Tuesday was a landmark day for avid readers everywhere. National Read Across America Day is observed every year on March 2, which is the birthday of American writer and cartoonist Theodor Seuss Geisel, best known as Dr. Seuss.

Dr. Seuss lived from 1904 to 1991 and published more than 60 children’s books in his lifetime. His simple rhymes and imaginative characters continue to make reading interesting for children. More likely than not, his works are some of the earliest and most memorable of books you read as a child.

All this week, schools across Chilton County are doing fun activities to focus on the importance of reading. Many of these activities have themes based on Dr. Seuss’ popular characters.

For example, two local doctors read to Thorsby elementary students Tuesday, and on Friday they will participate in a hat parade.

Verbena Principal Larry Raines visited classes and read from Dr. Seuss books and other selections. Also, a video of Verbena graduates Peter and Justin Daugherty, who are currently serving in the Middle East, was shown to Verbena Annex students. In the video, the two graduates were reading.

Maplesville High School has expanded on the idea of Read Across America Day to observe Literacy Week.

It’s great to challenge our students with competitions and activities that make reading fun. We should continue to set educational goals for ourselves as adults because what we learn in school is meant to set in motion a lifetime of learning.