March 2-6

Read Across America Week

An awareness observance during the first week of March promoting reading and literacy among children and teens through diverse books and community events.

Yearly Date
All of March
Observed in
United States
Category
School
Founding Entity

National Education Association (NEA)

First Observed
1998
Origin

Institutional Initiative

The NEA launched Read Across America Day in 1998 to align with Dr. Seuss’s birthday and encourage children to read, later expanding into a broader literacy campaign.

Institutional Record
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 26, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the joy of reading during Read Across America Week, which takes place from March 1-5! This annual event was established in 1998 by the National Education Association as a way to promote literacy and encourage children to read. It's also held on the same day as beloved author Dr. Seuss' birthday, making it even more special for book lovers of all ages. From story time sessions to book fairs and themed dress-up days, there are plenty of ways to join in on the fun and spread the love for reading throughout your community. So grab your favorite book and let's celebrate this wonderful week together!

Read Across America Week Timeline

1998
Inception of Read Across America
Established by the National Education Association (NEA), the Read Across America initiative aims to motivate children to read.
1999
First Full-scale Celebration
The first nationwide observation of Read Across America takes place, coinciding with Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2.
2001
Corporate Sponsors Join
Major companies and corporations began sponsoring the event, leading to better reach and more resources for reading programs.
2004
Green Eggs and Ham Record
A Guinness World Record was achieved for the largest online reading relay of 'Green Eggs and Ham' by Dr. Seuss, hosted during this week.
2013
Presidential Proclamation
President Barack Obama proclaimed March 1st as Read Across America Day, highlighting the importance of the initiative on a national level.
2020
Celebrations Go Virtual
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Read Across America activities transitioned to virtual formats, proving the flexibility and resilience of this literacy event.

How to Celebrate Read Across America Week

1

Host a book exchange

Invite friends and family to bring books they have already read and swap them with others. This is a great way to promote reading and discover new books.

2

Create a reading challenge

Set a goal for yourself or your family to read a certain number of books during Read Across America Week. Make it even more fun by creating rewards for reaching milestones.

3

Dress up as your favorite book character

Encourage everyone to dress up as their favorite book character and have a parade or costume contest. This is a great way to spark creativity and get everyone excited about reading.

4

Visit a local library or bookstore

Support your community and visit a local library or bookstore during Read Across America Week. Pick out some new books to read and attend any special events or readings they may have.

5

Read to someone else

Spread the love of reading by reading to someone else, whether it be a younger sibling, a friend, or even a pet. This is a great way to share your favorite books and inspire others to read as well.

Why We Love Read Across America Week

A

Promotes literacy and reading

Read Across America Week is dedicated to encouraging children and adults alike to pick up a book and read. It's a great way to emphasize the importance of literacy and encourage a love for reading in people of all ages.

B

Celebrates the works of Dr. Seuss

During Read Across America Week, many schools and organizations choose to focus on the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to classic stories such as "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham."

C

Brings communities together

Read Across America Week allows for schools, libraries, and community centers to come together and celebrate the joy of reading. These events often involve activities like storytimes, book fairs, and costume contests - creating a fun and engaging environment for participants.

Holiday Dates

Year
Dates
Days
2023
Mar 1 to 31
Wednesday to Friday
2024
Mar 1 to 31
Friday to Sunday
2025
Mar 1 to 31
Saturday to Monday
2026
Mar 1 to 31
Sunday to Tuesday
2027
Mar 1 to 31
Monday to Wednesday