Boca Raton, FL – September 23, 2025 – The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, in partnership with the Palm Beach County League of Cities and presenting sponsor Comcast, hosted the annual Mayors’ Literacy Initiative Luncheon and Read for the Record celebration at the Blume Literacy Center on Sept. 17, spotlighting literacy, community engagement and the joy of reading.
From left: (Literacy Coalition CEO Kristin Calder, Marcus Bridgewater (Read for the Record Author), Fran Nachlas (City of Boca Raton Deputy Mayor), JohnPaul O’Connor (City of Westlake Mayor)
This year’s featured Read for the Record book is “See Marcus Grow” by Marcus Bridgewater – also known as “Garden Marcus,” a social media sensation and author whose work connects gardening with personal growth. Bridgewater was the guest speaker at the luncheon.
The event kicked off the 20th anniversary of the Read for the Record initiative, which connects adults and children through shared reading experiences. In an extended celebration leading up to Read for the Record Day on February 26, 2026, the Coalition is highlighting five books from past Read for the Record campaigns and featuring them in their Read with Me! volunteer program throughout the year. Volunteers can read the book and share activities with kindergarten students:
Oct. 10: The Little Engine That Could
Nov. 14: Llama Llama Red Pajama
Dec. 12: Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
Jan. 16: Thank You, Omu!
Feb. 26: See Marcus Grow*
March 27: Nigel and the Moon
Bridgewater also read the Read for the Record book, “See Marcus Grow,” to students from the Literacy Coalition’s Building Better Readers afterschool program. The vibrant picture book explores curiosity, nurturing and growth through gardening. The students participated in hands-on gardening activities inspired by Bridgewater’s children’s book and his adult guide, “How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself.”
The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County provides adult and family literacy programs, children’s literacy programs, and the Literacy AmeriCorps program, all aimed at improving the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. For more information, please visit www.LiteracyPBC.org, or call 561-279-9103.
From left: Kristin Calder (Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County CEO), Molly Young (Village of Tequesta Mayor and PBC League of Cities President), Marcus Bridgewater (Read for the Record Author), Rachael Bonlarron (Comcast, Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs, West Palm Beach), Danielle Moore (Town of Palm Beach Mayor)
From left: Je’Riise Hansen (Palm Beach County League of Cities), Marcus Bridgewater (Read for the Record Author), Aziza Isles (Palm Beach County League of Cities)
From left: Dr. Regine Bataille, (Literacy Coalition Board President), Marcus Bridgewater (Read for the Record Author), Gary Bataille (Delay Beach)
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