#ICYMI last week… The date has been set for READ USA’s 2026 Peace in the Pages! Mark your calendar for Friday, November 6th, at 11:30 a.m. at The Schultz Center.
But new for this week… You can now save your seat at Peace in the Pages!
We are also excited to officially announce Clary & Associates as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Peace in the Pages!
Peace in the Pages is READ USA’s annual luncheon celebrating literacy and the champions whose leadership, service and commitment are making a meaningful difference in our community.
And there’s even more to look forward to this year! Malcolm Mitchell will join us as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Peace in the Pages.
A former NFL wide receiver, author and literacy advocate, Malcolm has dedicated his work beyond the football field to inspiring young people through reading and promoting the importance of literacy. We can’t wait to welcome him to Jacksonville and hear his message at this year’s celebration.
Our generous supporters who donate $1,000 or more to READ USA are invited to Peace in the Pages as our guests. Donors will receive additional information regarding seating as we get closer to the event.
We are grateful to Clary & Associates for serving as this year’s Presenting Sponsor and supporting READ USA’s mission to ensure children and teens have the literacy and workforce development opportunities they need to succeed.
Reminder: READ USA supporters who donate $1,000 or more do not need to make an additional donation to attend Peace in the Pages. Additional seating information will be shared directly with donors.
More details about this year’s program and honorees are coming soon, so stay tuned!
Friday, November 6, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. | The Schultz Center
If you have any questions about Peace in the Pages, please contact Sophia at sophia@readusainc.com
From Your Shelf to a Young Reader
Have books at home that are ready for a new reader? READ USA needs your help filling our book inventory!
Throughout the year, READ USA works to put books into the hands and homes of children and teens across our community. As books make their way to young readers, we need your help replenishing our donated book inventory so we can continue sharing the joy of reading throughout Jacksonville.
We are currently accepting donations of new and gently used books for readers from Pre-K through high school, with our greatest need being books for elementary-aged readers.
Whether you have one book to give or a box full, every donation helps us keep our shelves stocked and books available for young readers in our community.
We are accepting:
Donations can be dropped off at the READ USA office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
To coordinate a book donation drop-off, please contact Sophia at sophia@readusainc.com
Your bookshelf could hold the next story that inspires a young reader. Help us fill our shelves so we can keep filling theirs!
#FastFacts Wednesday
We’re back with more September #FastFacts!
This week, we’re recognizing three observances that invite us to learn more about the cultures, history and traditions that shape our communities: Hispanic Heritage Month, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and Yom Kippur.
#FastFacts: Hispanic Heritage Month
Books and stories give young readers an opportunity to discover cultures, traditions, experiences and voices beyond their own. Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to explore books by Hispanic and Latino authors and illustrators and celebrate the stories that enrich our communities.
Want to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month? Read more from the Library of Congress here.
#FastFacts: Constitution Day & Citizenship Day
Reading and learning give us the tools to explore history, ask questions, understand different perspectives and become more informed and engaged members of our communities.
Want to keep exploring? Learn more about Constitution Day from the National Archives here.
#FastFacts: Yom Kippur
Learning about the traditions and beliefs of our neighbors helps us better understand the many cultures and communities around us.
Want to learn more about Yom Kippur? Read more here.
Whether we’re discovering the stories of different cultures, learning about our nation’s history or deepening our understanding of the traditions of our neighbors, there is always something new to learn.
That’s what #FastFacts is all about!
Children’s Book: Sincerely, Emerson: A Girl, Her Letter, and the Helpers All Around Us by Emerson Weber
Sincerely, Emerson: A Girl, Her Letter, and the Helpers All Around Us, is a non-fiction story written by
Emerson writes letters and sends them to her friends and family. She carefully decorates each envelope before she puts them in the mail. One day as Doug, her mailman was picking up her letters, she had an epiphany. What if she wrote a letter to Doug expressing her gratitude for making it all possible for her to send and receive letters. This act of kindness prompted Doug to share his letter with co-workers and they wrote letters of introduction about themselves and gratitude to Emerson for making letter writing come alive.
One tiny act of kindness made a huge impact on Emerson’s community and beyond. This true story is heartwarming and sincere. This beautiful picture book celebrates letter writing and expresses gratitude for others.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist
Parent Education Corner: Helping Our Children Sound Out Words Smoothly
Sounding out a word involves saying the sound of each letter or letter combination one by one until the end of the word, and then saying them all together again quickly. Help your child sound out words by:
From The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences and The What Works Clearinghouse.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist