Celebrate Literacy through Read Across America

Join the City of Virginia Beach for a Read Across America celebration on March 6. Each year, Virginia Beach GrowSmart marks Read Across America Day on the first Friday in March to launch National Reading Month. The celebration has evolved to emphasize diverse books and authors, promoting inclusive stories that reflect various experiences and cultures.  

Read Across America Day Kick-Off 
March 6, 9-10 a.m., Over 100 Childcare Sites 

A video message featuring City Manager Patrick Duhaney kicks off the celebration, followed by volunteer-led readings at more than 300 participating classrooms featuring the book, “Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies” by Carmen Oliver, illustrated by Jean Claude.  

“Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies” is a heartwarming story about encouragement and building confidence through shared reading experiences. It highlights the qualities of an ideal reading partner such as patience, support and attentiveness, while inspiring imagination and showing how reading can be both comforting and empowering for young children.

To help foster a love of reading, 6,000 books will be distributed to children across the city at participating preschools and childcare centers, thanks to the generous support of Virginia Beach GrowSmart sponsors and partners.

The 2026 Read Across America Day video will be available online starting March 6.

More Storytimes

Additional events will be held in honor of Read Across America Day, including two storytimes and an author book-signing, which are free and open to the public. 

Read Across America Day Storytime 
March 6, 9-9:30 a.m., TCC/City Joint-Use Library, 1700 College Crescent 

The Joint-Use Library will host a special storytime to celebrate Read Across America Day with singing, dancing and reading “Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies.” Registration is required. 

Read Across America Day Author Carmen Oliver Storytime and Book Signing 
March 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.   

Meet author Carmen Oliver and join her for a special storytime featuring her book, "Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies." Attendees also will receive a free copy of the picture book. Registration is recommended. 

The Read Across America Day Celebrations are made possible through the support of sponsors and community partners including Virginia Beach Economic Development, Virginia Beach Public Library, Virginia Beach Library Foundation, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Square One, Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union, The Noblemen, TowneBank, and Virginia Beach GrowSmart Foundation.

GrowSmart 

Virginia Beach GrowSmart, a division of Virginia Beach Public Library, supports the belief that every child deserves access to quality and affordable early childhood education and literacy opportunities. Access to quality early learning environments supports kindergarten readiness and builds a strong foundation for future and life success. 

GrowSmart offers innovative, science-based solutions that support children with the early literacy tools they need to be successful in school.  

“Reading aloud and Read Across America Day isn’t just about teaching children to love books...it builds vocabulary, strengthens brain connections, nurtures attention and empathy, and lays the foundation for lifelong literacy and learning,” said Josetta Thomae, GrowSmart coordinator.  

To learn more about Virginia Beach GrowSmart and programs, visit VBGrowSmart.com. 

• VB GrowSmart
• Public Library