Celebrating Literacy: Barbara Bush Foundation's Florida Reading Event in Coral Gables

Celebrating Literacy in Miami

On February 27, 2025, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy hosted its Florida Celebration of Reading in the vibrant city of Coral Gables, an event dedicated to raising awareness and support for family literacy across the nation. This year’s celebration attracted prominent figures including New York Times bestselling authors and special guests, all united in their commitment to promoting literacy as a vital skill for personal development.

The event featured notable appearances by authors Jessica Soffer and Coco Mellors, as well as Governor Jeb Bush, who has played an instrumental role in advancing literacy programs in Florida. They gathered at the Coral Gables Branch Library, where a new series of family literacy initiatives was launched, signifying a significant step in the Foundation's ongoing mission to empower families through education.

A Legacy of Impact

The Barbara Bush Foundation has a rich history of supporting literacy in South Florida, boasting over two decades of impactful reading mentoring programs. Currently, the Foundation oversees 28 programs throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties, reporting remarkable literacy improvements among participating students—three times the gains compared to their peers. This remarkable achievement underscores the urgent need for comprehensive literacy efforts, and the evening served as a reminder of the importance of mentoring and community support in achieving such goals.

Governor Jeb Bush expressed the significance of these initiatives, stating, "When children are taught to read, they can have the biggest dreams possible. The light bulb moment when a child's hard work is rewarded and they figure it out is one of the most exciting things in the world." He emphasized his hope for the continued expansion of these programs, noting their pivotal role in changing lives through literacy.

The Power of Stories

Both Jessica Soffer and Coco Mellors shared their personal connections to the power of reading. Coco Mellors, author of the bestselling book Blue Sisters, reflected, "Books are a light in the dark. They remind us that we are connected to every human being who has ever lived." Her evocative remarks highlighted the universal nature of storytelling, making a compelling case for the role of literature in fostering human connection.

Meanwhile, Jessica Soffer, who authored This Is a Love Story, remarked on the irreplaceable value of literacy, stating, "We should all be eligible for the gift of literacy. It is a gift that I have never once taken for granted for myself, or for my child." Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that literacy transcends individual experience, serving as a bridge to greater empathy and understanding.

New Literacy Initiatives

Among the highlights of the evening was the official launch of the Barbara Bush Foundation's Literacy Explorer Kits at the Coral Gables Branch Library. These kits are specifically crafted to encourage family participation in literacy activities. They come equipped with customized guides and materials for storytelling, designed to bring families together through reading. Books featured in the kits include Little Blue Truck, The Day You Begin, and First Ladies Make History. Families who attended the event left equipped to inspire their children’s love for reading and learning.

This initiative is part of the Barbara Bush Centennial, a year-long celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the former First Lady's birth. The Centennial includes ongoing literacy programs and special events – not only in Miami but also planned for cities like Kennebunkport, Maine, Dallas, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

Thanks to generous support from partners such as HarperCollins Publishers and Penguin Random House, the Foundation is shipping these innovative Literacy Explorer Kits to 100 sites nationwide, making literacy resources more accessible to communities.

The Foundation’s Commitment

Founded in 1989 by former First Lady Barbara Bush, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy remains the leading advocate for family literacy in the United States. With over 30 years of dedicated service, its mission focuses on advancing family literacy education, and it continues to provide resources, programs, and research aimed at improving literacy outcomes nationwide.

As guests departed the Florida Celebration of Reading, they left not just informed but inspired to contribute to the fight for literacy. The event was a splendid reminder of the transformative power of reading and the ongoing efforts required to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the world through books.

For more information about the Barbara Bush Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.BarbaraBush.org.