JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Donna Deegan and former Mayor John Peyton are teaming up to expand access to books for children in Jacksonville.
The Gate Foundation and former Mayor Peyton announced a $1 million donation on Wednesday to fund the revival and expansion of his original book club, which began during his term
Now reimagined as The Mayor’s Book Club, it will help provide one free book to every four-year-old in Jacksonville each month.
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“When John launched his book club nearly two decades ago, he planted a powerful seed,” said Mayor Deegan. “Today, we’re helping that seed grow into something extraordinary—fueling imagination, curiosity, and literacy for thousands of children across Jacksonville.”
The books will be mailed out countywide or distributed in childcare centers for the next four years under the administration of the Kids Hope Alliance. Details on how to register will be announced in the coming weeks.
The announcement builds on the momentum of Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers initiative, aimed at increasing reading time and literacy in young children. The city said that recently, third-grade reading scores in Duval County rose above 50%.
Former Mayor Peyton said, “I’ve always believed in the power of books to change lives. By bringing this club back and expanding its reach, we are sending a powerful message: Every child in Jacksonville deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading.”
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