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By Nichelle Henry
Brooklyn Daily
Elected officials made reading time a little extra special by reading to children at several Brooklyn Public Library branches for last Friday’s “Read Across America Day.”
Councilman Alan Maisel (D–Canarsie) was guest reader at the Mill Basin library branch for the event, produced by National Education Association. Other guests included councilmembers Vincent Gentile (D–Bay Ridge), Inez Barron (D–East New York), and Laurie Cumbo (D–Fort Green).
“It was a special treat to have him come in and read for [the children]” said Ann Lautner, the senior children librarian at the Mill Basin branch. “I think the children were really excited.”
Read Across America Day brings together library staff, elected officials, and community leaders to public libraries or community centers where they read a book to neighborhood children. This year, the Brooklyn Public Library version of this event featured Brooklyn-born children’s author Ezra Jack Keats’s story, “Whistle for Willie,” which tells the story of a young boy who strives to learn to whistle so he can communicate with his dog.
National Education Association’s Read Across America Day takes place nationwide each year on or near March 2, which is the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the author of many popular children’s books, including “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”
This year’s event celebrated the 108th birthday of Dr. Seuss — also known as Theodor Seuss Geisel.