Last updated on September 8th, 2023
San Antonio-based H-E-B will host the Read 3 Big Texas Read-in to promote literacy and mark the largest reading event in the state.
For more than 11 years, the grocer has held literacy initiatives including its Read 3 program, which encourages caretakers to read to children at least three times per week.
As part of this year’s Read3 Read In event, H-E-B is inviting schools to participate in the statewide reading event in person at the Long Center in Austin, through local libraries, Texas Education Agency public schools or virtually online at heb.com/read3.
“Our Read3 program is a passion project aimed to foster a love of reading and help every Texan child excel,” said Christa Aldrich, H-E-B program manager. “Our team at H-E-B is focused on empowering Texans to embrace furthering education and fostering literacy in order to help both communities and residents thrive in childhood and beyond.”
New York Times best-selling author Camila Alves McConaughey will be hosting a live reading of her book “Just Try One Bite,” where children attempt to get their picky-eating parents to try healthy, whole foods.
“As a mother, I wrote ‘Just Try One Bite’ with children and their parents in mind. I wanted to create something that would tell a story but also foster a connection and strengthen family bonds through a shared activity,” McConaughey said. “I’m honored to partner with H-E-B to emphasize how important reading with children is for both literacy and help enable that connection for families in Texas and around the country.”
There are many ways to get involved. Some of the events taking place include:
- Virtual reading event across Texas: The read-along will be livestreamed virtually on YouTube, Facebook and heb.com for participants across the country to read along.
- School reading events: Select public and private schools across Texas will join together to read on Sept. 30.
- Laura Bush foundation grant recipient librarians: School librarians will also host reading sessions at select school libraries across the state.
To learn more about the event or to take part in the H-E-B Read 3 Big Texas Read In, visit heb.com/static-page/Read-3-Read-In.
