Letter to the Editor – Read Across America: Fostering a Love of Reading in Our Community

Erik Anderson, Monmouth County Commissioner

Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that encourages literacy and highlights the importance of reading, especially among children. As the Monmouth County Commissioner Liaison to the Monmouth County Library System, I am thrilled to support this initiative by raising awareness of its vital role in shaping young minds. Reading empowers children, young adults, and even adults, enriching vocabulary, sparking imagination, and helping readers find characters and stories they can relate to.

Every year, Read Across America is celebrated in early March, starting on March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, this initiative has grown into a beloved tradition. The NEA’s theme in recent years has been “Create & Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers,” emphasizing the importance of inclusive reading experiences for all.

Schools across the country use this time to host events and programs that promote reading. As Mayor of my hometown and now as a County Commissioner, I have been fortunate to participate in Read Across America celebrations at local schools, where I’ve had the honor of reading to elementary students. Whether you enjoy reading digitally or in print, for school, work, or leisure, I encourage you to make time each day to read. And make sure to take advantage of the many resources available at one of our 13 state-of-the-art Monmouth County Library branches, where you’ll find a wide selection of books and materials to inspire you.

Erik Anderson, Monmouth County Commissioner