Make #timetoread on National Readathon Day

The Cedar Rapids Public Library is joining hundreds of people across the nation in supporting the National Book Foundation in its first National Readathon Day, a marathon reading session from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The event is a fundraiser for the National Book Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting reading across America, and its efforts to educate, tutor, create and sustain a lifelong love of reading.

Sign up at Firstgiving.com/10658 to be part of the Cedar Rapids Public Library team.

Other libraries in Iowa participating include those in Ames, Cedar Falls, Johnston and Sidney.

Dragonfly Books in Decorah also is holding an event.

In Cedar Rapids, the library's book party will provide water, coffee, tea and snacks to participants, along with a special gift. Or, read at home and connect with other readers by uploading photos and comments on social media using the hashtag #timetoread.

The inaugural National Readathon Day already has raised more than $10,000 for the foundation through online pledges.

Donations are not required to participate, though.

'We encourage everyone to take part in the reading session to help share their love of reading and their support for the National Book Foundation,” said Amber Mussman, information officer at the Cedar Rapids library.

More information on the National Book Foundation can be found at Nationalbook.org. For more information about the Cedar Rapids Public Library, go to Crlibrary.org or call (319) 261-READ.