Today marks Read Across America's 20th

As the only girl in my family, I had a room all to myself growing up, as well as the luxury of a double bed.

That meant that come nighttime, mine was the logical gathering place for my brothers and me as we wailed at the top of our lungs — not unlike orphan calves — “Come tuck us i-in!” to our parents who were far, far away at the other end of the house.

Eventually we would wear them down, and one of them would join us on my pink gingham bedspread with a book or two. A large worn volume of “Mother Goose,” a thick battered copy of Hallmark’s “Poetry for Pleasure,” anything by Dr. Seuss … those were some of our favorites, all made better when heard as we nestled into the arms of our parents.

And that is part of why March 2 is one of my favorite days each year.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of a National Education Association idea that was so good that I hope it endures forever: Read Across America.

Not only is this a most fitting way of celebrating the birthday of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, it is a great excuse for schools and libraries to devote some time extolling the joy of books and reading.

Today there will be a steady stream of preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first-graders in and out of the Portales Public Library where they will be treated to guest readers sharing their favorite books, according to children’s librarian Tawna Luscombe.

A public birthday party for Dr. Seuss, complete with games, crafts, and snacks, is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in the library meeting room. (He’d be 113 this year, in case you are keeping count.)

Luscombe says she always looks forward to the annual celebration because “the kids have fun and we have fun.”

In lieu of traditional Read Across America festivities this year, Clovis-Carver Public Library will be welcoming local author Victoria Hinds at 10 a.m. today, where she will be reading her two new books of children’s poetry to area preschoolers, according to Krissie Carter, youth services librarian.

“We want to support our local authors,” Carter said, noting that Hinds’ books are charmers that she thinks will appeal to her young listeners.

Plenty of local elementary schools have scheduled Seuss-related activities, so don’t be surprised if you see funny hairdos and crazy costumes while you’re out and about today.

Feel free to join in the fun. After all, as the NEA reminds us, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

Betty Williamson hopes you will share a book with someone you love today. You may reach her at: [email protected]