Read Across America Week is celebrated in March, a nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting literacy and a love for reading among children. Established by the National Education Association (NEA), this weeklong event encourages schools, libraries, and communities to host reading activities, book fairs, and storytelling sessions. The goal is to emphasize the importance of reading in a child’s development and inspire lifelong learning. Many schools organize themed days, inviting students to dress up as their favorite book characters, participate in read-aloud sessions, and engage with diverse literature that broadens their perspectives.
A key highlight of Read Across America Week is honoring the birthday of the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel on March 2, 1904. His whimsical stories, filled with imaginative characters and rhythmic rhymes, have captivated generations of readers. Books like Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! continue to encourage young minds to explore the joys of reading. While celebrating Dr. Seuss’s legacy, Read Across America Week has also evolved to embrace a wide range of diverse books, ensuring that all children see themselves represented in literature.
Of course, literacy is essential for people of all ages as it empowers individuals to communicate effectively, access information, and engage meaningfully in society. And what better place than the Friends of the Whittier Library to find books on virtually any subject under the sun!
