Mayor Jacobs Launches “Let’s Read” Initiative

1,000 library cards given out to residents

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will read books to 40 children (ages 4 and 5) who are part of the Head Start program during “Literacy Week” as part of her “Let’s Read” initiative. The yearlong initiative is a partnership with Mayor Jacobs, Orange County Government, Orange County Public Library System, the Citizens’ Commission for Children and Just 1 Book, a bookmobile that has distributed more than 500,000 books to children in Central Florida. The “Let’s Read” initiative plans to improve literacy by providing 1,000 new library cards to Orange County residents. To assist with this effort, four lending libraries have been established at the Neighborhood Centers for Families, which are located throughout Orange County (Bithlo/Christmas, Taft, Union Park and West Orange).

The initiative was announced in November of last year during the “Week of the Family” and officially launched this week during “Literacy Week.”

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 27 from 10:15 – 11:15 p.m. Please arrive by 10 a.m.  10:15 a.m. Literacy Parade – To celebrate the 100th day of the school year, students will be dressed as 100-year-olds  10:30 a.m. Mayor Teresa Jacobs – Mayor Jacobs will speak to the children and then read Where the Wild Things Are. WHERE: Head Start Taft Neighborhood Center For Families 9500 South Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32824 For more information on “Let’s Read” or for on-site assistance, please contact Danna Carol-Jackson, 407-393-0570.

About Orange County Government

Orange County Government strives to serve its citizens and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world famous theme parks, the nation’s second largest convention center, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners including the Mayor who is elected countywide. For more information please visit www.OCFL.net or go to the Orange County Facebook and Twitter pages.