Read for the Record Day: Oh, the Places We Read!

Read for the Record Day: Oh, the Places We Read!

In honor of Dr. Seuss Day (March 2nd), we present this article written in his rhyming style:

In towns big and small, in the sun or the snow,
Readers gathered to help children grow—
Not taller or wider or bigger in size,
But grow in the ways only reading supplies!

For Read for the Record Day, what a marvelous sight:
Volunteers far and wide took flight with delight.
They opened a book—“See Marcus Grow”—
And shared it with children who sat in a row.

From schools that hummed softly with morning-time chatter,
To daycares where crayons and snack cups would scatter,
To libraries cozy, with sunlight aglow—
Readers read Marcus wherever they’d go!

One hundred and fifty locations, imagine that feat!
Across our whole service area, down every street.
With pages that fluttered and voices that soared,
They sprinkled the magic that literacy pours.

The kids—Pre‑K up through second grade too—
Leaned in for the story, as children will do.
Their eyes opened wide, their minds opened more,
For stories can open up every new door.

The readers read proudly; they read with great cheer.
They read to bring joy and to make futures clear.
And when Marcus grew—oh, the “oooohs” and the “ahhhhs”!
For books tend to bring out such marvelous jaws.

And oh! What a thank‑you the day did deserve—
To volunteers reading with passion and verve.
From UWSWMN’s Board and Staff we say true:
We’re incredibly grateful for readers like YOU!

So here’s to the readers, the kiddos, the crew,
To every bright classroom and library too.
Read for the Record was splendid, you see—
A day full of wonder for you and for me.

And as the last book was closed with a satisfying thunk,
One thing was certain from every book trunk:
When grown-ups read stories, kids’ imaginations glow—
And that’s how we help all our little ones grow.

Meg Louwagie
CEO
United Way of Southwest Minnesota