Read Across America is a national holiday celebrating books, literacy, and the importance of reading. Held annually on the school day closest to March 2, it kicks off Read Across America Week and Read Across America Month (RAAM) – both nationwide reading programs.
The National Education Association (NEA) launched the initiative in 1998 as a way to encourage kids and teens to read, improve literacy, and create lifelong readers.
The NEA wants to celebrate a diverse array of readers, choosing books kids can relate to and books that offer new perspectives. The NEA emphasizes books that tell all kids they belong and they are important.
This year’s theme is “Create & Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers”. Since 2018, the NEA has sought more diversity in books, authors, and publishers. The NEA wants to “create readers, writers, and people who feel included…and understand the world is far richer than just their personal experiences.”
RAAM is celebrated in homes, schools, and libraries. On March 29, DKPL is hosting one of its biggest events of the year: World of Reading, to coincide with the month-long celebration. Join us in celebrating a literary adventure, on Saturday, March 29, from 10:00AM-1:00PM, as RAAM draws to a close.
