# Fun Shows, Hands-On Activities, Free Books & More!
Follow along for a summer of reading, learning, and fun at your Jacksonville Public Library! Join us at your favorite library location or from home starting June 3 through August 3. Residents of all ages will be able to take part in fun and educational programs, weekly drop-in activities, reading and other book-related challenges, scavenger hunts, and more! It's all 100% FREE, all summer long!
# Get Your Summer Prize Books (While Supplies Last)!
Get your FREE summer prize book at a Drop-In Summer Kick-Off Party, happening at all 21 library locations between June 3 - 8. Thanks to Tenikka's Books for Kids annual book drive as well as generous donations from the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and others, kids will be able to choose between everything from board books and picture books for the littlest readers to chapter books and graphic novels for elementary-age kids, middle-grade readers, and teens! Don't miss it!
These celebrations will also include fun activities and other giveaways.
# Find Programs, Activities, and Resources For Your Age Group:
# Want an Extra Challenge (and the Chance to Win More Prizes)?
Pick up a Bingo Card or Summer Passport at your Library anytime during the summer. Then, check off a square or add an activity badge for things like checking out an e-book, attending a program, or getting a book recommendation from a librarian! Return your completed Bingo Cards and Summer Passports (before July 27) for fun prizes and incentives.
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# Your Library is Your New Favorite Performance Venue
Is there anything more magical than getting lost in a good book? Well, maybe an actual magician! Live from the Library brings engaging and educational performers – including musicians, animal handlers, dancers, and yes, even magicians! – to showcase their talents to children ages 5 to 12 and their families. Note: This year's Live from the Library schedule goes live in mid-May.
# Literacy Does Not Take a Summer Break
We know the importance of reading and how it can set children on the path to success. Studies show that kids can lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break without opportunities to maintain some basic literacy skills.
That is why Jacksonville Public Library is a proud member of ReadJax, a community effort to improve third-grade reading outcomes. We’ve also adopted the slogan "Twenty Minutes a Day Paves the Way" because research has shown that reading (and being read to) just 20 minutes a day can:
- Provide time for parents and caregivers to bond with children
- Expose children to as many 1.8 million words per year
- Help students reach the 90th percentile on standardized tests
- Prepare pre-kindergartners for school
Throughout the summer, you'll find great, themed books on display and hear amazing stories of adventure at storytimes and other library programs (for all ages)! You'll also find great book recommendations and reading-related challenges when you download Beanstack and sign up for Mayor Deegan's River City Readers citywide literacy challenge!
# Join the Mayor's Reading Challenge
With the Beanstack app, it's easier than ever before to keep track of your reading. All you have to do is read at least 20 minutes per day and log those reading minutes online. You'll be awarded digital badges for logging multiple days in a row and for completing other reading-related activities. At the end of the year, the city’s top young readers will be given prizes!
# Getting Started
- Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Download and open the Beanstack Tracker app.
- Choose At my library, school or bookstore.
- Using the Find a Site search bar, type Jax Library or River City Readers
- Select Jax Library River City Readers (FL).
# Early Literacy
JaxKids Book Club provides free books for all Duval County preschoolers that families can keep and use at home to build early literacy skills and foster a love of reading. In the pages of these colorful books, children will find familiar landmarks and locations around Jacksonville, while also developing the skills necessary to ensure they become strong readers. If your four-year-old rising kindergartener did not receive their JaxKids Book Club backpack at a Voluntary Pre-K Center, pick one up at your local library this summer. You can also reach out at JaxKidsBookClub@coj.net.
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# Want More Book Recommendations?
If you don't have time to browse, you can always:
- Request a Personalized Booklist from Library staff
- Get the hottest titles in your favorite genres sent right to your inbox with The Book Hookup
- For adults, we're continuing our Jax Stacks year-round reading challenge!
# Sign Up for Newsletters & At-Home Activities
Looking for more ideas? Enroll in Library Academy!
Not only will you get reminders about upcoming library programs but you'll also receive age-appropriate book recommendations and tips for talking about books. Plus, there are fun craft ideas, games and other at-home activities that you can do as a family.