Jacksonville Public Library - South Mandarin Branch

Love this library. There's a separate enclosed teen and youth area. The youth area has a little play area. Various rooms if you need quiet or a meeting space. Summer reading programs have been a huge hit with my kiddos. Last year they logged the number of books they read weekly for a chance to spin the wheel for prizes which ranged from MCDonalds nuggets to pencils, tattoos and your random kid-type trinkets (think Chunky Cheese type prizes). This year, they log "reading minutes" instead of number of books which makes sense when you have chapter book readers. In addition, each kid also receives a weekly entry for a raffle to win an overall "grand prize" at the end of summer which ranges from beach buckets filled with goodies, slime kits, mermaids paraphernalia, etc. There's also various activities throughout the summer although the these event times don't really align nicely for working parents. (Boo!) Last year their weekly LEGO program was around 7pm-ish on Wednesdays but this year they all seem to be scheduled way earlier around 3pm :( [insert thumbs down emoji]. However, I will stay that the number of attendees to the LEGO-Bricks program was very limited last year so hopefully the new, earlier time translates to more participants for them. Anyway, below are few of the summer programs if those times do happen align nicely to your summer schedule: - Tech rocks. 6 week program featuring a new gadget, game or gizmo (robotics, AI, 3D pens, circuits and lasers)- Guitar lesson - Jazz - Books & Bricks (Bricks = Legos) - Intro to improv for teens- Caricature & 3D drawing All staff members I've ever interacted with have always been very friendly and helpful. Too bad they aren't open on Sundays.Tips: Search for any books online and have it transferred to the branch closest to you. You'll receive a message when your book(s) are available for pick-up. This is a very convenient way to check off summer reading books.

What a nice library! I am so happy I went outside of my usual San Marco side of town and checked out the South Mandarin area. I had to run few errands in this area, and saw this library and decided to pop in and check out the selection. The South Mandarin Branch is bright, spacious, open and has a very large selections of books, CDs/DVDs and magazines. I love that there is a children, room, teen space, computer labs and just quiet study areas. The librarians are so friendly and helpful. They even suggested that I check out their new language learning apps. I didn't know this service was available.

We have a play date at the park but Mother Nature decide we will be at the library instead but I was actually impress how nice is it's and love is so many kids to play!

This location is visually very beautiful to begin with so its easy to be at peace. The staff is very knowledgable and willing to help. Bathrooms and rooms are always clean and organized. Also, a lot of free info in the lobby such as Folio Weekly, bus schedules, library clubs and general info, and may others. This is in my opinion the best location besides the beautiful Downtown branch!

Clean. Quiet. Organised. Good selection of books. The perfect place to study with many tables and a good amount of space. Electric outlets available everywhere. Many computers and laptops to check out. Nice and open layout with bright lighting.

Like how nice and quaint it is. It is small but service is great. Lay out us perfectly placed.

People in the childrens section are rude here. They should NOT be working in the childrens section. They have no clue what children entail. Children will be children. They move chairs around. Take out books, talk loud, laugh out loud. Argue with their siblings. All we received were purposed dirty looks. What I mean by purposed is that one lady made sure I saw her while she was giving my daughter a dirty look. Shame!!