LitWorld to Partner with Scholastic and NYC Police Commissioner Bratton to Commemorate World Read Aloud Day

NEW YORK, March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 5th, LitWorld, a global 501(c)3 literacy organization, in partnership with Scholastic, The New York Public Library, NYC Police Commissioner William Bratton, Skype in the classroom, Broadway's Matilda the Musical and Gray Line New York, will celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) in New York City. LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day is an annual day of celebration focused on closing the word gap by advocating for all children to have access to books and the power of the read aloud.

"Reading is a basic human right that belongs to all people. The mission of LitWorld is to empower children to reach their full potential," says Pam Allyn, Executive Director of LitWorld.  "At LitWorld, we truly believe that access is the currency for change around the world.  Each and every day, literacy gives children access to a world of information, inspiration and hope."

Today, at least 793 million people globally cannot read. According to the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, 32 million adults in the U.S. cannot read. An inability to read will be a barrier to a successful and productive life – LitWorld and partners are committed to change that.

On Wednesday, Scholastic and LitWorld will host New York City public school children for a read aloud with celebrated author R.L. Stine and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Children from PS 46 in Harlem will arrive on an iconic Gray Line New York double decker bus, donated especially for the day. "World Read Aloud Day not only celebrates the joy of sharing books and stories through read-alouds but also champions the importance of making sure children everywhere have access to books and the opportunity to learn to love to read," says Dick Robinson, Chairman, President and CEO, Scholastic.

Later, NYPL's Jefferson Market branch will host an intergenerational WRAD event, featuring NYC Police Commissioner William Bratton. "I know quite well how reading one book as a child can inspire the course of your life.  That's what happened to me when I discovered "Your Police" in a Boston public library.  I am proud to be part of the important work done by LitWorld to provide everyone that same opportunity by expanding literacy," says Commissioner Bratton. Renowned author Jacqueline Woodson will also join this event as a guest reader. "We consider it our responsibility to offer anyone who wants to learn to read the opportunity to do so and we are proud to partner with LitWorld," said Tony Marx, NYPL President.

Skype in the classroom, a free global education platform for teachers, will connect classrooms with authors around the world for special guest read-alouds to commemorate the occasion. "We are excited to partner with LitWorld around World Read Aloud Day. Through Skype in the classroom, teachers will be able to access hundreds of notable authors, guest readers, and other classrooms to share the joy of reading aloud together through a simple video call," said Wendy Norman, Head of Social Good at Skype.

Broadway's Matilda will also be participating in World Read Aloud Day. Look to social media to see videos of the cast and crew from London and New York City reading aloud to further emphasize the power of literacy.

LitWorld encourages people everywhere to participate in World Read Aloud Day by organizing a reading celebration at home, work or in the community or classroom. Find downloadable free resources at litworld.org/wrad. Schedule a read aloud session over Skype at education.skype.com/collections/world-read-aloud-day. Join the social media movement by connecting with LitWorld on Facebook and Twitter:http://www.facebook.com/litworld; and http://www.twitter.com/litworldsays.

Press Contact: Marissa Chieco, [email protected], 212-880-5277

SOURCE LitWorld