First Lady Ann LePage Partners With Scholastic As Reading Ambassador

First Lady makes book donations to five Maine schools

Augusta, Maine - First Lady Ann LePage has joined with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, to be a Reading Ambassador throughout this holiday season. This is part of Scholastic’s ongoing global literacy campaign, called Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life., which reinforces the important need for literacy and access to books for all children. 

As part of Mrs. LePage’s role as a Reading Ambassador, Scholastic will donate 500 books to a school, after-school program, community center or charity of the First Lady’s choice. This will continue the work of Scholastic and the First Lady from the 2012 Scholastic Summer Challenge, a national program designed to motivate kids to read during summer vacation. The Summer Challenge resulted in 95 million minutes of reading, and gained the participation of 51 Governors’ Spouses and Governors.

“I was ecstatic to participate in this donation with Scholastic,” said First Lady LePage. “Literacy is such an
important tool in making sure our children receive a good education. It is a great effort, and I am thrilled to be able to participate to give the gift of learning to so many Maine children."

The First Lady has chosen to make five 100-book donations to select schools across Maine. The books range in ages K-7. The recipients of the donation include the following schools: Cornville Regional Charter School, Newport Elementary School, Elm Street School, Surry Elementary School and Trenton Elementary School.

For free literacy resources, visit www.scholastic.com/readeveryday. For more information about Scholastic, please visit the media room or contact Sara Sinek at (212) 343-6899 or ssinek@scholastic.com.