Through Mayor Peyton's Book Club, a part of RALLY Jacksonville!, all 4-year-old Duval County pre-kindergarteners are eligible to receive a book bag filled with fun reading tools and a series of 12 Jacksonville-themed books.

Registration is now open through May 31, 2010, or while supplies last.  Duval County children who are 4-years-old by Sept. 1, 2009, and entering kindergarten in 2010 are eligible to join Mayor Peyton's Book Club. 

Note to Parents:
All 4-year-olds who are enrolled in a VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) childcare center are automatically registered for the Book Club and will receive their bags through their center.  This is made possible through a secure partnership with the Early Learning Coalition (agency that manages VPK).  Parents whose children are enrolled in VPK do NOT need to register them.  If a 4-year-old is NOT enrolled VPK or does not attend childcare, the parent can enroll their child by clicking here. 

Click here for a printable flyer with pick-up locations. 

Great Outdoor Adventure
In addition, the Book Club features the Great Outdoor Adventure which focuses on conservation and the environment and encourages members and their families to enjoy our local natural treasures.  The program features monthly activities, educational programming, books and story times hosted through a partnership with JaxParks and the Jacksonville Public Library.  Click here for a list of monthly Great Outdoor Adventure events held at your local park. (PDF 493Kb)

Click here to check out the Jacksonville Public Library's suggested reading list for all Great Outdoor Adventure themes. 

The Great Outdoor Adventure program was inspired by the concept of "Nature Deficit Disorder" as coined by the author of "Last Child in the Woods," Richard Louv.  His book created a national conversation and a buzz here locally about the disconnection today between children and nature.  Click here to learn more about nature activities for kids and families from Richard Louv.