Senate Passes Senator Collins' Resolution Declaring Today "Read Across America Day"

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins renewed her commitment to encouraging reading habits among young Americans by introducing a bipartisan resolution, along with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), designating today, March 2, 2015, as “Read Across America Day.” The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate last week.

“‘Read Across America’ is an opportunity for all Americans, young and old, to focus not only on the importance of literacy but the enjoyment it brings,” said Senator Collins. “My own involvement with reading initiatives with Maine students has shown me the tremendous impact role models can have on creating lifelong reading habits. I applaud schoolteachers, librarians, and most of all, parents, for their commitment to teaching America’s children the joys of reading.”

Now celebrating its 18th 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.