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<p class="MsoNormal">The library community understands the importance of reading, both as a powerful tool for learning and a critical skill for kids to be successful in school and beyond (and it’s fun!). Currently, more than half of Oregon third-graders are
reading below grade level, which is a significant issue for our communities. SMART Reading, a statewide children’s literacy nonprofit, is raising awareness about the importance of reading with kids in honor of World Read Aloud Day on Feb. 5, 2020.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">World Read Aloud Day is an international observance celebrated by millions of people worldwide that aims to advocate for literacy as a fundamental human right. This year, SMART Reading has issued a challenge to get 10,000 Oregonians to
take the Reading Matters pledge and read aloud with children in their lives on Feb. 5.
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<p class="MsoNormal">To take the pledge or learn more about SMART Reading and World Read Aloud Day, visit
<a href="http://www.smartreading.org/world-read-aloud-day">www.smartreading.org/world-read-aloud-day</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you!<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:5.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:black">Jennifer Patterson<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%">State Librarian<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><a href="mailto:jennifer.l.patterson@state.or.us"><span style="color:#0563C1">jennifer.l.patterson@state.or.us</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%">503-378-4367 | <u><span style="color:#0563C1"><a href="www.oregon.gov/library"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.oregon.gov/library</span></a></span></u>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="218" height="60" id="Picture_x0020_27" src="cid:image003.png@01D5CAFC.3E5EFEC0" alt="Title: State Library of Oregon"><o:p></o:p></p>
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