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Book Choice & Ownership

61% of low-income homes have zero (0) books in them.

(U.S. Department of Education)


2/3 of the achievement gap between higher and lower-income youth can be explained by unequal access to books.

(Alexander et al, 2007)

READ USA understood that book choice, access, and ownership are critical factors in helping children reach grade-level reading proficiency.

READ USA organized its first free book fair for students at George Washington Carver Elementary School in 2011. Since then, READ USA has held hundreds of book fairs, putting thousands of free, new, colorful titles into the hands of elementary school students across Duval County. Each year, READ USA organizes free Book Fairs at elementary schools in partnership with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS).

By organizing free Book Fairs at DCPS elementary schools, READ USA is leveling the playing field in under-served communities by providing students of all economic backgrounds the opportunity to build their own at-home libraries.

In addition to free Book Fairs, READ USA hosts Literacy Locker Rooms in partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the local NFL team. READ USA provides free books to elementary schools and Jaguars players read aloud to students during literacy-focused pep rallies.



The 2026 READ USA Book Fairs are here!

Calling all volunteers!

The 2026 READ USA Book Fairs took place on April 8 - May 6 at participating DCPS elementary schools across Duval County. 

Students got to choose two free, brand-new books to keep at the 2026 READ USA Book Fairs, made possible with funding from private and corporate donors. 

More Book Fairs Announced for 2026!

Made possible with funding from the Title IV, Part A Student Support & Academic Enrichment program, READ USA will provide free Book Fairs for students at 16 private schools in Duval County. The Title IV, Part A Student Support & Academic Enrichment program provides federal funding to enhance local educational quality, with local school districts being responsible for administering those funds for public, private, and charter schools.
 
For decades, federal programs such as this one have been used to support students with needs no matter the building in which they attend school. For this project, the office of Federal Programs designated these dollars to support students in private schools only. Specifically, the DCPS School Board unanimously approved using these dollars to provide free READ USA Book Fairs at 16 private schools during its April 7 Board meeting.
 
Volunteers are vital to all READ USA Book Fairs running smoothly and efficiently, so if you would like to join us at any of these schools, you can view the schedule and click the button below:
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Volunteer at a Title IV Book Fair

Resources to support reading!

READ USA provides tools for parents to support grade-level reading proficiency, student activities to encourage enjoyment in reading, and information on community partnerships for collective impact.

Downloadable Resource Guides

To date, READ USA has distributed more than 970,000 books to over 364,000 students.

However, we cannot do all this alone. It takes financial investment from our generous individual and corporate sponsors and volunteer hours from our supporters. Please consider getting involved in our book fairs today:

  • Provide a one-time or monthly donation to support book fairs in Duval County.
  • Sponsor an entire school’s book fair.
  • Organize a corporate team to volunteer at a book fair.
  • Volunteer your time at a book fair.
Get Involved
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READ USA proudly partners with Duval County Public Schools to provide FREE Book Fairs every year at public elementary schools. This partnership is partially funded through US Department of Education grants and through private and corporate donors. 
 

Duval County Public Schools
Department of Education

For more information or to support this program directly, please contact us at books@readusainc.com.

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Physical Address
4019 Boulevard Center Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32207

Mailing Address
PO Box 331067, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233


(904)-READ USA (732-3872)

info@readusainc.com

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(c) 2022 READ USA Inc. All Rights Reserved.

READ USA, Inc. is a 501c3 charitable organization EIN 47-4729513