“READ ACROSS MARYLAND”

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO DECLARE MARCH “READ ACROSS MARYLAND” MONTH

Honors National Education Association’s “Read Across America” Day

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 26, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley, together with the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) and the National Education Association, will honor “Read Across America” day, and will proclaim the month of March as “Read Across Maryland” month.

The celebration and statewide literacy initiative will begin on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Annapolis Public Library.

Flags promoting the program will be seen flying in downtown Annapolis, and the 14 Annapolis-area schools will designate special “Read Across Maryland” reading shelves in their libraries. The Governor and members of his cabinet will join MSEA leaders for classroom visits and reading assemblies at select schools across the state during the month of March.

“Read Across America” day is celebrated in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, on March 2nd. Maryland’s public school students will be treated to readings by community leaders, elected officials, published authors and educators to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the creation of the Cat in the Hat and what would have been Dr. Seuss’ 107th birthday. Educators, local education associations and other organizations will embrace the celebration of reading with special events and programs in classrooms, museums, restaurants, libraries, shopping centers and malls.