Why Literacy Matters

The Amelia Island Book Festival  is dedicated to improving literacy skills in children and adults throughout Northeast Florida.

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It is said among educators that students first learn to read so they can later read to learn.  Literacy opens doors for personal and academic success and literacy impacts the social and economic success of our community, our county and our nation.

 

In January 2024 the Nassau County Florida Economic Indicator Dashboard revealed that 32% of third graders are not reading at grade level.  Academic success, as defined by high school graduation, can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by knowing someone's reading skill at the end of the third grade.  A person who is not at least a modestly skilled reader by that time is unlikely to graduate from high school.  The programs and events hosted by Amelia Island Book Festival develop literacy skills in children and adults in Northeast Florida.  

 

We can all play a part in increasing literacy in our community. Our role is to enhance the overall life skills of Northeast Florida children and adults by generating a lifelong love of books through an appreciation of reading, writing, and authors.