News Release

Save the Date -- Mark Your Calendars:
'You're Never Too Old, Too Wacky, Too Wild
To Pick Up A Book and Read With a Child!'

NEA's Read Across America Day Is March 2, 2006

March 2, 2006, is the ninth annual NEA's Read Across America Day, sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., when millions of readers-both young and old-will be in the company of a good book.

Originally created as a one-day event to celebrate the joy of reading, NEA's Read Across America Day-which culminates every year on the birthday of the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss-has grown into NEA's Read Across America, a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day.

Next year marks a very special NEA's Read Across America as millions from coast-to-coast will join NEA for an extraordinary cause:  to bring the gift of reading to children who have been affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. NEA's Read Across America will launch the National Book Drive for Gulf Coast give reading relief by replenishing public school libraries.

Every year, parents, teachers, school employees, students and community members participate in the nation's largest reading celebration by engaging in a wide range of local activities that help excite and encourage children of all ages to pick up a book and read-on March 2 and throughout the year. Last year, a new Spanish language program, "Lea con La NEA!" ("Read with NEA"), was launched to reach out to the Latino community.

More information is available online in the Read Across America section NEA's Web site /readacross/index.html, including:

• Suggested reading lists for all ages.
• Downloadable tools, resources and press materials.
• Listings of NEA's Read Across America activity, reading and event ideas.
• Up-to-date local and national events.

Please mark NEA's Read Across America Day on your publication's calendar because, "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read with a child!"

Dec. 19, 2005

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For More Information, Contact:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150 or (202) 270-5333 cell 
Christiana Campos, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7261

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.