WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to improve children's reading skills and promote a lifelong love of books, the U.S. Senate passed Senator Jack Reed's (D-RI) resolution designating today, March 3, 2008, as "Read Across America Day." Reed's resolution encourages parents to read with their children and honors Theodor Geisel for his success in making reading fun for kids.

"Read Across America Day is a national celebration of reading at all levels," said Senator Reed. "It is a great opportunity for adults to set a good example for young people. Reading to young people is one of the most important things that we can do. By making reading fun we encourage more children to pick up a book and develop the skills they will need to be successful throughout their lives."

Started over a decade ago as a way to help get kids excited about reading, Read Across America Day is celebrated each year to coincide with the anniversary of the birth of Theodor "Ted" Geisel, better known to readers everywhere as "Dr. Seuss." Sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA), Read Across America has become the nation's largest reading celebration with more than 45 million readers nationwide participating at schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers.

"We've been celebrating Read Across America Day for several years now and every year the celebration continues to grow. I hope we can keep up the momentum. I am pleased to once again offer legislation celebrating the joy of reading, and commemorating the life and legacy of Theodor Geisel, whose books have been adored by generations of children and adults alike," said Reed, who commemorated the occasion by reading to children at the Warwick Mall.

Theodor Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. In addition to being one of the most revered and beloved authors of children's books, Dr. Seuss also helped millions of children develop their reading skills.

Senator Reed has long been a champion of child literacy programs. Reed's Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program has provided over $100 million to help more children learn to read. Senator Reed also introduced the Prescribe a Book Act, a five-year $85 million initiative to create a federal pediatric early literacy grant program. This bill, which is currently pending before the HELP Committee, would allow doctors and nurses to provide low-income parents a children's book to take home at every wellness visit along with advice about the importance of reading aloud to their child and age-appropriate reading tips.