Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff is celebrating Read Across America at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Twin Towers Library, 506 Hazel St. in Poplar Bluff.
“Read Across America is an event honored yearly by Altrusa clubs everywhere,” said Nila Keller. “Altrusa is an organization that promotes reading and helps the community become better through its many service projects. The Poplar Bluff Altrusa club has celebrated Read Across America with programs such as giving each child a book at Head Start, and developed a library for them at one location.”
Read Across America is free for everyone to attend. Drawings will be held including a gift basket, books and free goodies for those attending.
Read Across America previously was known as Dr. Seuss Day, Keller said. Dr. Seuss was American children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel, born on March 2, 1904. His birth date was celebrated as Dr. Seuss Day. Educators took advantage of this by creating a special day for reading. Some schools celebrate reading for the entire month of March.
“This year, Altrusa decided to share the joy of reading with the folks at Twin Towers with a Reading for the Retirees program,” Keller said.
Some of the projects the Poplar Bluff Altrusa club is involved in include a radio program on KPBM, the local public broadcasting station, Keller explained. Another is giving away books at Santa Land to each child who attends. Altrusa keeps a bookcase stocked with books for children at the Butler County Health Department.
Keller said, “If you would like to learn more about Altrusa, come to the Altrusa Meet and Greet from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Betty Absheer Memorial Altrusa Room located on the south side of Twin Towers. Club members encourage people interested in becoming Altrusa members to attend.”
For more information about Altrusa’s Read Across America, contact Keller at 573-718-5160.
“Altrusa is proud to serve Butler County and help its people,” Keller said. “Be sure to stop in the help Altrusa celebrate Read Across America Wednesday. Look for Altrusa members at the library or join them at the nutrition center afterward.”