COLLEGE PARK, Maryland – The National Read Across America program kicked off its annual celebration earlier this month. The weeklong observance, which sparked many social media users to use the #ReadAcrossAmerica hashtag, aims to spread reading motivation and awareness.
National Read Across America Day coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday and many — from schools, to celebrities, to football teams, to the Army, people and groups from all over the world — celebrated the 115th birthday of the American children’s author.
What’s your favorite book?#ReadAcrossAmericaDay pic.twitter.com/4YvI699Tc0
— U.S. Army Reserve (@USArmyReserve) March 1, 2019
#DYK that before he became a famed children’s book author, Dr. Seuss made cartoons and training films for the @USArmy? We remember his work on this National #ReadAcrossAmericaDay. Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/GDyrtyV0Kz pic.twitter.com/1cQEwpK5Gs
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) March 1, 2019
It’s #ReadAcrossAmericaDay! Stan was a lifelong book lover; he started with classics like The Time Machine when he was young and kept on going. Here are some snapshots of him reading books from the Zodiac and Ultimo series a few years ago. pic.twitter.com/JT6gcyb1kv
— stan lee (@TheRealStanLee) March 2, 2019
Happy #ReadAcrossAmericaDay, how will you make a difference in a young reader’s life? pic.twitter.com/HaFmeP77Lm
— James Patterson (@JP_Books) March 1, 2019
“The next opportunity is the best opportunity.”
Spending #ReadAcrossAmericaDay with @awhitworth77 at schools in our community! ? pic.twitter.com/SNi0IP4VaH
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 1, 2019
Spreading awareness for literacy is central to the program. The youth literacy rate worldwide has increased from 83 to 91 percent over two decades, and the number of illiterate youth declined from 170 million to 115 million, according to UNICEF.
And although the official #ReadAcrossAmerica celebration is only one week – local libraries are an excellent resource year round. Did you know that as of 2016, there were more than 200 libraries, branches and bookmobiles in Maryland, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Service?
Explore this map of a few local libraries!
So take some time this week to pick up a book. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book.”