EDITORIAL -- FEATURE SPOT, Editorials, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
1:34 pm Thursday, March 4, 2021

Read Across America emphasizes importance of of literacy for all

If you’re on social media this week, you’ll likely come across photos of students in crazy hats, teachers promoting read-aloud times and a greater-than-usual occurrence of Dr. Seuss quotes and images.

Our local schools are observing the National Education Association’s Read Across America Week, and we want to salute their efforts to encourage literacy and a love for reading in Franklin County.

Nationally observed the first week of March, Read Across America Week is in full swing. Students not just in Franklin County but across the country are enjoying a renewed emphasis on the importance of reading in our everyday lives.

Think about it. Does a day pass when you aren’t reading?

Oh, we know you might not be picking up the latest bestseller every day or regularly leafing through a non-fiction favorite, but being able to read is a crucial cornerstone of a productive, fulfilling life. It’s a skill you use constantly – and so reflexively you usually don’t even think about it.

Grocery store labels, newspaper articles, street signs, warning notices, fliers, billboards, magazines, invitations, newsletters, text messages, tweets – they are all just waiting to be read.

We hope you will take this week, if not every week, to encourage a love of reading in your children – and in yourself.

Though it’s fun to dress up as a Dr. Seuss character and celebrate his birthday by rereading “The Cat in the Hat,” let this week be a reminder to us to put a focus on reading year round.

Also on Franklin County Times
Franklin D-1 commission race heads to runoff
Franklin County, News, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
May 20, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Residents of District 1 will have to wait a little longer to learn who their representative on the Franklin County Commission will be a...
Clark wins Franklin coroner’s race
Franklin County, News, Russellville, ...
Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
May 20, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Jeff Clark defeated incumbent Charles Adcox in the Republican primary for Franklin County coroner Tuesday night, winning 75.25% of the ...
Oliver secures fifth term as Franklin County Sheriff
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
May 20, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Incumbent Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver will remain in office for at least four more years after he overwhelmingly won re-elec...
CPR training among department services
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
May 20, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters are trying to get the word out to the public about a variety of free services they offer, including CPR classes and b...
Lighting project to begin soon
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
May 20, 2026
RED BAY — Mayor Mike Shewbart said construction on a lighting project along the Alabama Highway 24/Corridor V entrance is expected to begin soon. The ...
Foster care shortage forcing children out of county
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
May 20, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A shortage of foster homes in Franklin County is forcing children to be placed in homes throughout Alabama, increasing travel demands o...
THS rocketry team finishes 54th in nationals
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
th in nationals THS rocketry team finishes 54
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
May 20, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Tharptown High School rocketry team finished 54th at the 2026 American Rocketry Challenge national finals on Saturday in The Plains...
Delta Kappa Gamma honors educators
Columnists, News
HERE AND NOW
May 20, 2026
As retired educators gathered for the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Upsilon Chapter spring banquet at First Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville, memo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *