October 4, 2025

Mayor Deegan Launches River City Readers Bookmobile

News Summary

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has launched the River City Readers Bookmobile at the North Florida School of Special Education. This initiative aims to improve literacy rates by providing access to books for families in Jacksonville. During the event, Mayor Deegan read to students, encouraging a love for reading. The Horse-Powered Reading program, known for its innovative approach, has shown positive results in enhancing confidence among students. The bookmobile serves as a vital resource in making reading materials more accessible, supporting the city’s commitment to literacy and education.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has launched the River City Readers Bookmobile at the North Florida School of Special Education, marking its first visit to the institution. This initiative is part of a broader citywide program aimed at enhancing literacy rates and ensuring access to books for every family in Jacksonville.

During the special event, Mayor Deegan engaged students by reading to them before they ventured onto the bookmobile to select their own books. The mayor articulated her vision of fostering a love for reading among every child in Jacksonville, emphasizing the connection between reading and future success.

The North Florida School of Special Education is renowned for its innovative Horse-Powered Reading program. This unique approach allows students to interact with miniature horses while engaging in literacy exercises, steering away from traditional desk-based reading. The program aims to alleviate the pressures typically found in a classroom setting, thereby allowing students to connect more deeply with stories and texts.

According to reports from teachers and staff, the Horse-Powered Reading program has significantly transformed the confidence of students. For example, a 17-year-old student named Ben Brown, who has Down syndrome, has shown remarkable improvement in his attitude towards reading. Previously anxious about reading, he now enthusiastically practices his literacy skills with the horses, reflecting the positive impact of the program.

Mayor Deegan identified both the bookmobile and the Horse-Powered Reading initiative as effective examples of innovative methods to cultivate a lasting interest in reading. Although the Horse-Powered Reading program is exclusive to the North Florida School of Special Education, the school also offers therapeutic riding classes, which are available to the public.

The River City Readers Bookmobile aims to reach wider audiences, helping to break down barriers to book access in the community. This new mobile library service seeks to ensure that a wealth of reading materials is within reach of all families in Jacksonville, supporting the developmental need for literacy in young children.

The partnership between the city and the North Florida School of Special Education exemplifies a collective effort toward fostering educational initiatives that prioritize individual student needs and innovative teaching methods. Increasing reading proficiency is not only a goal for immediate academic performance but is also essential for fostering self-confidence and a love of learning that can last a lifetime.

Overall, the launch of the River City Readers Bookmobile represents a significant commitment to enhancing literacy among Jacksonville’s youth. Through creative programs like Horse-Powered Reading and the accessibility of mobile libraries, the city aims to inspire future generations to engage with books and develop critical literacy skills.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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