The Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) kicked off its annual Read Across Connecticut weeklong celebration to help spread the joy of reading to students across the state. This year, CEF is promoting their “Reading is a Llama Fun” initiative through videos, downloadable resources, a contest, and a book drive.
“Reading is not just a fundamental part of learning, but a way to unlock a child’s imagination and curiosity,” said Joslyn Delancey, CEA Vice President and President of CEA’s charitable arm, the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF). “Read Across Connecticut is a fun and engaging way for members, community partners, and the general public to join us in promoting literacy and lifelong learning.”
To kickoff Read Across Connecticut, CEF is hosting its third annual book drive. This event will run from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Blue Back Square in West Hartford. Literacy-based crafts and games will take place throughout the day.
This book drive, which partners with Blue Back Square and iHeartRadio, has collected thousands of book donations in previous years to provide to students in need and stock classroom libraries and Little Free Libraries across the state. CEF is seeking donations of new or lightly used books for K-12 reading levels.
“iHeartMedia has been partnering with CEF for several years to bring the joy of reading to students across the state so they can have books of their own to pick up and read, and let their imaginations soar,” said Allison Demers, Community Access Director for iHeartMedia in Connecticut. “We enjoy working with CEF and Blue Back Square and engaging with children to make reading a fun and interactive experience.”
“Blue Back Square is proud to partner with the CEF and iHeart Communities on this initiative to collect books for our local schools and gather the community for a fun event,” said Elizabeth Zigmont, spokesperson for Blue Back Square.
Along with the book drive, CEF has produced printable resources for all grade levels to help educators plan for Read Across Connecticut including crafts, games, reading logs, certificates and more. The foundation also asked some familiar Connecticut faces why they think “reading is a llama fun” and will be posting content throughout the week on the Read Across Connecticut website and their social channels. Governor Ned Lamont, UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley, Attorney General William Tong, State Treasurer Erick Russell, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, The Hartford Yard Goats, The Hartford Athletic, UConn Mascot Jonathan the Husky, several animals from Action Wildlife Foundation and others will make appearances in the videos throughout the week.
“We want to thank all the partners who have helped put this initiative together this year and will help make it an immersive experience for students and educators,” said DeLancey. “Our goal in all of this is to instill a love of reading in children, create pathways for education, and break barriers surrounding literacy.”
CEF encourages individual schools and educators to create their own events and community partnerships during Read Across Connecticut.
Read Across Connecticut takes place in association with the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative, which was started to inspire children to read and learn. Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on March 2nd, recognizing the birthday of beloved children’s author Theodor Geisel, commonly known as Dr. Seuss.
For additional information on Read Across Connecticut — including story read-alongs, downloadable books, games, bookmarks, reading certificates, and other resources — visit CEF’s Read Across Connecticut website.
