# Get Free Books for Kids - VPK through 5th Grade
Are you looking for ways to help your child develop their reading skills? Want to make sure they're reading on grade level? Stop by the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville on Friday, May 10, from 4:30 - 7 p.m. for the first-ever New Worlds Reading Book Bash!
This fun-filled, family-friendly event will include appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog, reading activity stations, face painting, community resources, raffles, grab-and-go food and an exciting author read-aloud by Emma Carlson Berne, author of Animals to the Rescue! Balto! Plus, kids can pick up FREE books and food (while supplies last)!
# Get More Free Books Delivered To Your Door
New Worlds Reading delivers nine free books and activities to eligible kids each school year through fifth grade in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, or braille. Children can choose the books they receive to help them build personalized home libraries that match their interests, getting them excited about reading! Plus, books come with literacy resources and activities for families to use with their children when reading to strengthen kids’ literacy skills and reading confidence.
New Worlds Reading will have staff available at the Book Bash on May 10 to help families apply if you haven't yet. You can also apply online at newworldsreading.com
# What is New Worlds Reading?
Florida's New Worlds Reading Initiative received bipartisan support in the Florida legislature and was signed into law in June of 2021 to serve Florida's eligible striving readers. This includes 1) Florida VPK students who are not yet meeting age-appropriate standards according to FAST Star Early Literacy or 2) K-5 students in a Florida public or charter school who are not yet reading on grade level.
The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning is the state-approved administrator for the New Worlds Reading Initiative. As a department of the University of Florida College of Education, the Lastinger Center improves the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. By researching, developing, and scaling educational innovations for adults and children, the center strives to put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. For more information, visit the New Worlds Reading FAQs page.
