There are milestones that measure progress, and there are milestones that tell a story.
For READ USA, distributing one million free books is more than an extraordinary achievement—it represents thousands of children discovering the joy of reading, families building home libraries, volunteers investing in our community, and partners who believe every child deserves access to books they can choose, own, and love.
That story began more than a decade ago inside a classroom at George Washington Carver Elementary School.
While volunteering in Vanessa Tussey's classroom, Board Chair Ellen Wiss noticed something remarkable. Students who had struggled were becoming curious, engaged learners. Inspired by the transformation she witnessed, Ellen asked Vanessa a simple question:
What do your students need most to help more children experience this same success?
Her response became the foundation of READ USA.
"Books of interest for my students to inspire them to read; books they can choose and own. Reading is key to learning."
Together, Ellen and Vanessa raised enough support to host George Washington Carver Elementary School's very first free book fair, ensuring every student could choose new books to take home and begin building a library of their own. By removing the financial barrier to book ownership, they also unlocked something even more powerful—a love of reading fueled by choice, curiosity, and pride of ownership.
Where it all began: Students select books during READ USA's first free Book Fair at George Washington Carver Elementary School in 2011.
What began with one school and one book fair quickly grew into something much greater. As demand for the book choice and ownership increased, we expanded into every public elementary school in Duval County. Today, children across Northeast Florida continue to experience the excitement of choosing books that reflect their own interests, helping build home libraries while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.
Five years after READ USA's first Book Fair, Board Chair Ellen Wiss and Vanessa Tussey returned to George Washington Carver Elementary School alongside Darryl Willie as READ USA entered a new chapter of growth in 2016.
More than a decade later, that same philosophy continues to guide the organization's work. Since the first Book Fair in 2011, READ USA has distributed books through school-based Book Fairs, community events, and literacy initiatives designed to place high-quality books directly into the hands of children.
During the 2024–2025 school year alone, READ USA Book Fairs provided more than 180,200 free books to Duval County Public Schools elementary students.
This year, those efforts culminated in a milestone years in the making.
"Reaching one million free books distributed is a remarkable milestone, but what matters most is what those books represent. Each book is an opportunity for a child to discover the joy of reading, strengthen their literacy skills, and build confidence in their future. This achievement belongs to every teacher, volunteer, donor, community partner, and family who has helped make that opportunity possible. Together, we've shown what can happen when a community believes every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and succeed."
— Dr. Robert Kelly, President & CEO
One million books represents countless moments that often go unseen—a child excitedly choosing a favorite story, a family reading together at home, a volunteer helping a young reader find the perfect book, and a teacher watching a student's confidence grow one page at a time. Every book distributed carries with it the possibility of a new beginning.
Today, READ USA's mission has grown beyond free book fairs to include literacy tutoring and workforce development, helping children become proficient readers while preparing teens for success in the workforce and beyond. Yet the heart of the organization remains the same as it was on that first day at George Washington Carver Elementary School: ensuring every child has the opportunity to discover the power of reading through books they can proudly call their own.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, the organization also celebrates the community that made it possible. To every educator who encouraged a reader, every volunteer who gave their time, every donor who invested in literacy, every partner who stood alongside us, and every family who welcomed another book into their home—thank you for helping write this story.
One million books is not the end of the story.
It is the beginning of the next chapter.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating Together
There was no better place to celebrate the distribution of our one millionth free book than surrounded by the children, families, volunteers, and community partners who helped make the milestone possible.
This past Saturday, Team READ USA proudly partnered with Kids Hope Alliance during the 6th Annual Historic Eastside Back-to-School Event at Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School. The event brought together families from across Jacksonville for a morning of free school supplies, community resources, health services, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to prepare for a successful school year.
Families explored READ USA's free book tables during the Back-to-School Event.
As families explored the event, children visited our book tables, where they had the opportunity to choose free books to take home and add to their personal libraries. Whether selecting an exciting adventure, a favorite series, or a story about animals, sports, or science, each child left with books they could proudly call their own.
During the celebration, we reached a historic milestone by distributing our one millionth free book. While the achievement marks an important moment in our organization's history, the true celebration was found in the excitement of children discovering new stories, families building home libraries together, and the community coming together to invest in literacy.
Ni’Rhya celebrates after choosing the one millionth free.
We were honored to have several members of the community join us to celebrate the milestone, including READ USA Board Members Vincent Taylor and Kawanza Humphrey, DCPS School Board Chair Cindy Pearson, School Board Member Melody Bolduc, and DCPS Chief Academic Officer Paula Renfro; Kenneth Darity and Dr. Dana Kriznar of Kids Hope Alliance; and Kemal Gasper of VyStar Credit Union, along with many of our dedicated supporters and friends. Their presence made an already meaningful day even more special and reflected the shared commitment across our community to help every child become a confident, successful reader.
Community leaders, partners, and supporters joined to celebrate the distribution of our one millionth free book.
READ USA is grateful to Kids Hope Alliance for bringing together organizations that share a common goal of supporting Jacksonville's children and families. Events like the Historic Eastside Back-to-School Event demonstrate the power of community partnerships and the lasting impact that is possible when organizations work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated READ USA volunteers who helped make the day possible. From setting up tables and organizing hundreds of books to welcoming families and helping children find stories they were excited to take home, their kindness, enthusiasm, and commitment transformed this day into a memorable experience.
