Senate Resolution No. 4146

BY: Senator COMRIE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 2018, as Reading Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of initiatives
which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2018, as Reading
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Reading Month; and

WHEREAS, Reading is a solitary act that makes you a part of a
community; and

WHEREAS, The National Reading Group Month, from the Women's National
Book Association (WNBA), launched National Reading Group Month in
October of 2007; this vital organization hosts special events in the
chapter cities, which include: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles,
Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.; and

WHEREAS, The WNBA strives to increase public awareness of the joy
and value of shared reading, provide a time for reading groups to
celebrate their accomplishments and plan for the future, offer
opportunities for individuals to join an existing reading group or start
a new one, and encourage libraries, bookstores, and organizations to
host special reading group events; and

WHEREAS, National Reading Month starts off on March 2, 2018, with
Read Across America, a day where libraries and schools all over the
country celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday by reading one of his classic
children's titles aloud and throwing "Cat in the Hat" themed parties;
and

WHEREAS, Whether it is in the library during story time or at home
before bed, we can help create a lifelong reader by showing children how
wonderful books are at a young age; and

WHEREAS, Studies show that children who are read to at least three
times a week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in
reading scores; and

WHEREAS, During the month of March, this Legislative Body encourages
all New Yorkers to read a child a favorite book and show our youngest
readers how great books and stories are; as Dr. Seuss would say ... "Be
awesome, be a book nut!"; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of initiatives which affect the lives of citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2018, as Reading
Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.