Maxwell observes Read Across America Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Voss
  • Air University Public Affairs
Cruise through one of the libraries here at Air University and you're sure to find service members and students reading reference books of all types, but there are more than Colonels, Captains and Senior Noncommissioned officers enjoying Maxwell's libraries.

In celebration of the National Education Association's national Read Across America Day, 132 children, parents and teachers packed into the Maxwell Community Library, here, March 2 for a reading celebration.

According to the National Educators Association website, "Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2."

Started as an idea to excite children about reading, the first-ever Read Across America Day was held on March 2, 1998, which just by chance happens to be famed children's-author Dr. Suess' birthday.

Here Maxwell community library technician Debra White and volunteer host Master Sgt. Ricky Higby translated that into the perfect opportunity to entertain the children with a reading of Dr. Suess' 1959 book, Happy Birthday to You.

"I was the reader for the libraries Halloween party where I dressed as a scarecrow and threw in some animation to keep the kids attention," explained Higby. "So when the library staff reached out to me asking if I would be willing to read again I was very humbled," said the Barnes Center Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor. "Education is very important to me, both professionally and as a parent myself, being a part of this event is truly my privilege."

This year's event marks the third anniversary of the bases annual event, and although the base holds various reading events throughout the year, Read Across America Day is different.

"Today's events are important for the kids because it is Read Across America Day in addition to Dr. Suess' birthday," said White. In my opinion, his style of fantastical writing brings out the imagination needed to continue the love of reading for a lifetime."