LIVERMORE – Livermore Elementary students learned on Feb. 27 that reading can be a way to meet cool people.

Guests from all walks of life in RSU 73 schools and the surrounding community came in to read books to the children. It was part of the nationwide Read Across America Day.

The National Education Association promotes literacy, in part, through the Read Across America program. It is usually held on or close to Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss’) birthday, which is March 2nd. The 27 people who graciously volunteered their time to read to the students were equally enthusiastic about emphasizing the importance of reading in all aspects of life.

“It’s a very important day for the kids,” said Renda Guild, who works at the Livermore Town Office. “It’s a whole different world when you open up a book.”

Scott Albert, the Spruce Mountain Middle School principal, also welcomed the chance to meet the kids.

“It’s a great opportunity, especially since I’m reading to the fifth graders and they’re going to be my students next year,” he said.

In one kindergarten class, the children heard the touching story “Love You Forever”, read to them by Shawn Keene.

“Looking in their sweet little faces is our hope for the future,” she said.

Janet Ventrella’s fifth grade class heard RSU 73 Superintendent Dr. Robert Wall read “The 500 hats of Bartholomew Cubbins”, part of the Dr. Seuss series of books beloved by generations. He told the class that he used to teach fifth grade. Then, he took them on a literary journey chronicling Bartholomew’s many-hatted adventure.

“I think that certainly being a role model is an important piece in our society,” said Dr. Wall afterward. “If the kids see an adult having fun reading, they’ll be more likely to enjoy it. We’ve got a bunch of people here from the community today, and it’s important for the kids to see that, too.”

Livermore Elementary School teachers and students thank the following people for reading to their classes: Dawn Bubier, Kurt Schaub, David Frey, Nick Rehagan, Jean Tardif, Stacie Field, Rebecca Jasch, Chris Hollingsworth, Norma Boothby, Donald Castonguay, Diane Gould, Elizabeth Chretien, Tyler Ritter, Victoria Ouellette, Ken Vining, Renda Guild, Scott Albert, Dr. Robert Wall, Deanna Hamblin, Shawn Keene, Jackie Kilbreth, Kim Cook, Craig Richards, Karen Quirrion, Brenda Merrill, Sheri Couture, and Eileen Miazga.