hIS LEGACY.tHEIR FUTURE.oNE BOOK AT A TIME
OUR PROGRAMS
Building stronger readers. Creating lasting opportunities.
Through literacy programs, book access, school partnerships, and community outreach, AJ’s Legacy Literacy Foundation creates opportunities for children and families to discover the power of reading.
MISSISSIPPI GULFCOAST BOOK FESTIVAL
Where Books, Authors & Community Come Together.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Book Festival was created to make authors feel seen, celebrated, and valued while creating an environment where books meet families and community. Through storytelling, meaningful connections, and shared experiences, the festival brings authors and readers together while inspiring a love of literacy across the Gulf Coast.
AJ'S LEGACY LIBRARIES
Take a book. Share a book. Keep Aj's Legacy Going.
AJ’s Little Libraries bring free books directly into our communities, creating welcoming spaces where children and families can discover, share, and enjoy reading. Each library will be stocked with books for young readers and maintained through the support of our Foundation, volunteers, and community partners—keeping AJ’s legacy alive, one book at a time.
AJ'S READING CHALLENGE
Read More. Dream Bigger.
AJ’s Reading Challenge encourages students to build a love of reading through school-based participation and recognition. Students track the books they read throughout the program, celebrating progress along the way. Top readers are recognized for their achievement, with an opportunity to be honored by AJ’s Legacy Literacy Foundation at a special celebration during our annual festival.
COMMUNITY BOOK GIVEWAYS
Books Belong in Every Child's Hands.
AJ’s Legacy Literacy Foundation hosts community book giveaways to place free books directly into the hands of children and families. Through donated books, community support, and local partnerships, we create opportunities for young readers to build home libraries and discover the joy of reading.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Stronger Together.
AJ’s Legacy Literacy Foundation works alongside community organizations that share our commitment to literacy, children, and families.
Through our partnership with Goodwill Reads, books they are unable to use are donated to our Foundation, giving those books another opportunity to reach children, families, Little Libraries, and community literacy programs.
We are also proud to partner with Gulfport Main Street Association, bringing literacy and family-focused activities into community events such as Mistletoe Main Street.
Together, these partnerships help us extend the life of books, expand access to reading, and strengthen literacy throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
HELP US TURN PAGES INTO POSSIBILITES
Your support helps us put books into the hands of children, celebrate authors, strengthen young readers, and create meaningful literacy experiences throughout our community. Together, we can keep AJ’s legacy moving forward—one reader, one book, and one opportunity at a time.