Elizabethtown College Participates in, Cosponsors 500 Men Reading Week

Some young students might believe reading a book is difficult and considered homework or a chore. The 500 Men Reading Week, a regional event held in early March, aims to change these opinions by showing children reading is important and can be fun.

Previously know as 100 Men Reading Day, the program was created in 2008 and began with only 100 men reading to students. Due to the program’s success, it was decided to expand the day to a weeklong event, increasing the number of readers. This event gives positive male role models the opportunity to read to children in school districts and libraries in the Harrisburg, Pa., area.

“We have this effort to show students that reading is important, necessary and fun.”

During the week, readers not only were able to share a book, they also discussed their careers and encouraged students to do well in school. “We have this effort to show students that reading is important, necessary and fun,” said Floyd Stokes, event founder and executive director of the American Literacy Corporation. “It’s also great to see male role models in the community interacting with the students.”

Elizabethtown College, which is now an official sponsor of the event, was introduced to the initiative by assistant director of admissions, David Stewart, who served with Stokes on the Dauphin County Fatherhood Taskforce. “It was really something that I found myself wanting to be a part of,” Stewart said. “I presented the opportunity to the previous president, Dr. (Ted) Long, and we both participated in the first 100 Men Reading Day.”

Members of the Elizabethtown College campus community participated this year on March 4. Students, faculty and staff members, as well as alumni of Elizabethtown College, are encouraged to participate in future events. “It would be great to get more students involved and engaged in this program,” said Stewart. “Some students do not realize how influential they can be in the lives of these children.”

For more information on 500 Men Reading Week, visit. http://www.superreader.org/500-men-reading-week.