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TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation
designating September as Florida Literacy Month. The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida State Parks and its partners are
celebrating the fourth annual Florida Literacy Month with special events at
state parks and libraries statewide. In conjunction with International Literacy
Day on September 8th and National Library Card Signup Month, entrance to all of
Florida’s state parks will be free* Friday, September 10 through Sunday,
September 12 for visitors who bring a library card, library book or who donate a
new or gently used family book.
“Florida Literacy Month is a perfect reminder that reading and writing can be
enjoyed in many settings, including the outdoors,” said Florida State Parks
Director Donald Forgione. “Reading a nature-themed book at a Florida State Park
is one example of an exciting way for students and adults alike to learn about
the environment while improving literacy skills.”
Partners in the Florida Literacy Month celebration include the Florida
Department of Education, Florida Department of State, the Florida Literacy
Coalition, the Florida Lottery, Volunteer USA and local libraries, schools and
reading programs statewide.
“I applaud the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for providing a
unique learning opportunity for all of our families,” said Education
Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. “As we focus on returning to the classrooms this
year, Literacy Month serves as an excellent reminder to continue sharing our
passion for reading to students of all ages.”
In 2009, nearly 8,000 people participated in Literacy Month, donating more
than 1,300 books to libraries, schools and literacy organizations. This year,
Florida State Parks and the Florida Lottery are distributing 50,000 bookmarks to
libraries and state parks throughout Florida.
Literacy activities in Northwest Florida include:
Northwest Florida
LITERACY DAY: THE GREAT WORD HUNT AND READATHON
Eden
Gardens State Park
Point Washington, FL
Wednesday, September 8, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This fun-filled afternoon will include the great word hunt, prizes and
children’s reading time with costumed characters reading within the park. For
more information, call (850) 267-8322.
CELEBRATE LITERACY DURING A SNOWY DAY AT MACLAY
Alfred B.
Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee, FL
Wednesday, September 8, 10:30 a.m.
Join park staff for a reading of A Snowy Day at the park picnic pavilion
in the Recreation Area. Light refreshments will be provided. For more
information, call (850) 487-4115.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Henderson Beach State Park
Destin, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join the park rangers in reading Where the
Wild Things Are at Pavilion C in the day-use area. For more information, call
(850) 837-7550.
CHILDREN’S BOOK READING
Topsail Hill State Park
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Saturday, September 11, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join park rangers in the
clubhouse for a reading of Paul Lowery's Do You Know Where Sea Turtles Go?
Pictures of this year's turtle tracks and nests will be on display and a ranger
will be available to answer any questions you might have. For more information,
call (850) 267-8330.
BOOK GIVEAWAY
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs, FL
Saturday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wakulla Springs State Park and
the Wakulla County Public Library invite park guests to search through hundreds
of titles for favorite books to make their own. The books will be available for
your choosing on a self-serve basis through Sunday evening. For more
information, call (850) 926-0700.
READ WITH A RANGER PROGRAM
Big Lagoon State Park
Pensacola, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park ranger at the amphitheater to
read aloud to children in three age groups of two to four, five to eight and
nine to 12. For more information, call (850) 492-1595.
READING IN THE PARK
Florida Caverns State Park
Marianna, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Smokey the Bear, interactive and
interpretive programs and other fun activities. For more information, call (850)
573-0390.
THE SALAMANDER ROOM
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Niceville, FL
Saturday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join the park rangers in reading
The Salamander Room at the Red Cedar Pavilion in the day-use area. For more
information, call (850) 833-9144.
READING ON THE RIVER
Blackwater River State Park
Holt, FL
Saturday, September
11, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
A special children’s book reading program about the
animals that inhabit the park will take place at Pavilion #23 on the boardwalk
complex. After the reading, the ranger will lead a short hike around the Juniper
Lake Trail. For more information, call (850) 983-5363.
TREASURE HUNT
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs, FL
Saturday, September 11, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Small teams will work together to
decipher and unscramble the clues which will lead to a reward. Meet in the Lodge
lobby to be included on a team and join the rest in preparing with a brief
orientation. Participants must be able to read signs, count and follow
directions. For more information, call (850) 926-0700.
