Presidential Documents

12265 

Federal Register 

Vol. 76, No. 43 

Friday, March 4, 2011 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8633 of March 1, 2011 

Read Across America Day, 2011 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Hidden in the pages of books are extraordinary worlds and characters that 

can spark creativity and imagination, and unlock the potential that lies 

within each of our children. Reading is the foundation upon which all 

other learning is built, and on Read Across America Day, we reaffirm our 

commitment to supporting America’s next generation of great readers. 

Cultivation of basic literacy skills can begin early and in the home. It 

is family who first instills the love of learning in our future leaders by 

engaging children in good reading habits and making reading a fun and 

interactive activity. Regardless of language or literacy level, every adult 

can inspire young people to appreciate the written word early in life. Parents 

and mentors can help build fundamental skills by reading aloud to children 

regularly, discussing the story, and encouraging children to ask questions 

on words or content they do not understand. By passing a passion for 

literature on to our sons and daughters, we prepare them to be lifelong, 

successful readers, and we provide them with an essential skill necessary 

for academic achievement. 

Teachers also play an integral role in our students’ lives, and educators 

can help prepare our children to meet the challenges of tomorrow by making 

reading a key component of classroom activities. Our Nation’s young people 

rely on the critical thinking and analytical skills gained from reading to 

build other areas of knowledge, including the subjects of science, technology, 

engineering, and mathematics. The next generation’s ability to excel in these 

disciplines is crucial to America’s strength and prosperity in the 21st century. 

Read Across America Day marks the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, 

better known to the world as Dr. Seuss. Through amusing wordplay and 

engaging tales, his stories have helped generations of young Americans 

enjoy reading and sharpen basic reading skills, vital tools for their future 

success. With parents, teachers, and communities working together, we can 

ensure reading is a national priority and American pastime. By recommitting 

to improving literacy and raising the expectations we have for our students, 

for our schools, and for ourselves, we will win the future for our children 

and give every child a chance to succeed. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2, 2011, 

as Read Across America Day. I call upon children, families, educators, 

librarians, public officials, and all the people of the United States to observe 

this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. 


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12266 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 43 / Friday, March 4, 2011 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 

March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 

[FR Doc. 2011–5149 

Filed 3–3–11; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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