Celebrate Reading Week 2026: Reading is Magic

Jacksonville's annual Celebrate Reading Week returns April 19-25. This year's theme is Reading is Magic because, well, reading is magic! It helps children develop empathy, emotional regulation, language skills, vocabulary, and general knowledge. Plus, reading together creates connection between parent and child, and the physical contact boosts the brain's receptivity to learning.

The week ends with a big Family Reading Day celebration at Main Library but the fun starts at your local library with storytimes and other programs and activities designed to get your kids excited about reading!

Celebrate Reading Week Programs & Events

• Dragons Love Tacos Storytime
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 23
  • Brentwood Branch, 3725 N. Pearl St.
• Family Reading and Craft Day
  • 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24
  • Willow Branch, 2875 Park St.
  • Sponsored by the Friends of the Willow Branch Library
• Family Reading Day: Reading Is Magic
  • 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25
  • Main Library, 303 N. Laura St.
• Speak Up Jax: Youth Poetry Slam (ages 13-18)
  • 2 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25
  • Main Library, 303 N. Laura St.
  • Part of Hope at Hand's Jax Poetry Fest

Find more youth programs on our events calendar.

Family Reading Day

Every year, Main Library throws a big party for young readers and their families. This year, we're inviting children (ages 0-8) to discover the wonder of stories through books, art, and performance. At this enchanting celebration, you'll meet a magician, a children's book author whose work illustrates that every word holds a world of adventure, and your favorite book characters—stepping off the page and into a parade! This is a free event, but library cards are recommended.

Free Book & Lunch for Kids

All kids get a free book for their home library (while supplies last)! 

Just be sure to stop by the River City Readers Bookmobile out front on your way in. Lunch Giveaway begins at 12 p.m. in the Lounge at 303 North, just inside the entrance to the Main Library. Parents are also encouraged to talk to our community partners, who will set up tables and offer games or other activities. Some will also be giving away books (and other items). 

Featured Author:

Meet award-winning author Oge Mora and get a free copy of her book, Saturday. A collage artist and a storyteller, she is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together. Her first picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her latest book is called More or Less.

Guests of honor: The four first-place winners of the Book Review Writing Contest will be announced at 10:30 a.m. on the Main Stage where they will receive their $100 cash prize.

Also Featuring:

• River City Readers Bookmobile
• Meet and Greets with 
  • Mother Bruce
  • Pete the Cat
  • Dragon from Dragons Love Tacos
• Balloon Artists and Face Painters
• VPK Art Showcase 

Scheduled Events: 

• Bookmobile Book Giveaway
  • 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Parked outside, on Laura St.
• Books, Blocks, and Balls (Developmental Screenings)
  • 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
  • Children's Room, Manatee Area
• Book League Storytime Adventures
  • Reading Dragons Love Tacos, Mother Bruce and Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie
  • 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
  • Courtyard (just outside the Children's Room)
• Junior Lit Chat with award-winning author Oge Mora
  • 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. - Register to attend
  • Main Stage, 2nd Floor
• Book Character Parade and Awards
  • 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Main Stage, 2nd Floor
• 'Dadician' the Magician
  • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Main Stage, 2nd Floor
• Lunch Giveaway (provided by Ferst Readers)
  • 12 - 12:30 p.m. (while supplies last)
  • Lounge at 303 North, 1st Floor

Other Events/Activities:

• Pete's Groovy Dance Party
• Family Activities
• Family Board Games