UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and families around the world to join in recognizing Read Across America 2026, through an alumni collaboration led by Penn State World Campus, the Penn State College of Education and Penn State University Libraries, with Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) chapters and societies playing an important role in bringing this effort to life.
The "Roar Where You Are" event celebrates community, literacy and the many ways stories connect Penn Staters wherever they may be.
All alumni, friends, faculty, staff and families are invited to take part at any level in any or all of the following ways:
Share your story
Record a short video or snap a selfie with a favorite book, author or story. These will be highlighted on social media. Be sure to tag @pennstateworldcampusalumni, @pennstate_edu, or @psulibs to be featured in and follow those social media accounts to see current faculty, staff, alumni and students share their stories as well.
Support libraries
Get a library card or encourage someone else to get one at your local library. Sign up for a Penn State University Libraries borrowers card (for Pennsylvania alumni residents or any member of the PSAA) and explore resources at a college or university near you. Penn State students and employees’ ID cards serve as library cards. Students, including World Campus students, are typically registered automatically with the University Libraries, while faculty and staff are typically registered after activating their Penn State accounts.
Give back
Consider donating a book to a local school, day care, library or community organization in your area. PSAA chapters and book clubs are especially encouraged to participate.
Alumni panel to spotlight literacy, education and community storytelling
Join a 60-minute virtual event at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 2, featuring an alumni panel spotlighting literacy, education and community storytelling; speakers from the University Libraries and the Pennsylvania Center for the Book, which is affiliated with the University Libraries and the Library of Congress; opportunities to connect and network with fellow Penn Staters; and family story time, including a book raffle to wrap up the evening.
Interested attendees can register for the panel event by visiting the registration website.