March 2019 - National Reading Month Toolkit

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date
Contact person(s)
Phone Number

Joy of Reading Celebrated as Part of National Reading Month

Designation timed with Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

(City, State) – Each year at the beginning of March, libraries kick off National Reading
Month by celebrating the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss. Librarians will design
contests, family literacy events, and even pajama & pillow days to provide cozy mornings
of uninterrupted reading [OR INSERT YOUR LIBRARY’S UNIQUE PROGRAMMING.] With
help from Read Across America, their goal is motivating kids an adults to read every day.

But what about the little ones? With a little help, they can enjoy National Reading
Month too.

Research findings outlined in a recent report of the National Early Literacy Panel note
that the development of literacy skills begins at birth. The panel identified a number of
early skills that are related to—and may even help predict—a child’s later success with
reading and writing.

Skills closely related to later success with reading and writing include:

 Alphabet knowledge—the ability to name letters and sounds made

 Phonological awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate sounds of spoken

language (such as hear the beginning sound of a word)

 Rapid letter or number naming—the ability to quickly name letters or numbers

 Rapid object or color naming—the ability to quickly name random series of

colors or objects

 Phonological memory—the ability to remember spoken information for a short

period of time

 Writing letters or one’s own name—the ability to write single letters in isolation,
or write their own name
“Even young children who are not yet reading can join in the celebration of National
Reading Month,” said INSERT NAME, TITLE, LIBRARY NAME. “While each child’s
developmental journey is at his or her own pace, you can enhance the development of
these important skills with activities that suit your child’s current abilities and interests.
And chances are, you and your child already engage in some of these activities! Visit XX
Library and check out some of our programs today!

“XX Library embraces National Reading Month this month and every month,” INSERT
LAST NAME added. “You and your families can build these important foundational skills
beyond this month. Stop by the library to learn more.”

(INSERT LIBRARY’S BOILERPLATE LANGUAGE)

###

Resources:
 National Education Association: http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm
o Read Across America Day & National Reading Month Resources

 Education City: https://www.educationcity.com/us/resources/national-reading-

month
o Fact & Activity Sheets

 PA Forward Toolkit: https://www.palibraries.org/members/group_content_view.asp?

group=117296&id=237888
o Basic Literacy Rationale Sheet

Hashtag:
#NationalReadingMonth
#BasicLiteracy
#PAForward
Social Media Image: