December 8, 2006

LANSING - In his role as Michigan's Ambassador of Reading, First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern today donated 500 children's books to three school libraries in Grand Rapids as part of the Scholastic's Read 2007: Read for Life eighth annual global read-a-thon.  Mulhern also read to students at each of the schools to encourage students, parents, and teachers to read to children for 2007 seconds, approximately 33 1/2 minutes, a day.
 
"The ability to read is a valuable life skill that helps children grow and succeed in life," Mulhern said.  "It is critical that we, as parents, teachers, and mentors, are instilling a love for reading in our young children.  This day celebrates the importance and enjoyment of reading and encourages children to keep reading all year long."
 
Read 2007: Read for Life brings millions of children, parents, and teachers from around the globe together to encourage schools to celebrate reading for the year and renew their commitment of inspiring children to read.  This year, nearly 500 classrooms in Michigan are taking part in the read-a-thon.

Mulhern was named the state's reading ambassador by Scholastic Books to lead Michigan's celebration.  He is joined by gubernatorial spouses in 37 other states and by two first sons.  Mulhern also serves as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) Spouses' Leadership Committee.
 
Mulhern donated books and read to students today at North Park Elementary, Eastern Elementary, and South East Academic Center in Grand Rapids.  Last year, more than one million children and 24,000 teachers in all 50 states and more than 34 countries participated in Scholastic Read.
 
Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys.
 
For more information about Read for 2007: Read for Life visit www.scholastic.com/readfor2007