All Aboard, River City Readers!
As Mayor Donna Deegan’s River City Readers citywide, all-ages literacy challenge prepares to embark on its third year (and beyond), Mayor Deegan, Kids Hope Alliance, Jacksonville Public Library and literacy advocates from across the Duval County are driving its message of literacy and a love of reading into every neighborhood in Duval County.
A Library On Wheels
Stepping into the Bookmobile is a lot like walking into a branch of the Jacksonville Public Library. The difference is, instead of you traveling to us, we show up where you are! While your family is on board at one of our "Bookmobile Library" stops, you can:
- Sign up for a free Jacksonville Public Library card
- Ask the librarians to help you choose the perfect book for your child to borrow
At some "Special Event" stops, you'll even be able to pick out a book to keep (and add to your home library). Look for the new River City Readers Bookmobile at Library and community events near you.
The Bookmobile's schedule is subject to change. This schedule is temporary and may be adjusted based on community needs and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a "Bookmobile Library" stop and a "Special Event" stop?
- At a Bookmobile Library stop, customers can board the Bookmobile to borrow books to read with their families. These books can be returned directly to the Bookmobile (at a future stop) or to any Jacksonville Public Library location.
- At a Special Event stop, youth will be able to select one free book to keep and add to their home library (while supplies last).
- At both types of stops, staff can provide recommendations on library services and sign customers up for library cards.
What type of library books are available at a Bookmobile Library stop?
How do I return books checked out at a Bookmobile Library stop?
Visit us at a future Bookmobile stop or at any of our 21 public library locations.
What accessibility features does the Bookmobile have?
Join the River City Readers Challenge
Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers is a Duval County-wide literacy challenge which launched in 2024. That first year, hundreds of students and adults signed up, collectively reading nearly three million minutes and logging them on the Beanstack tracker app!
Participation is simple: Children and their caregivers are asked to log their reading minutes every day, with an individual goal of reading at least 20 minutes per day.
“Reading opens doors to new worlds, sparks our creativity, and empowers us with the knowledge to shape the future. The River City Readers challenge is just the beginning of a journey toward lifelong learning, and these students aren’t just winners today – they’re the future leaders, thinkers, and innovators of our city.” - Mayor Donna Deegan
Download the Beanstack App
Start the challenge at any time. It all contributes to the citywide goal of two million minutes read each year. At the end of the year, the readers with the most minutes read are given prizes!
- Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Download and open the Beanstack Tracker app.
- Using the Find a Site search bar, type Jax Library or River City Readers.
You can also register and log your reading minutes at https://jaxpl.beanstack.com.
Logging Your Reading Minutes
- Go to the Beanstack app.
- The Home screen has a summary of your reading activities.
- To log time read, touch the plus sign in the green button at the bottom of the screen.
- Touch the Reading button to log time spent reading.
- If you have more than one reader in your account, you will be prompted to choose the reader you are logging for.
- Choose your logging method.
- When logging by book title, if you only know part of the title, you can choose Search for a Title and enter what you know.
- Touch the title that you want to log.
- If you want to track your reading progress as you progress through a book, keep the Track progress button on. If you would like to only add minutes read to your log, turn off the Track progress button.
Improving literacy rates is a top priority for Mayor Deegan and her administration, as fewer than half of third graders are reading on grade level. Literacy levels affect economic development, public safety, and overall quality of life for the residents of Duval County. Jacksonville Public Library recognizes the importance of literacy and lifelong learning and will actively support initiatives aligned with our mission, goals, and service priorities.
Please note: The River City Readers Bookmobile is operated and staffed by Jacksonville Public Library and was purchased with generous grants to the Library Foundation of Jacksonville from the Lucy Gooding Foundation and PNC Bank Foundation
