Read Across America Day

This year marks the sixteenth annual celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss’s birthday!  As we gear up for NEA’s Read Across America Day, APA would like to ask fellow community members to put aside the many hats they wear for work and play and don the ultimate reading hat, the red and white striped stovepipe made famous by the Cat in the Hat, on Friday, March 1.

Be a part of this flurry (or furry) of reading excitement!  Get involved in supporting children’s literacy in our community:

◦                Since this NEA supported endeavor is designed to put every child in the company of a book, take the opportunity to read and enjoy!  Read to a child in your life.

◦                Help set a good example.  Contact a local preschool or Head Start program and volunteer with your child to share a story with younger children.

◦                Bring children to your public library.  From story hours for toddlers to career planning for teens, the library has something for everyone.

◦                Make sure those who are in need have plenty to read.  Donate books to hospitals and homeless shelters.  Call ahead to see what is needed.

◦                Resolve to make March 1 the first of many days you volunteer to read at a school, afterschool program, community center, library, or daycare facility.  You can make a difference to future generations of readers.

NEA estimates that last year almost 45 million children and adults celebrated the joy of reading on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  This year they hope to bring a nation of readers together to really drive home the message about of the importance of reading.

For more information on Read Across America, please visit www.nea.org/readacross.
Let’s all join together on March 1, and every day thereafter, to ensure that children have caring adults to share books and rich reading experiences.