STORY TIME AT THE COTTAGE
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee, FL
Sunday, September 12, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Children will enjoy stories read
from various books in the Gardener’s Cottage in the historic Maclay Gardens and
enjoy cookies and lemonade. The Leon County Book Mobile will be on site. For
more information, call (850) 487-4115.
READ WITH A RANGER AT WAKULLA COUNTY LIBRARY
Ochlockonee River State Park
Sopchoppy, FL Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Read with a ranger
at the Wakulla County Library. This school-age children’s program is designed to
support the joys and lifelong benefits derived from reading. For more
information, call (850) 962-2771.
Northeast Florida
READING WITH A RANGER
Faver-Dykes State Park
St. Augustine, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 10:00 a.m.
Meet at the picnic pavilion area to enjoy a park ranger
reading children's stories and participate in a short literacy activity. For
more information, call (904) 794-0997.
FORT MOSE READS
Fort Mose Historic State Park
St. Augustine, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
A fun-filled day of stories, crafts and
activities including a scavenger hunt. Director of Education for the St.
Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Chris Kastle, will do a presentation on the
history of St. Augustine. Snacks will be served. For more information, call
(904) 461-2000.
READING WITH A LIBRARIAN AND BEACH WALK
Little Talbot Island State Park
Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, September 11, 10:00 a.m.
Join a local librarian at
pavilion six for the reading of a beach themed children’s book and a beach walk
led by a park ranger afterwards. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.
JUST READ, FLORIDA!
O’Leno State Park
High Springs, FL
Saturday, September
11, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join park staff in the new nature center to listen
to children’s stories about native Florida animals read by park rangers and
volunteers, then play a game or enjoy making arts and crafts. For more
information, call (386) 454-0723.
WILD TALES: A STORY WORKSHOP
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Micanopy, FL
Saturday, September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us for a morning of
imaginative fun with New York Times bestselling teen author Nancy Yi Fan at the Paynes Prairie Visitor’s Center including a reading from Nancy’s first book, a
sneak peak at her third book, tips on writing and drawing and more. Participants
can also learn about drawing prairie animals and write a short story or poem
about your prairie animal. A question and answer session and book-signing with
Nancy will follow. For more information, call (352) 466-4966.
READ WITH A RANGER
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Jacksonville, FL
Sunday, September 12, 10:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger at the Ribault Club for an
interactive reading of A Day in the Salt Marsh by Kevin Kurtz and try your hand
at games and activities featuring the salt marsh or take a walk on your own to
see some of the plants and animals of the marsh first hand. For more
information, call (904) 251-2320.
LITERACY MONTH PRESENTATIONS
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Jacksonville, FL
Sunday, September 12, 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Come and listen to
local speakers at the Ribault Club as they talk about nature related topics
including St. Johns Riverkeeper projects, nature photography, Florida friendly
landscaping and green living. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.
Central Florida
STORY TIME IN THE PARK
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at
Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach, FL
Friday, September 10, 2:00 p.m.
Parents are
invited to bring their children to join the Flagler County Library and explore a
variety of topics through reading in a beautiful outdoor setting. For more
information, call (386) 517-2086.
READING WITH THE SNAKES
Colt Creek State Park
Lakeland, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Participants will learn all about snakes
of Florida and have the opportunity to check out books from the local book
mobile. Snake related coloring and activity sheets and snake identification
pamphlets will be available. For more information, call (863) 815-6761.
BUTTERFLY TALES
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Palm Coast, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Stories will be read by a park ranger and
children are encouraged to bring their favorite butterfly books to share with
the group. Following the reading, participants will walk into the botanical
garden for games and butterfly viewing. For more information, call (386)
466-6783.
STORIES AT THE SPRING
Blue Spring State Park
Orange City, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy a reading from Jacksonville
children’s author Jane R. Wood. Participants will listen to stories about
manatees and other wildlife and have the opportunity to participate in hands-on
activities throughout the park geared to promote reading and writing skills. For
more information, call (386) 775-3663.
STORY TIME WITH DEBBIE
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Apopka, FL
Saturday,
September 11, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy an interactive book with master story
teller, Debbie. AmazingThings That Animals Do, Lovable, Huggable Manatees and
Truffala Trees That are Saved By the Lorax are just a sample of the readings
that will be shared with children of all ages. For more information, call (407)
884-2008.
