Are You "Bananas About Books"?!
Jacksonville's annual "Celebrate Reading Week" returns March 2-8, 2025, with appearances by local and nationally known authors, live children's entertainers, your favorite book characters, and much more! Don't miss the un-peel-ievably cool party for the whole family at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, March 8. You're sure to have a bunch of fun! You'll also get to check out Mayor Deegan's new River City Readers Bookmobile, pick up a free book (and free lunch) and learn more about all of ways Jacksonville supports literacy and families.
Jacksonville Public Library, the City of Jacksonville, Mayor Deegan's River City Readers and our partners at Kids Hope Alliance, Early Learning Coalition of Duval, Read Jax, READ USA, and the Library Foundation of Jacksonville have put together a bold series of programs and events at libraries and locations across Jacksonville - all to help you foster a love of reading in your family!
# Family Reading Day Celebration
Celebrate Reading Week ends on Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with a big "Family Reading Day" celebration at the Main Library (303 N. Laura St.). Sing along with Shana Banana and her dog puppets, Hal and Henson, at 9:15 a.m. in a wholesome and entertaining performance you're sure to "go bananas" about. Don't forget to come dressed as your favorite book character! After the show, Shana Banana will lead everyone in a Book Character Parade through the Library at 10 a.m.!
Before you split: Kids get a FREE book and lunch (while supplies last)!
Also featuring:
- River City Readers Bookmobile
- Curious George Meet and Greet
- Biscuit, the Little Yellow Puppy
- Third Annual VPK Art Showcase
- Balloon artists, face painters and more!
Family Reading Day is a FREE event (no registration required) but library cards are recommended. If you do not have a library card, you can apply online in as little as two minutes or visit the help desk on the first floor when you get to the library.
Other Scheduled events:
- Books, Blocks and Balls (Developmental Screenings)
- Junior Lit Chat with local author Heather Duke
- New Worlds Reading Literacy Workshop (for parents)
- Little Readers Storytime
- 11-11:30 a.m. (no registration required)
- Terry Children's Theatre
- Junior Lit Chat with award-winning author Heather Marie
- Family Literacy Workshop (with READ USA)
- 11:30 - 12 p.m. (no registration required)
- Building vocabulary for students in grades 3-6
- Junior Lit Chat with award-winning local author PeTika Tave