Message from Councilman Roshan (Roc) White | March 7, 2025

Each year, Scotch Plains is eager to mark “Read Across America,” celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday, and throughout March, National Reading Month. Township officials, members of the business community and other volunteers are invited into the public schools to read to our young students.

But Read Across America is much more than scheduled storytime. There is a critical message: As many students face lingering learning loss from the pandemic in key subject areas, this is a crucial initiative that promotes literacy and instills a greater love of reading in children.

Established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, this annual observance highlights the significance of reading in academic and personal development.

Reading is far more than merely decoding words on a page; it encompasses comprehension, critical thinking, and expanding one's perspective. It enhances cognitive skills, strengthens concentration, and fuels imagination, allowing young readers to explore new ideas, cultures, and worlds beyond their own. 

As parents, we know that a passion for reading is a lifelong gift that nurtures curiosity, provides a meaningful escape from everyday life and helps ensure a bright future. To quote Mark Twain, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”

Read Across America was initially focused on reading Dr. Seuss's books in schools, but it has grown to encompass a diverse range of books and authors. The program aims to show children the endless possibilities that reading provides and to encourage parents and caregivers to engage in reading with their children. Discussing books together fosters curiosity and creates a strong connection between all involved.

While we are all not expected to be “guest readers” in the schools to mark this month, there are other ways we can mark Read Across America.

For example, we can encourage our children to read a certain number of books or read for a certain amount of minutes this month, with perhaps a special treat as a reward. We can take our children to a local book store, many of which are holding book fairs and author visits throughout the month. There can also be family reading nights, when we all unplug for a little while and share a story together.

The Scotch Plains Library, 1927 Bartle Ave., is also a tremendous resource this month, filled with events in which families can enjoy reading together.

For example, tomorrow at 10 a.m. the library is hosting its weekly Family Storytime for young children to increased language development and comprehension through stories, songs and rhymes. And then, at 2 p.m., the community is invited to join in lighthearted Shakespeare readings. Choose your favorite scene, monologue or sonnet.

The entire month (as well as the entire year) is brimming with other activities to enjoy reading at our local library. Click here for the calendar.

It is my hope you join me in embracing National Reading Month. Together, we can open up new worlds for our children, one page at a time.