#All Aboard, River City Readers!
As Mayor Donna Deegan’s River City Readers citywide literacy challenge embarks 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 onto 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 on board, you can:
- Sign up for a free Jacksonville Public Library card
- Ask the librarians for help choosing the perfect book to borrow
At some special events, there will be a Book Giveaway where children will be able to pick out a book to keep (and add to their home library). Look for the new River City Readers Bookmobile at library and community events near you.
Please note: The Bookmobile's schedule is subject to change. This schedule is temporary and may be adjusted based on community needs and availability.
What is the difference between a "Borrow a Book" stop and a "Book Giveaway" stop?
- At a Borrow a Book 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 Book Giveaway 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?
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
#Join the Reading Challenge
Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers is a city-wide literacy initiative and youth reading challenge that first launched in 2024. Hundreds of students and adults have signed up since, collectively reading and logging over three million minutes on the Beanstack tracker app!
#Read 20 Minutes Per Day
Participation is simple: Register online, log your reading, and earn rewards! You can start and finish the challenge at any time during the year. There is an individual goal of reading for at least 20 minutes per day. It all contributes to the annual goal of one million minutes read citywide.
#Get Started in 4 Easy Steps!
- Launch the Beanstack app or website
- Select "Find your school or library."
- Search for Jax Library or River City Readers.
- Log in to your account or sign up for a new one.
Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
“Reading opens doors to new worlds, sparks our creativity, and empowers us with the knowledge to shape the future.” - Mayor Donna Deegan
#How to Log Reading Minutes & Activities
- Launch the Beanstack app or Beanstack website.
- Touch the plus sign in the app or click the "Log Reading and Activities" button on the site.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to log whatever you've accomplished.
- Earn a badge when you hit a reading landmark or complete an activity.
When logging a book title, if you only know part of the title, you can choose Search for a Title. 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 Track progress.
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.
