At this free annual event, families will be the first to meet New Worlds Reading’s new mascot and enjoy books, activities and giveaways.
April 14, 2026 ORLANDO, Fla. — This April, families with VPK through fifth-grade students are invited to step into a world of stories, imagination and hands-on fun at New Worlds Reading’s 2026 Book Bash — a family literacy event on Friday, April 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home literacy program administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning that delivers nine free books and family-friendly reading activities each school year to students in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and braille.
The free Book Bash event will feature interactive read-alouds, engaging activity stations, giveaways and books for children to take home. Families can also explore the Orlando Science Center’s exhibits and be the first to meet New Worlds Reading’s new mascot.
Designed to support students who are not yet reading on grade level, more than 86,000 VPK through fifth-grade students in Orange County are eligible for New Worlds Reading.
"My daughter was having a hard time with reading, and I knew she needed extra support," said Jasmine, mother of Ailana — a second grader enrolled in New Worlds Reading.
"Now, she’s able to sound out words on her own and we’re so proud of how much she’s improving. Ailana gets so excited every time a New Worlds Reading book arrives, and we spend more time reading together as a family."
Since 2021, New Worlds Reading has distributed more than 13 million books to more than 500,000 children across Florida, helping families build stronger reading routines and confidence at home.
“New Worlds Reading is about more than giving students books—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading,” said Robin Gregory, Assistant Director of New Worlds Reading. “Events like this allow families to connect around literacy in fun, memorable ways.”
New Worlds Reading’s 2026 Book Bash will take place at the Orlando Science Center, located at 777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803 on Friday, April 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, and parking is available on site. Families are encouraged to register for this free event.
Eligible families are encouraged to apply for New Worlds Reading by July 12 to ensure their child receives eleven free books and activities from the 2025-2026 school year. For more information about eligibility or the New Worlds Reading program, visit newworldsreading.com.
About New Worlds Reading: New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home literacy program that helps eligible VPK - 5th graders strengthen literacy skills and spark a lifelong love of reading. Enrolled children receive 9 free books that they choose each school year through fifth grade, along with reading activities and resources families can use to help build kids’ reading skills. Books are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. New Worlds Reading is administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Book titles are selected in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Scholastic. Learn more at newworldsreading.com.