Duval Times

Mayor Donna Deegan is set to participate in the upcoming Celebrate Reading Week festivities in Jacksonville. The event will feature discussions on her River City Readers program and the city's new reading goal of one million minutes. Deegan expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m beyond excited and encouraged that readers of all ages have responded so enthusiastically to the River City Readers challenge. In just one month they’ve already blown right past the goal we’ve set for the year. I know together we can reach one million minutes.”

The event will take place on March 9, 2024, at the Jacksonville Main Library. Attendees are encouraged to dress as characters from their favorite books and will have the opportunity to pick up free books from Read USA, a River City Readers backpack, lunch, and more. Additionally, popular PBS Kids characters such as Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, and Molly of Denali will make appearances.

The schedule of events includes a Book Character Parade, Jacksonville Zoo Animal Ambassadors, a free lunch distribution, and a Book Review Writing Contest Awards Ceremony. Mayor Deegan is scheduled to speak at 11:30 a.m.

The event promises to be a fun-filled day for all attendees, with activities on the 1st and 2nd floors of the library and various informational tables for parents. Mayor Deegan's presence and the engaging program lineup are sure to make Celebrate Reading Week a memorable and educational experience for the Jacksonville community.