Editors: A schedule of reading locations, times and volunteer readers is attached.
The nation will celebrate what would have been the 96th birthday of famed children's author Dr. Seuss with Read Across America Day on Thursday, March 2.
The University of Colorado at Boulder Office of Community Relations, along with the Boulder Valley Education Association and the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools, is planning local events to celebrate the day.
Volunteers will visit Boulder Valley School district children to read them stories throughout the day. Volunteers include CU-Boulder faculty, staff, students and administration, the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools staff and board members, and other community leaders.
CU-Boulder Chancellor Richard Byyny and CU-Boulder Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Phil DiStefano, who is also a Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools board member, will be among the volunteers reading to children that day. Three CU-Boulder deans also will read.
Chancellor Byyny, one of the first volunteers from the Boulder campus said, "Projects such as Read Across America Day excite children about learning and start them on the path of lifelong discovery."
The National Education Association established the day in 1998 to encourage children and adults across the country to celebrate reading.
Other activities throughout the week include:
o "A Bagel for a Book," book drive to benefit area schools and shelters at Boulder Moe's Bagel stores, Feb. 28-March 3. Bring a new or gently used children's book for one free bagel and cream cheese per customer.
o Book drive at Boulder-area Starbucks Coffee Co., Feb. 28-March 3. A free cup of coffee will be given to anyone who donates a children's book.
o A Dr. Seuss birthday celebration at the CU Book Store, March 2. Dr. Seuss books will be marked down 30 percent and there will be special prize drawings and birthday cake for anyone who stops by after 11 a.m.
o "Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss" party at Boulder Barnes and Noble Bookstore, March 2, 11 a.m. Each child will receive a Cat in the Hat "I Love to Read" button and is encouraged to wear red and white to the party, which will include story reading and birthday cake.
o The winner of the Daily Camera writing contest based on Dr. Seuss' "The Sneetches" will be announced March 2.
For more information on Read Across America Day events in Boulder call Jeanne McDonald of the CU-Boulder Office of Community Relations at (303) 492-0318 or Stephanie Baer of the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools at (303) 447-5132.