The trees are up, and it’s time to vote!

Last week, we were thrilled to announce that READ USA has not just one, but TWO Christmas trees featured in the Deck The Square holiday event hosted by the San Marco Merchants Association. Both San Marco Books and More AND Cookie Fix San Marco are featuring a tree to support READ USA, and we are so grateful to both of them for supporting the teen tutors, students, and teachers we serve through this wonderful event.

Our gratitude also goes to Louann at Gladwell's Florist, who donated her time to decorate the two trees! Thank you, Louann! 

Here’s how you can vote for your favorite Christmas tree between Dec. 5 – Dec. 18, spread some joy this holiday season, and support READ USA’s mission:

San Marco Books and More: “Red, White, and Blue Christmas” Theme

Thank you to Desiree Bailey and her team for choosing READ USA!

VOTE FOR THIS TREE HERE! 

Cookie Fix San Marco: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Children’s Book Theme

Thank you to Michelle Clipp and Michele Megas for choosing READ USA!

VOTE FOR THIS TREE HERE!

For Deck the Square, participating merchants in San Marco choose a nonprofit organization to “represent” with a decorated Christmas tree. The Christmas trees are decorated in San Marco Square, and the community is invited to vote for their favorite trees from 12/5-12/18.

Each vote is $1.00, and you can vote in-person in San Marco Square via the QR codes at each tree or the links above. The tree with the most votes wins a grand prize on 12/19!

If you choose to vote more than once, we hope you’ll cast votes for both of our trees! Please share this with family and friends!

THANK YOU to San Marco Books and More AND Cookie Fix San Marco for choosing READ USA as their partner! We are grateful for your support of our mission!

Thank You, I’m A Star Foundation! 

Team READ USA had a blast handing out FREE books to children of all ages at the Let’s Move Jacksonville event this past weekend!

Hosted every year by the I’m A Star Foundation and founder Betty Burney, the 13^th annual Let’s Move Jacksonville Healthy Food and Fitness Festival brought hundreds of people together at Henry J. Klutho Park—and we were thrilled to be a part of it!

Thank you to the I’m A Star Foundation team, Betty Burney, and the wonderful team of STAR—Smart, Talented, And Resilient—Students for the warm welcome and invitation to join this wonderful event this year!

We also want to give a special shoutout to our READ USA Board Member and the 2025 Duval County Teacher of the Year Vincent Taylor for leading the “world’s largest teacher line dance” at the event, set to none other than Vincent’s “I am a Teacher” song that he wrote and frequently performs across Duval County! You can watch him and fellow teachers perform the song here.

Congratulations to I’m A Star Foundation for another successful event—Klutho Park was full of energy on Saturday!

Join us at the Cummer Museum on Tuesday 

Mark your calendars and join READ USA, Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers and Bookmobile, the Jacksonville Public Library, and other partners at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens this coming Tuesday!

Our wonderful volunteers from the 2025 KHA Historic Eastside Back-to-School Community Event!

Family Literacy Night at the Cummer Museum takes place from 5-7 p.m. on December 16, where families can pick out free books, enjoy giveaways, learn literacy tips, and sign up for library cards in a creative, welcoming setting – and just like the Cummer Museum shared, it’s “the perfect way to spark excitement for reading before winter break!”

The Museum will be open until 8 p.m., and families are invited to explore the Museum’s galleries and gardens with free admission that evening.

Come visit Team READ USA, pick out a book, and enjoy all that the Cummer Museum has to offer—all for FREE! You can read more details about the event and the Cummer Museum here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Also, check out READ USA’s online read-alouds that were created in partnership with the Cummer Museum HERE.

Children’s Book: Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

Pictures by Mark Buehner

Have you ever wondered what snowmen do after everyone goes to sleep? In Snowmen at Night, author Caralyn Buehner invites children—and their parents—to imagine a whimsical world where snowmen come alive once the stars are out. From sledding and skating to sipping icy cocoa, this charming story captures the magic and mystery of winter nights.

The text is rhythmic and fun to read aloud, making it a perfect bedtime story. Young listeners will delight in the bouncy rhymes and imaginative adventures, while adults will appreciate how the story celebrates creativity and play. The illustrations by Mark Buehner are full of color, movement, and hidden surprises—parents can have fun spotting secret images tucked into the snowy scenes (look for animals and hidden faces!).

Beyond its entertainment value, Snowmen at Night encourages children to think creatively about the world around them and to find joy in everyday moments—like building a snowman. It also opens the door to simple family activities, such as going outside after dark to look at the stars or sharing stories about what toys or snowmen might do when we’re not watching.

Whether you’re looking for a seasonal favorite or a story that sparks your child’s imagination, Snowmen at Night is a delightful addition to any home library. Be sure to check out our Parent Education Corner for a “Glow-in-the-Dark Snowmen” craft to complete after reading the book.

Submitted by Melanie Poag, READ USA Content Assistant