Read Across Maryland evolved from Read Across America, a national reading initiative developed by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1997. It is an annual reading motivation and awareness program spearheaded by the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) that calls on everyone to read at least 30 minutes for 30 days (link for read 30 30 here) beginning on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss and ending March 31st.