WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Senator Susan Collins renewed her commitment to encouraging reading habits among America's youth by introducing a bipartisan resolution, along with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), designating March 3, 2014 as "Read Across America Day." The resolution, which Senator Collins has routinely sponsored in past years, was unanimously passed by the Senate tonight.
Now celebrating its 17th year, Read Across America is an annual event sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) and partner organizations that seeks to motivate children and teens to improve their literacy skills. The event coincides with the birthday of Theodor Geisel, better known by his pseudonym "Dr. Seuss," who was a prolific writer of popular children's stories. On the weekday closest to Geisel's birthday, the NEA helps organize events and activities in schools throughout the U.S. that emphasize the importance of reading and the enjoyment it brings year-round.
"It is my hope that 'Read Across America' will continue to help families get into a daily practice of reading to their children and inspire our youth with an enduring love of reading," said Senator Collins. "To date, I have visited nearly 190 schools in Maine and have had the wonderful opportunity to share some of my favorite books with thousands of children. These experiences rank among the most rewarding of my time in public service."