STORY TIME CELEBRATION
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Palm Coast, FL
Sunday, September 12, 1:00 p.m.
Listen to the sounds of classic folk music and
storytelling as Backintyme performs for Park Visitors. Performers will dress in
period costume while using the art of storytelling and the emotion of music to
illuminate Florida’s history and folklore. For more information, call (386)
466-6783.
THE LORAX AT THE LIBRARY PROGRAM
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
at Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach, FL
Thursday, September 16, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00
p.m.
Parents are invited to bring their children to the Flagler County Library
for a reading of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. Arts and crafts projects and a snack
will be included in the program. For more information, call (386) 517-2086.
Southwest Florida
FLORIDA LITERACY MONTH CELEBRATION
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife
State Park
Homosassa, FL
Friday, September 10 - Sunday, September 12
Representatives from the Citrus County Library system will be located in the
Visitor Center along with local authors Barbara Cairns, Vicky Iozzia and Eliane
Seissler. For more information, call (352) 628-5343.
ADULT AND FAMILY LITERACY EVENT
Oscar Scherer State Park
Osprey, FL Saturday,
September 11, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Literacy awareness will be highlighted for
event participants with information booths, games and activities such as a basic
music reading workshop. Participants will also have the opportunity to read a
book to a therapy dog from the Humane Society of Sarasota. In addition several
authors will be doing book signings and readings. For more information, call
941-438-5956.
CELEBRATE LITERACY
Highlands Hammock State Park
Sebring, FL
Sunday, September
12, 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy story time with new Park Manager Steven Dale in the park’s
picnic area. Steven will read aloud several favorite children’s stories by Shel
Silverstein. This activity is suitable for all ages. For more information, call
(863) 386-6094.
South Florida
BOOK EXCHANGE
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key Largo, FL
September 1
– September 30
During this month-long book exchange, bring a book to the Visitor
Center and exchange it for another great book. Braille and books-on-tape are
also welcome. For more information, call (305) 451-1202.
CHILDREN’S BOOK READING
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
North Palm Beach,
FL
Friday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Children's Librarian Nancy
Hodges from the Village of North Palm Beach Library as she reads about sea
turtles and sea turtle hatchlings. This program is geared toward pre-school aged
children. There will be a craft session and a guided tour of the nature center.
For more information, call (561) 624-6952.
DISCOVER READING IN THE PARK
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Hobe Sound, FL
Saturday, September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join park staff for a Literacy
Scavenger Hunt, hourly story time, sounds of nature auditory game, build your
own raft races and other fun activities throughout the day. For more
information, call (561) 745-5551.
SIDEWALK ART
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Pierce, FL
Saturday, September
11, 8:00 a.m. - Sunset
Local students are invited to illustrate their favorite
storybook on the park’s sidewalks. Pre-registered students will receive a bag of
sidewalk chalk and a square of sidewalk to decorate featuring scenes from their
favorite storybook. For more information and to register, call (772) 468-3985.
BARNACLE, BOOKS, BIRDS AND BOATS
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Coconut
Grove, FL
Sunday, September 12, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Children will earn a book
for completing a series of reading-related activities on the lawn of The
Barnacle. Pack a picnic and a good book and spend the day reading in this quiet
oasis away from the bustle of Coconut Grove. For more information, call (305)
442-6866.
READING WITH JOAN GILL BLANK
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Key Biscayne,
FL
Saturday, September 11, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to spend
time with noted local historian and author Joan Gill Blank. She will offer
lively readings from her book Key Biscayne - A History of Miami’s Tropical
Island and the Cape Florida Lighthouse. For more information, call (305)
361-5811.
About Florida State Parks
Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, the
Florida State Park system has grown from eight to 160 parks in the last 75
years. Today, the Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of
Florida’s natural environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National
Historic Landmarks and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
Florida State Parks has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park
Association as the nation’s first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the
nation’s best park service. For more information about Florida’s state parks,
visit www.FloridaStateParks.org .
*Free admission to all Florida State Parks except Skyway Fishing Pier
State Park in St. Petersburg.
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