“The book fair is more than just an annual event -- it’s a doorway to learning and hope for our youth. Each book represents a step toward a brighter future.” - Executive Director, Marcus Lampkin
Reading remains one of the most powerful tools in a child’s development -- fueling imagination, strengthening language skills and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. On Friday, June 13th, Boys Town North Florida celebrated its 6th Annual Book Fair.
This year’s theme, Summer Reading Stars! brought the glitz and excitement of the movies to life. The event was designed to make every child feel like a star stepping onto the red carpet. From theater-inspired décor to classic movie-time snacks, the fair recreated the full experience of a night at the movies -- only this time, the stars were the kids, and the featured attractions were their books.
A beloved tradition with a twist in the plot, this year’s fair again had diverse books from an array of genres available for browsing and selection, but also invited youth from campus and community programs to submit personalized book requests ahead of time. As a result, every child received a story that reflected their specific interests and reading level, creating a unique and meaningful experience tailored just for them. The joy of choosing a book that feels like it was made for you is something every child deserves, and this event delivered just that. One youth shared, “this is always one my favorite summer events.”
The Book Fair was co-chaired by Marcus M. Lampkin, Jr., alongside Dr. Latara Lampkin, who organized and planned the event. Special thanks to BTNF staff members Gwyneth Monterroso, Daria Longley, Katie Raab, Loma Garland and Dr. Ellyn Scanlan for their support. The shared vision of celebrating reading through creativity, joy and community continues to shape this tradition into something truly special.
We are also deeply grateful to our 2025 sponsors, Eduprehd Research & Development Partners, Color in STEM and the Florida Center for Reading Research whose generous contributions helped make the event a success. Their support reflects a shared commitment to literacy, education and empowerment.
This event is more than just a festive gathering -- it’s a key part of Boys Town North Florida’s Literacy Initiative, an ongoing effort to foster a love of reading, improve academic outcomes and ensure that every child in our care has access to the stories that can change their lives.
