Dozens of kids and their families received free children's books the evening of Monday, Dec. 11 at the Leon County Children's Services Council office. It was also a chance for parents and caregivers to learn about the area's service organizations.
The event attracted lots of active kids.
Among the several agencies on hand to provide books and service information was Shelley Payne with the New Worlds Reading Initiative. The state legislature made it Florida's first free in-home book delivery program in 2021.
"Once a student is eligible and qualified for our program - VPK through 5th grade - we mail free books and resources to their home. Whenever they qualify for our program, they stay on the program through 5th grade."
Children's Services Council Executive Director Cecka Rose Green was happy with the response to the book fair.
"I think we could not be more pleased. Especially for our 1st one. We expect to hold more of these. It won't just be a one-off."
Green also saw this as a great chance for area families to find out about the many community resources available for them and their children.
