The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is hosting a Read Across America event

ATLANTA – February 19, 2012 –Friday, March 2, 2012, Dr. Seuss’ 107th birthday, will mark the fourteenth year of NEA’s Read Across America, an event that focuses on the critical need to instill a love of reading in our children. The event’s state sponsor, the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), and the Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, have once again planned an exciting kick-off for the day’s activities which will be taking place in schools, libraries, and businesses throughout Georgia. The kick-off event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include a Read-A-Thon where boys and girls (up to age eight) will listen to guest readers. Confirmed readers include Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal and State Superintendent John D. Barge. Other activities will include bookmark making stations, a special Meow Mix featuring the Imaginators, the museum’s troupe of actors and educators, and a Cat Nap Story Time. Parents should visit www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org for information and directions.

“Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is thrilled to, once again, partner with Read Across America because providing creative ways for young children to actively engage in reading is one of our fundamental goals,” said Executive Director Jane Turner. “Being able to read is at the heart of being able to learn and for children to expand their world and opportunities for the future.”

“This is just a wonderful time of the year and we so look forward to seeing all the boys and girls in their Dr. Seuss hats and the sheer excitement on their faces, ” says Calvine Rollins, GAE president.” Spending time sitting down to read a book or two with the children here and in other locations during this time is one of the highlights of my travels. This day is a symbolic gesture that serves to remind us of just how critical it is to help our children develop a love of reading early in their lives. It’s that strong reading foundation that provides the best chance for success in academics and life. We again thank Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta for their generosity in choosing to host this wonderful event.”

NEA’s Read Across America began in 1997 as a “Green Eggs and Ham” read-in. The event has since grown to become an annual national testament to the power and importance of reading. The GAE anticipates thousands of Georgians -- boys and girls, men and women, and maybe even a few pets here and there – to don the familiar red and white striped, stove-piped hats that highlight this beloved annual effort during the weeks leading up to and after Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

To become involved in your own community, the GAE recommends contacting your local public library or school to see if they have a need for readers during their events. National event partners such as Barnes and Noble Bookstores and Target also have events scheduled. Check respective websites for details or visit www.nea.org/readacross. Also, you can see what others are planning or tell us what your family, school, or business, is planning by visiting: www.readacrossamerica.org/.

GAE, in conjunction with the Georgia Public Library Service, has produced a pamphlet entitled “The Parent’s Guide to Read Across America.” The pamphlet contains information on the event, reading tips and resources for parents and can be picked up at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta.

Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is located across from Olympic Centennial Park at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., NW., Atlanta, GA (404) 659-5437.