Literacy Event Hosted By Police, Housing Authority, Libraries

SARASOTA, FL — A number of Sarasota agencies partnered Wednesday to host Books and Badges, an annual literacy event that provides free books to low-income children in the city.

The Sarasota Police Department partnered with the Sarasota Housing Authority, Sarasota County Libraries and the Book Rich Environments collaborative to recognize the Campaign for Grade Level Reading’s National Summer Learning Week, according to a news release from Sarasota police.

Officers handed out several hundred books to children ages 3 to 17 at the Sarasota Housing Authority’s family public housing campus at 1912 North Orange Ave. In addition to handing out free books, the goal was to provide a positive interaction with Sarasota police, fostering relationships and trust, SPD said.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Sarasota newsletters and real-time email alerts.

“Two of our core passions at the Sarasota Housing Authority are early childhood education and breaking down the trust walls between our families and local law enforcement. Books and Badges actually helps move the change needle on both issues and we can’t be more excited to bring this back to our community this year,” William Russell, CEO of the Sarasota Housing Authority, said.

Police Chief Jim Rieser added, “This is an annual event our agency looks forward to every summer. This is an incredible opportunity for our officers and children to spend time with one another and continue to foster positive relationships over a love of reading.”