On Monday, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) took part in “Read Across America” Day by reading “Daisy-Head Mayzie” by Dr. Seuss to children at the Raleigh County Public Library’s Read-A-Thon.

“It gave me great joy to read Dr. Seuss with my children when they were young—joy that I now share with my granddaughter, Madison, and that I was happy to share with children of Raleigh County today,” said Rahall. “According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only a little over fifty percent of children ages three to five are read to on a daily basis. Through programs like ‘Read Across America,’ we can all do our part to bring the excitement of reading to children in our communities.”

“Read Across America” is an annual program sponsored by the National Education Association designed to foster motivation for reading, centered on the March 2nd birthday of famed children’s author, Dr. Seuss. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Seuss’s Cat in the Hat, which highlights the author’s unique use of rhyme that makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful readers.

Throughout his career, Congressman Rahall has strongly supported education and teachers. He has fought for more funding for educational programs and supported policies that help teachers in the classroom and beyond, while acknowledging the critical role that parents play in their own children’s educations.

“Our teachers work hard to instill in our children a love of learning and a passion for reading,” said Rahall. “By reading to our children and encouraging them to take a book into their own hands, we are helping to honor the work of our teachers and to lead our children to rewarding and successful lives that can benefit society as a whole. If we fail to educate our children, we fail America’s future leaders.”