Hampton E.S. Fosters Love of Reading at Annual Event

When PTA members were thinking of an event to bring the community together—after years of —the first priority was cost-effictiveness.

The result is the now annual Family Reading Night, which has successfully nurtured a love for reading among hundreds of students, so say parents and organizers. 

PTA president Maureen Zingo said the event was meant “to foster a love for reading and school community. This is a close-knit school and this brings us closer together.”

Have photos from the event? We encourage you to add them to this story just by clicking on the link above.

The event itself, which grew by leaps and bounds from its first year in 2011, drew over 200 students and parents back to class for celebrity readings, a chance to give back to those in need and the ever popular "book swap."

The book swap gave students the chance to exchange books that they've outgrown or previously read and purchase new literature with proceeds benefitting a newly constructed library in Africa (but more on the latter point later).

"We started collecting books last week and the response has been overwhelming," said Tina Zeller, a Hampton parent and event co-chair. "During the Swap part of the evening, all the donated books are displayed on a table according to grade level and the students can shop and pick out a few books that are 'new' to them. It's a fun and cost effective way for the students to share in the joy of reading without having to buy new books."

Zingo said the school has developed quite the reputation for encouraging reading among students, especially in the winter time.

“Everybody likes to read," Zingo said. "The school here—they’re really encouraging the students to read through a number of reading enhancement programs.

Though it wasn't intentional, Family Reading Night lead perfectly into today's National Education Association supported Read Across America Day.

Actors Danny DeVito and Zac Efron began their morning by reading the Dr. Seuss classic The Lorax to 300 New York Public School students, according to a release. (Both actors have lent their voices to the animated film adaption, which premiered earlier today.)

In Lutherville meanwhile, local celebrities Baltimore Idol winner Gina Barilone, Greg Carpenter from 101.9 Lite FM and Maynard Edwards, of 97.5 WHFS did their part by reading to students Thursday night. (See photos.)

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So we ask: How do you foster of love for reading to your child? What books do you read to kids night after night? Tell us in the comments section below.

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Editor's Note: Check back with the site for a special feature on Family Reading Night's charitable efforts, benefitting a school in Africa.