Jacksonville Celebrates Reading Week with Free Book Events

News Summary

Jacksonville is gearing up for its annual Celebrate Reading Week from March 2nd to March 8th, organized by the Jacksonville Public Library. This week-long event will feature activities for children, including free book giveaways, author appearances, and live performances. Families can enjoy events such as cooking classes, a magic show, and a special Family Reading Day to conclude the celebration. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to foster a love of reading in kids and enjoy a wide array of fun activities.

Jacksonville Celebrates Reading Week with Free Books and Fun Events!

Get ready, Jacksonville! The city’s beloved Celebrate Reading Week is just around the corner, running from March 2nd to March 8th. Particularly exciting for children (and the young at heart), this week-long celebration is organized by the Jacksonville Public Library and promises to be packed with activities, special guests, and—wait for it—free books!

What to Expect

As this fantastic week unfolds, there will be a lineup of local and award-winning authors ready to share their stories. Gather around as live children’s entertainers bring beloved book characters to life! Can you just imagine the joy on the kids’ faces when they see their favorite characters? It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.

Book Giveaways Galore!

Starting today, as part of the Children’s Literacy Initiative, kids will be given the gift of reading with free books to build their very own home libraries. And that’s not all! Throughout the week, local libraries will continue distributing books while supplies last. Daily book giveaways will keep the excitement alive until Saturday, March 8th.

Exciting Events Spread Across the Week

Mark your calendars because each day is filled with unique activities. On March 2nd, the Webb Wesconnett Library is hosting a special “Things Parents Need to Know” lab at 4 PM. This informative session will cover everything from early literacy to ways to make reading a lifelong love for your kiddos.

Then on March 3rd, get your little chefs ready for a hands-on cooking event at the San Marco Branch Library. Called Sticky Fingers Cooking School, kids aged 5 to 12 will whip up tasty recipes from their favorite children’s books, starting at 6:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. How scrumptious does that sound?

Meanwhile, the Regency Square Branch will host a Wild Wonders event featuring local and exotic reptiles, giving kids the chance to learn about the natural world through stories, music, and some good old-fashioned humor. It’s a delightful way to wrap up their evening!

Fun for All Ages

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the enchanting show by Dadician, the Family Magician, on March 5th at 4:30 PM. Titled “The Magic of Imagination!”, this performance is all about sparking creativity and showcasing the power of teamwork. A perfect treat as we continue to celebrate reading and learning!

Family Reading Day Marks the Finish Line

The grand finale will take place on March 8th with a spectacular Family Reading Day at the Main Library starting at 9 AM. The morning kicks off with lively entertainment featuring Shana Banana and fun dog puppets at 9:15 AM. To top things off, a Book Character Parade at 10 AM will certainly create lots of delightful memories!

Your little readers won’t want to miss a thing because starting at 11 AM on this special day, children will have the chance to grab even more free books during a lunch giveaway. Plus, the anticipation builds as the first-place winners of the Celebrate Reading Week Book Review Writing Contest are announced! Each winner will receive a $100 cash prize, igniting even more enthusiasm for writing and creativity.

Join the Fun!

To access these amazing events, having a library card is recommended. No worries if you don’t have one yet! It’s easy to sign up either online or at any library help desk. The Jacksonville Public Library is collaborating with several organizations to make this extraordinary week possible, including Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers and Kids Hope Alliance.

So, whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just looking to kindle a new passion for reading in your kids, Jacksonville’s Celebrate Reading Week offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into a week of literary adventures, and remember—reading can be so much fun!

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Additional Resources

• WOKV: Celebrate Reading Week 2025
• Jaguars: Literacy Locker Room
• News4Jax: Jacksonville Library’s Preschool Palooza
• WOKV: River City Readers Winners
• News4Jax: Just the Beginning River City Readers
• Wikipedia: Reading
• Google Search: reading week events
• Google Scholar: literacy programs
• Encyclopedia Britannica: reading
• Google News: celebrate reading week