MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling joined young readers at the Morris County Library to celebrate Read Across America, reading to a group of toddlers as part of the annual nationwide literacy event.
This year’s program in Morris County highlighted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, a theme incorporated into the reading selection and discussion with children.
Darling read “The Story of America’s Birthday” by Patricia A. Pingry and shared a brief historical note about the origins of the surrogate’s role in New Jersey. She explained that the position originally received authority in the colony through the King of England and the Archbishop of London in 1710 when the American colonies were governed by the British crown.
“I am thrilled that once again I have had the opportunity to participate in this important event,” Darling said in a statement. “It was my pleasure to sit with these young children and have fun reading and pointing out the pictures. Read Across America is aimed at fostering a lifelong love of reading and it is never too early to start reading to the little ones.”
Read Across America is an annual initiative focused on encouraging reading among children and promoting literacy through school and community activities.
More information about the Morris County Surrogate’s Office is available at www.morrissurrogate.com.
