New Library Opens at Jacksonville's Pace Center for Girls

The Elaine Stallings Library aims to inspire and uplift young women through reading and community.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:05pm

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The Pace Center for Girls in Jacksonville, Florida has opened a new library, the Elaine Stallings Library, funded by the Elaine Stallings Foundation. The library was created by a women-led team and is intended to be a safe space for the girls at the center to learn, read, and connect with each other.

Why it matters

The Pace Center for Girls provides important resources and support for young women in the Jacksonville area, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. The new library is a valuable addition that will foster literacy, community, and personal growth.

The details

The Elaine Stallings Library was created through a collaboration of women, including the designer, construction leadership, and furniture procurement. It is intended to be a safe and inspiring space for the girls at the Pace Center to read, exchange ideas, and build confidence.

  • The Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville opened in 1985.
  • The new Elaine Stallings Library was opened on April 1, 2026.

The players

Elaine Stallings

A lifelong advocate for reading and literacy, whose foundation funded the creation of the new library at the Pace Center for Girls.

Jim Stallings

The husband of Elaine Stallings, who spoke at the library's opening ceremony about his late wife's passion for supporting young women.

Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville

A nonprofit organization that has been serving girls in the Jacksonville area since 1985, providing them with resources, support, and opportunities to learn and grow.

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What they’re saying

“They have to fight. She had to fight. They had to overcome their environment. They needed a chance and support, and that's what I believe the Pace Center represents is a safe place to learn, to start again, and really excel and achieve your dreams.”

— Jim Stallings, Husband of Elaine Stallings

The takeaway

The new Elaine Stallings Library at the Pace Center for Girls in Jacksonville represents a valuable investment in the education, empowerment, and personal growth of young women in the community. By providing a safe and inspiring space for reading, learning, and connection, the library aims to help the girls at the center overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.