Beyond the Book: Stories. Ideas. Conversations.

The conversation doesn’t end when the last page is turned.

The JAX Urban Book Festival is excited to introduce Beyond the Book: Stories. Ideas. Conversations., a new year-round virtual series designed to bring authors, readers, writers, thought leaders, and the community together for meaningful conversations that extend beyond the annual festival.

Launching Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and held virtually on the third Wednesday of each month, Beyond the Book expands the JAX Urban Book Festival experience by creating an ongoing space to explore the stories we tell, the ideas that shape us, and the conversations that connect our communities.

Each month will offer a new opportunity to learn, connect, explore, and engage. As the series grows, programming will encompass a variety of topics and formats, including:

• 📚 Author Interviews – Go beyond the pages with conversations about authors’ books, inspirations, experiences, and creative journeys.
• 🏛️ Historical Discussions – Explore the people, events, movements, and stories that have shaped our communities and culture.
• 📖 Book Clubs – Read together and participate in engaging conversations about selected books, themes, and perspectives.
• ✍️ Writing Workshops – Gain practical tools, techniques, and inspiration for developing your craft and bringing your stories to life.
• 💬 Community Dialogues – Engage in thoughtful conversations about issues, ideas, culture, and experiences that matter to our communities.

Whether you’re an avid reader, published author, aspiring writer, history enthusiast, lifelong learner, or simply someone who enjoys a great conversation, Beyond the Book is a space for you.

2026
October 21 • November 18 • December 16

2027
January 20 • February 17 • March 17 • April 21 • May 19 • June 16 • July 21 • August 18 • September 15 • October 20 • November 17 • December 15

Program topics, featured authors, speakers, and registration information will be announced for each session.

Books can entertain us, educate us, challenge our thinking, preserve our history, and inspire change. Beyond the Book: Stories. Ideas. Conversations. creates a place to continue those conversations throughout the year.

REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING SESSION

Check back regularly as we announce featured authors, books, discussion topics, workshops, and special guests.

Are you an author, writer, historian, educator, book club leader, community organization, or subject-matter expert with a story, idea, or conversation to share? We welcome opportunities to identify future speakers, facilitators, books, and topics as the series continues to grow.

Connect with the JAX Urban Book Festival to learn more about participating in a future program.

Stories spark ideas. Ideas inspire conversations. Conversations connect communities. Let’s go Beyond the Book.