Proclamation 9403-Read Across America Day, 2016
Issued 2016-03-01 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama declared March 2, 2016, as Read Across America Day through this proclamation. The date coincides with the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, whose stories emphasized values like respect for all people, self-acceptance, and the importance of trying new things. The proclamation recognizes reading as playing an integral role in people's lives and encourages getting books into young people's hands early and often.
This declaration affects all Americans by calling on children, families, educators, librarians, public officials, and citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The proclamation specifically highlights efforts to promote literacy in underserved communities and mentions the First Lady's announcement of Open eBooks, a project designed to provide over $250 million worth of reading material to students who need it most.
This type of proclamation is ceremonial in nature and has been issued by presidents since George Washington. It does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on anyone. Instead, it draws public awareness to the importance of reading and literacy while honoring librarians, educators, and parents who work to encourage children to read.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9403-Read Across America Day, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to read across america. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9403—Read Across America Day, 2016 March 1, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From a child's first foray into the depths of a story to an adult's escape into a world of words, reading plays an integral role in our lives. Works of fiction and non-fiction alike pique interest and inspiration and shape our understanding of each other and ourselves, teaching us lessons in kindness and humility, responsibility and respect. The moment we persuade a child to pick up a book for the first time we change their lives forever for the better, and on Read Across America Day, we recommit to getting literary works into our young peoples' hands early and often. March 2 is also the birthday of one of America's revered wordsmiths. Theodor Seuss Geisel—or Dr. Seuss—used his incredible talent to instill in his most impressionable readers universal values we all hold dear. Through a prolific collection of stories, he made children see that reading is fun, and in the process, he emphasized respect for all; pushed us to accept ourselves for who we are; challenged preconceived notions and encouraged trying new things; and by example, taught us that we are limited by nothing but the ra