Largest National Reading Event Culminates on Dr. Seuss's Birthday

    NEW YORK, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NEA's Read Across America
program celebrated a decade of getting youngsters excited about reading on
Friday with a star-studded event at the historic New York Public Library.
Tennis champion Serena Williams and Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera were among
the celebrities who led 250 students from New York public schools in a
morning reading spectacular dubbed, "Reading on the Red Carpet," sponsored
by NEA and Target.
    "The National Education Association and its members created 'Read
Across America Day' on March 2, the birthday of children's author Dr.
Seuss, to make reading a national pastime," said NEA President Reg Weaver
as he opened the event. "We want to encourage people to stop what they're
doing today and share a book with a child. Reading is not only the gateway
to success, but it's fun as well."
    The Celeste Bartos Forum at The New York Public Library was transformed
into a reading wonderland, complete with seven uniquely designed reading
lounges that included Fatboys, daybeds and gigaballs to make reading fun
for hundreds of children. Students had a chance to take Polaroid pictures
as special take-home mementos of the event in addition to a reading goodie
bag so they could keep reading all year round.
    The program highlighted the 50th birthday of Dr. Seuss's "Cat in the
Hat" character. And what birthday party would be complete without a cake?
Children attending the New York read-in saw the Cat in the Hat blow out the
candles on a huge cake, created specially by celebrity cake maker Colette
Peters.
    The celebrity reading roster also included actress Kyla Pratt of Dr.
Dolittle, actress Constance Marie of the critically-acclaimed George Lopez
Show, supermodel Alek Wek, and linebacker Keith Bulluck of the Tennessee
Titans. Celebrities autographed the trendy Fatboy lounge furniture, which
will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting NEA's Books Across
America, a program that provides book donations and monetary awards to
needy public school libraries.
    "NEA's Read Across America has become a national tradition," said
Weaver. "What began as a few reading parties 10 years ago has grown into
the largest national reading event with more than 45 million people
expected to participate this year. As we celebrate this fun and successful
program, let's not forget the most important message: Children who read-and
are read to-do better in school and in life."
    Target, one of Read Across America's long-standing partners, joined NEA
to host the celebrity read-in, capping off a week of reading fun. Target
has participated in Read Across America activities for more than seven
years.
    To celebrate Read Across America, Target stores nationwide hosted
in-store events on February 25 that included reading by volunteers and
local notables, as well as reading activities and giveaways.
    "Target recognizes the integral role reading plays in shaping a child's
education and future," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community
relations, Target. "Because reading is the foundation for lifelong
learning, Target is excited to join the National Education Association in
celebrating Read Across America Day and the Cat in the Hat's 50th
birthday."
    Friday also marked the final day of the weeklong Read Across America
"Cat- a-Van Reading Tour" that traveled through Kentucky, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
    Sponsored by the 3.2 million-member NEA, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.
and more than 50 national partners, Read Across America has evolved from a
one-day reading celebration into a year-round program that reaches nearly
every school and community in the United States.
    Visit http://www.nea.org/readacross for the latest information and a
listing of events happening around the country to celebrate NEA's Read
Across America Day. High resolution photographs from the events are
available by contacting Staci Maiers of NEA Public Relations at (202)
270-5333 or smaiers@nea.org.
    About NEA
    The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional
employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary
teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school
administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become
teachers.
    About Target
    Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,487 stores in 47 states
nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices.
Target is committed to providing guests with great design through
innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships.
Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests
enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of
unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE: TGT) gives back more
than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special
programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with
nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community
needs.