PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Reads to Local Students to Celebrate Read Across America

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-11903" height="683" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/03/image-1024x683.png" width="1024" /></figure>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Above: Gottheimer celebrating Read Across America at Jefferson School in Bergenfield.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>HACKENSACK, NJ —&nbsp;</strong>Today, March 6, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined students and educators at Jefferson School in Bergenfield to celebrate Read Across America Day, highlighting the importance of literacy and a lifelong love of reading. During his visit, Gottheimer read the beloved children’s book&nbsp;<em>Giraffes Can’t Dance</em>&nbsp;to students and spoke with them about the power of books and their ability to inspire imagination, confidence, and learning.</p>

<p>Read Across America Day is a nationwide celebration that encourages children and families to read together and promotes the joy of reading in classrooms and communities across the country.</p>

<p>“Read Across America Day is a great reminder that books open doors for our kids — helping them learn, grow, and dream big,”&nbsp;<strong>said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).&nbsp;</strong>“I was thrilled to join the students at Jefferson School and read Giraffes Can’t Dance, a wonderful story about believing in yourself and finding your own rhythm. Encouraging a love of reading early on helps set our kids up for success both in and out of the classroom.”</p>

<p>Gottheimer was joined by Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan, Jefferson School educators, and administrators for the celebration with students in Bergenfield.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Below: Gottheimer celebrating Read Across America at Jefferson School in Bergenfield.</em></p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-11904" height="683" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/03/image-1-1024x683.png" width="1024" /></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-11905" height="683" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/03/image-2-1024x683.png" width="1024" /></figure>

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<p>The post <a href="https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-reads-to-local-students-to-celebrate-read-across-america">PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Reads to Local Students to Celebrate Read Across America </a> appeared first on <a href="https://gottheimer.house.gov">Josh Gottheimer</a>.</p>