Scott hosts event for Read Across America Published March 12, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- "Be sure when you step, step with care and great tact, and remember that life's a great balancing act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft, and never mix up your right foot with your left. Oh, The Places You'll Go." Theodore Geisel, who used the pen name Dr. Seuss, wrote hundreds of children's books, including "Oh, The Places You'll Go." Children were invited to the Patriot's Landing Community Center March 3 to listen to a story, have snacks, and color to celebrate Theodore Geisel's birthday and Read Across America Day. "Read Across America, in its 17th year, is focused on motivating children and teens to read," said Tammy Nelson-Burris, Blue Star Families Scott Chapter director. "It's always held on the school day closest to Dr. Seuss's birthday, because he did so much to inspire children to read." Nelson-Burris read the Dr. Seuss classic, "Oh, The Places You'll Go," to the children to celebrate Read Across America Day. President Barack Obama has stressed the importance of reading and pointed out that it is the foundation to every child's education. It's so important that Obama proclaimed March, 3 as Read Across America Day. "Literacy is the foundation of every child's education," said Obama. "Today, Americans young and old will take time to get lost in a story." Obama also made a point to praise Dr. Seuss for his contribution to American literature. "With creatures, contraptions, and vibrant characters, they have led generations of happy travelers through voyages of the imagination," he said. Dylan DeGruchy, 2, enjoys listening to stories and looking at the pictures, said his mom, Christina. "It's good for their imagination," said DeGruchy. "It exposes them to things that they may not have otherwise. We read him two books each night. He always wants to read more." Individuals at Scott have access to free books at the Base Library, located at 510 Ward Dr. For more information call 256-5100. Library hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.