This week, Folsom City Councilmembers, city staff, community members, and first responders joined students at Alder Creek and Empire Oaks elementary schools to celebrate Read Across America Day.
“We love supporting literacy and sharing our favorite stories with the next generation,” the city shared on social media Thursday, highlighting the importance of fostering a love for reading in young students.
Read Across America, launched by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, is a nationwide literacy initiative aimed at encouraging children and young adults to develop a lifelong passion for reading. The annual event takes place on March 2, in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, though many schools extend celebrations throughout the week with themed activities and guest readers.
While the event originally focused on Dr. Seuss’s beloved stories, in recent years, the NEA has broadened its approach to feature a diverse range of books and authors, ensuring students are exposed to stories that reflect a variety of cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
At Alder Creek and Empire Oaks, students had the opportunity to hear stories read by city officials, first responders, and other community members, reinforcing the message that literacy is a shared priority across Folsom. Schools across the nation mark Read Across America with book fairs, reading challenges, and special activities designed to make reading engaging and fun.
By participating in Read Across America, Folsom’s leaders and community members demonstrated their commitment to education and literacy, inspiring the next generation to discover the joy of books and storytelling.
