Book characters come to life for a night at the library

Posted on August 3, 2015 By Editor Social Events

Board Member Kathy Harrison with Gala Chair Natalie Stockton and Learn to Read President Carolyn Williams

There were characters and costumes galore as patrons made their way to the Betsy Lovett Courtyard at the Jacksonville Main Public Library downtown. The Night at the Library gala was highlighted by a giving group who donned literary character costumes in support of Jacksonville’s reading challenged. With one in six adults struggling with illiteracy, the future becomes a harrowing place for those who are unable to read. From prescription drug labels to food ingredients on packages, recipes in cookbooks and street signs to homework for their children, adults in Duval County are in need of assistance. As the Learn to Read programs work to garner support from the City of Jacksonville, patrons help to off set the funding shortages by delivering donations, silent auction participation and ticket purchases. Learn to Read Executive Director Judy Bradshaw stressed the importance of the support as the program had to shut its doors a few years ago. “Don’t think for a minute we take your [donor] support for granted,” she said to those who were present at the July 18 event.