More than 30 Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) volunteers across the state will join other volunteers nationwide to celebrate the ninth annual National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day March 2 by reading to children in Louisiana schools.

On Read Across America Day, which falls on Dr. Seuss’ 103rd birthday, the NEA expects more than 45 million readers, both young and old, to pick up a book and read.

DOTD district offices in Bossier City, Monroe, Chase, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Hammond and New Orleans have all provided volunteers to read to children in their districts.

"Our DOTD district offices are an important part of the communities they serve," said DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry. "Read Across America Day is an opportunity for us to promote something that is important to me and all DOTD employees – literacy in our communities."

DOTD employees are asking you to join them and help promote literacy by reading to children. The goal of Read Across America is to show children the joy of reading – on March 2 and every day.

For more information on Read Across America, visit www.nea.org/readacross.

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www.dotd.la.gov