Reading took center stage across Alpine School District on Friday, October 2, 2026, as students, teachers, and staff joined more than 275,000 Utahns in a statewide literacy push. According to an October 2 report, the initiative involved dedicated reading time in schools, offices, and libraries across the state.
The official launch of the Read-a-Thon featured a gathering at the State Capitol rotunda. During the event, First Lady Abby Cox welcomed students from the region to read together. Attendees received free books donated by Marissa’s Books in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber’s Utah Community Builders initiative. Students from Willowcreek Middle School and Lakeridge Junior High represented the Alpine School District at the Capitol.
First Lady Cox emphasized the connection between strong reading habits and lifelong brain development, noting that reading on grade level is important for brain development. Governor Spencer Cox also addressed the initiative during a statewide broadcast, sharing that he deleted social media from his phone to reclaim time for reading classics such as Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. He encouraged citizens to make time for books to show children that reading is a lifelong activity.
Various Alpine School District schools hosted unique literacy activities. At Eagle Valley Elementary, high school mentors from Cedar Valley High shared favorite books with elementary students. Lehi High School held a literacy celebration that included reading bingo and scheduled reading breaks. Meanwhile, Willowcreek Middle School students participated in a 30-minute schoolwide reading period during Pride Time.
Students participating in the event reflected on the benefits of reading. A student from Lakeridge Junior High stated that reading helps people understand the world and others. Another student from Willowcreek Middle School noted that reading is a practical necessity for many areas of life.
Alpine School District is encouraging students, parents, and community members to maintain reading momentum by making daily reading a priority at home through physical books, e-readers, or audiobooks.
