200+ Families Celebrate the Power of Reading with New Worlds Reading Initiative at The Swamp

Press release from New Worlds Reading Initiative

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – This weekend, hundreds of families and community members kicked off year two of the New Worlds Reading Initiative by celebrating Florida’s young readers and enrolling more K-5th grade students in the state’s first-of-its-kind, free literacy and book delivery program.

Families gathered at The Swamp to enjoy an afternoon full of family-friendly fun, including photo ops with Albert & Alberta Gator and Clifford the Big Red Dog, a musical performance from the Bears & Lions, an exciting story read-aloud by Gator student gymnast Chloi Clark, book-inspired activity stations, a live puppet show, and more. 

“At the end of June, we finished our first year of New Worlds Reading with over 125,000 kids enrolled. As we carry this momentum into Year 2, we are working to reach thousands more,” said Dr. Shaunté Duggins, Assistant Director for the New Worlds Reading Initiative. “Our ‘year two kickoff’ event was an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our supporters, our Florida teachers and administrators, and, importantly, our young readers and their families.”

The New Worlds Reading Initiative delivers FREE books and literacy resources to K-5 grade students to help improve the state’s literacy rates. There is still plenty more time for students to enroll in the program if they qualify! Families can learn more and apply for eligible children using the application form on the New Worlds Reading Initiative website.