Donate books: Celebrate reading on March 11 with Alhambra teachers’ “Read Across America” family fair

For two hours on Saturday, March 11, hundreds of families and children will gather at Alhambra Park between 11 am and 1 pm for the beloved Alhambra Teachers Association’s annual festival of reading, Read Across America.

There will be free books, storytelling, reading stations, theatre, local authors, music, strolling poets, entertainments, activity booths, celebrity readers and volunteers from AUSD, the city of Alhambra, Alhambra Educational Foundation, and the San Gabriel Valley.

Geared to sparking an early love of reading in children, the festival attracted more than 500 people last year. An even bigger crowd is expected on March 11 this year.

The festival highlight is always the moment kids get to select their own free book to add to their home library. Offering more than 500 free books to children requires the whole community to pitch in, says Ralph Hernandez, ATA president. In a district where students speak 17 home languages, there is a real need for books for young readers in Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

“Ignite a love of books and reading in children by donating books or funding to the March 11th ATA Read Across America family fair,” Mr. Henandez urged. “We know that children who fall in love with reading succeed at school and in life. Call the ATA o ce 626-289-1933 to organize your contribution to our future leaders of our community.”

This captivated young reader at the 2022 Read Across America family fair selected a free book and stopped everything to read the first book of his very own. He is just one of many reasons to donate children’s books to ATA’s 2023 March 11 festival. Call 626289-1933 to contribute books or funding to the Alhambra Teachers Association’s Read Across America reading festival.