Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. The program was created by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1997 and is designed to encourage children of all ages to read, and to promote the love of reading among children. The program is celebrated in schools, libraries, and communities across the United States, and is often marked by special events and activities that center around reading and literature. The goal of Read Across America is to promote literacy and a love of reading among children and to encourage them to explore the world of books and reading.