Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ Let’s Read Initiative

Let’s Read is a yearlong initiative launched by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs at Mayor’s Family Fun Day during Week of the Family. The goal of the initiative is to improve literacy by providing library cards to the residents of Orange County.

Let’s Read is a partnership between Orange County Government, Orange County Public Library System, the Orange County Citizens’ Commission for Children and Just 1 Book.

History

Just 1 Book is a charity that collects and distributes books to children in need, including Orange County’s Head Start programs and other community organizations. Founded by Sarah Dewitz when she was only 10 years old, Just 1 Book has donated more than 200,000 books to children in Florida since its founding in 2010. Orange County has proudly supported Dewitz throughout her charitable journey, including the donation of the Just 1 Book Mobile, the van used to distribute books to families across Central Florida.

On the heels of Just 1 Book, Mayor Jacobs wanted to expand opportunities for reading in Orange County, and therefore introduced her “Let’s Read” Campaign.

The Orange County Week of the Family is a nonprofit organization that focuses on strengthening family relationships through education, wholesome activities and community service. With the support of former Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, in October 2003, Week of the Family was born.

For the last 13 years, Week of the Family celebrations have spread throughout counties in Florida and communities in several other states. Events include free festivals, concerts, family history conferences, parent seminars, service projects and other events all meant to remind families to spend time together and strengthen the relationships that matter most.