Two children shows off books handed out by the Eastern Shore Reading Council at the 11th annual Read Across America event at the Wicomico County Public Library.

Salisbury, Md. — The Eastern Shore Reading Council supported the Salisbury Jaycees in its 11th annual Read Across America event hosted at the Wicomico Public Library. The Saturday event brought together over a 100 parents and children as they had the opportunity to listen intently to numerous local celebrity readers as well as Miss Maryland Teen USA Caleigh Shade share their favorite childhood books.

Miss Maryland Teen USA Caleigh Shade reads A Cat in the Hat to children at the 11th annual Read Across America event hosted by the Salisbury Jaycees at the Wicomico Public Library

Each child present had the opportunity to take a free book (or two) compliments of the ESRC in between photos and fun with guest celebrities the Cat in the Hat, Saul the Salisbury Jaycees Bear, and Sherman of the Delmarva Shorebird. In addition, children had the chance to tour a fire truck courtesy of the Salisbury Fire Department.

“We love being involved in this event. The kids had a lot of fun, and I got to see some of my students joining in the literacy festivity,” ESRC member and Fruitland Intermediate teacher Magic Mapp stated. “It’s great when the Council can partner with other great organizations that want the best for children.”