The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Encourage The Book Worm

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

7 March 2001

The joy of reading I learned from my mother.

Down through her 86 years, she has always had

a book, a paper, or a magazine in her hands. She read to herself, read to us, and today will still read to anyone who will listen. She just doesn't seem to get enough books.

This week I received an e-mail from Library Card, Inc. asking me to inform the public of the fourth annual "Read Across America Celebration" this week.

They are in hopes that the joy of reading will take center stage throughout the nation in their annual event.

At their web site of www.librarycard.com through March 9th, you will be able to read Dr. Seuss' book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Readers can link to Seussville and read more about favorite Seuss characters, play games, and find events going on in their neighborhood connected to Read Across America.

Morgan Freeman, star of the current hit movie Nurse Betty, as well as the American classic Driving Miss Daisy, is chairperson of the National Education Assoc. (NEA) Read Across America for 2001

His career as a character actor began as "Easy Reader," a role he created for the widely acclaimed PBS series The Electric Company in the 70s.

Freeman says that the "Easy Reader" character "holds a special place in my heart not only because of the creative opportunity it offered, but because of the chance the role gave me to promote the joy of reading and the importance of literacy."

NEA's Read Across America commemorates the birthday of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) March 2nd and calls attention to the critical role of reading in the lives of adults and students alike.

Children must be taught to read before they can learn to love to read. Freeman's message will echo the lesson that is at the core of every literacy effort -- that reading isn't something that's just 'nice to have,' it's something you've 'got to have.'

Encourage the book worm at home, work or play, make it a part of every day."