection.

Located on the fourth floor of the Main Library, this collection is open for use during regular library hours. The materials may not be checked out and are not available through Interlibrary Loan.

We accept donations of photographs, books, personal papers and other primary source materials that document the African American experience in Jacksonville, Florida.

For more information please call (904) 630-2960.