Read Me Day
Learn About Read Me Day
Read Me Day is an annual celebration of literacy hosted at Title I elementary schools to highlight the importance of books and reading, create a memorable literacy experience for children, and provide community-wide support for our local schools and students. Read Me Day events are organized in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Read Me Day was started in 1986 by Frankie DeWees, a teacher at East Hickman Elementary School in Lyles, Tennessee, to celebrate the importance of reading. The event was called “Read Me Day” because students, teachers, and visiting readers were invited to wear a shirt, cap, or pin with a message on it so the children could “read the reader.” Book’em has celebrated Read Me Day since 1990, growing the event from a single day into four celebrations hosted at different schools each year.
Book'em's 2025 Read Me Day Celebrations
What Does Read Me Day Look Like?
Read Me Day Special Guests
- Public figures such as mayors, judges, school board representatives, and Nashville city council members
- Mascots such as Gnash (Nashville Predators), Booster the Rooster (Nashville Sounds), & Mr. Commodore (Vanderbilt University)
- Beloved characters such as Spiderman, Rey from Star Wars, & an array of Disney princesses (courtesy of The Wishes Foundation)
- Entertainers such as cheerleading squads and The GameMaster
- Hometown heroes & career role models such as police officers, construction workers, authors & illustrators, chefs, news anchors, meteorologists, and so many more!
Book ownership is an important part of promoting literacy and a love of reading because it helps connect students with their families in developing a love of reading beyond just the classroom. I love that they get to choose which book they take home and have it forever!
- RIF Volunteer