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National Read Across America Day

It's time to dive into a good book! Join us for National Read Across America Day and explore the wonderful world of literature.
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Category
Cause
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When it is?
March 2
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Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Read Across America Day on March 2 by doing the best thing possible - reading! This day was first celebrated in 1998 and is now an annual event held every year. It's a great way to encourage children (and adults!) of all ages to pick up a book, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, and explore new worlds through reading. So grab your favorite book and join us in celebrating the joys of reading!

History of National Read Across America Day

National Read Across America Day Dates

National Read Across America Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foundation of NEA's Read Across America</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Education Association (NEA) created Read Across America to encourage reading among children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural Read Across America Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Read Across America Day was celebrated, coinciding with the birthday of Dr. Seuss.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Broadening Reach and Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>NEA partners with more than 50 national organizations to promote reading and literacy across the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>NEA launches a digital Read Across America platform, broadening the program's reach and accessibility.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Year-Round Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>NEA expands the event to promote and celebrate reading year-round, not just on March 2.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus on Diversity and Inclusion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The NEA begins highlighting diverse authors and books as part of an effort to make reading more inclusive.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Read Across America Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a book drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather books from your friends and family, donate them to your local library, or give them to a school in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a read-a-thon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite family and friends and have everyone read their favorite books aloud.  Or make it more challenging by having each person read from a different genre.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a bookstore</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a field trip to your local bookstore and explore the shelves. Be sure to take advantage of any special promotions they may be offering.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a book club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Form a group with friends or family members who share the same interests in reading. Set up weekly meetings so everyone can discuss the books they’ve been reading.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write your own story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write your own story and share it with your friends and family. You can also post it online and see what kind of reactions you get from readers around the world.</p></div></div>

Why National Read Across America Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reading promotes literacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating National Read Across America Day is a great way to promote literacy, especially in young children. Reading fosters an appreciation for learning that can last a lifetime. Plus, it encourages increased imagination and creativity!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reading improves language skills</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you read, you are also improving your verbal communication skills and enhancing your vocabulary. Reading expands our knowledge of the world around us and helps us gain insight into different perspectives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reading can be fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reading doesn't have to be a chore - it can also be incredibly rewarding, exciting and enjoyable! Celebrating National Read Across America Day provides an opportunity for kids (and adults!) to discover the joys of reading with their family and friends.</p></div></div>

5 Delightful Facts for National Reading Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Event is Also Known as Dr. Seuss Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Read Across America Day coincides with the birthday of beloved author Dr. Seuss, and is sometimes referred to as Dr. Seuss Day in his honor.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Green Eggs and Ham" Holds a Guinness World Record</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham" holds the Guinness World Record for the children’s book written using the fewest unique words: just 50.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reading Can Increase Brain Connectivity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that reading a novel can cause lasting changes in the brain, improving connectivity related to language comprehension and sensory motor skills.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reading Can Improve Emotional Intelligence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Reading, especially fiction, can help improve empathy and understanding of social cues, enhancing emotional intelligence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Other Countries Have Similar Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several other countries, such as Canada, the UK, and Australia, have similar national days to promote the importance and joy of reading.</p></div></div>

National Read Across America Day FAQs

When is National Read Across America Day?

National Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2 every year. In 2024 National Read Across America Day will occur on a Saturday.

National Read Across America Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Mar 2

Thursday

2024

Mar 2

Saturday

2025

Mar 2

Sunday

2026

Mar 2

Monday

2027

Mar 2

Tuesday

Cause Holidays