Thank you to everyone who celebrated this historic moment with us and to every person who has helped place a book into a child's hands along the way. One million books may mark an incredible chapter in READ USA's story, but there are still so many more readers—and stories—ahead.
Partners in Literacy, Partners in Community
Behind every free book distributed is a partnership that made it possible. As we celebrate the distribution of one million free books, we're proud to recognize one of the community partners that has helped shape that journey. For years, we have partnered with BEAM to ensure local children leave community events with books they can choose, own, and enjoy long after the first day of school.
This partnership continued this summer through BEAM's annual back-to-school efforts. Thanks to a generous grant from the Beaches Community Fund, READ USA was able to provide 1,500 free books to support BEAM's outreach to local children and families at the beach.
Back-to-School Splash Fair with BEAM 2026.
For READ USA, partnerships like this extend far beyond a single event. They represent years of shared commitment to expanding access to books, strengthening literacy, and creating opportunities for children to discover the joy of reading.
"For many years, READ USA has been an incredible partner in helping us put books into the hands of thousands of local students, giving children not only the joy of owning a new book but also the opportunity to discover a lifelong love of reading. Seeing families leave our Beaches Back to School Bash with smiles, backpacks, and books is a powerful reminder that it's through partnerships like the one we share with READ USA that we're able to make a far greater impact together than either of us could make alone."
— Jeff Winkler, CEO, BEAM
Team READ USA is grateful to BEAM for its longstanding partnership and to the Beaches Community Fund for investing in literacy through its generous support of this year's book distribution. Their commitment reflects the power of collaboration and the belief that every child deserves access to books they can choose, own, and love.
Together, our organizations continue to demonstrate that meaningful impact isn't defined by a single event—it's built through lasting partnerships, shared purpose, and a continued commitment to serving children and families throughout our community.
Meet Our AmeriCorps VISTAs
Introducing Kyle, Donor Management Associate
This week, we're continuing our AmeriCorps VISTA spotlight series by introducing Kyle, our AmeriCorps VISTA Donor Management Associate!
Originally from the Jacksonville area, Kyle studied Business Administration with a focus on Marketing Management and hopes to build a career that combines his business skills with meaningful community impact. He was drawn to AmeriCorps VISTA as an opportunity to give back while gaining valuable professional experience—and chose READ USA because of our work helping children succeed through literacy.
During his service year, Kyle is looking forward to strengthening his leadership, project management, and community engagement skills while learning more about how nonprofits create lasting impact.
Get to Know Kyle
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida area
Studied: Business Administration with a focus on Marketing Management
Why READ USA? To be part of an organization that helps children succeed through literacy and creates a lasting impact in the community.
Favorite childhood book: The 39 Clues series — Kyle loved its adventure, mystery, and teamwork, which helped spark his own love of reading.
Outside of READ USA: Staying active, cooking, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and keeping up with business and marketing trends.
Fun fact: He loves visiting new cities and experiencing different cultures whenever he gets the chance.
We're excited to have Kyle on Team READ USA and look forward to seeing the impact he'll make throughout his AmeriCorps VISTA service year!
Children’s Book: Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman
Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better is an inspiring story of an African American entrepreneur who is known as “the father of ice cream.” This is a beautifully illustrated picture-book biography of a little-known visionary.
Augustus Jackson was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. Augustus and his family were free, but poor, and relied on their garden and their chickens for food. From an early age, Augustus enjoyed cooking and he dreamed of becoming a professional cook. At the age of twelve, Augustus set off for Washington D.C. and was hired as a kitchen helper at the White House. After 5 years of working hard, he was promoted to cook and went on to serve three presidents.
During his time at the White House, Augustus became an expert at making ice cream. He decided that he wanted to make and sell the frozen treat to everyone and headed back home to Philadelphia In 1830, he opened his very own ice cream parlor. He devised ways to keep the ice cream frozen and to freeze more quickly. Augustus’ dream had come true, and better yet, he had brought smiles to many faces.
Included in this delightful book is an afterword, a list of resources, and an easy-to-follow recipe so readers can make their own delicious ice cream!
Parent Education Corner: The Amazing Benefits of Storytelling
Have you ever had a child look up at you and ask; Tell me a story about something funny that happened to you when you were little, tell me about a time when you got in trouble at school, or tell me about your favorite teacher? There is nothing to compare to the beauty of storytelling to our children. Storytelling offers numerous advantages to children as well as providing you an opportunity to spend quality time with your child.
Take a look at this list and learn about the benefits of storytelling.
Instills virtues in children
Young children love listening to stories. Tell them stories with characters whose values they can emulate or stories with meaningful messages. Stories can teach valuable lessons and helps them learn about kindness, wisdom, honesty, compassion and more
Boosts their listening skills
Telling stories with your child can help improve their listening skills. They will become more attentive and learn how to increase their focus on a certain topic.
Enhances their communication skills
Telling stories to children can increase their ability to express themselves. It encourages them to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas. When storytelling, make sure to encourage your little one to ask questions or discuss their thoughts. As you continue to indulge in a storytelling activity with your little one, they will have a broader vocabulary as they pick up new words.
Fosters their imagination
When children listen to a story, it makes them imagine the characters, the plot, the setting, etc. It’s very different from watching something on a screen. Storytelling encourages children’s imagination to run wild as the story unfolds. They can imagine the story however they want it to look like in their heads. It can even enhance their creativity and make them open to new ideas.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist