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The Office of Governor Wes Moore

Governor and First Lady Moore Host Young Marylanders for #ReadMoreMaryland Campaign Summer Reading Celebration

Press Release |
Updated:
Governor Moore and First Lady Moore reading to young Marylanders

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore today hosted nearly 100 young Marylanders and their families for the #ReadMoreMaryland Campaign Summer Reading celebration at Government House. Each student invited participated in the statewide #ReadMoreMaryand literacy campaign, which aimed to inspire Maryland students to read. In partnership with the Governor’s Office for Children and the Maryland State Department of Education, the campaign reinforces the Moore-Miller administration’s commitment to education and advancing literacy among our Maryland students.

“Literacy is the foundation for our children's success, no matter their neighborhood or zip code,” said Gov. Moore. “Since our administration took office, Maryland has made massive gains in literacy achievement across the state, and we refuse to slow down. Through this campaign and the record investments we've made in K-12 education, Maryland is doubling down on our commitment to building a world-class education system, supporting our educators, and creating opportunities for every child in Maryland to succeed."

“I was proud to welcome young Marylanders from across the state to the ‘People’s House’ as we celebrate the power of reading and inspire them to stay engaged throughout the summer,” said First Lady Moore. “I want to thank the more than 100 students, parents, guardians, schools, and community organizations that joined the #ReadMoreMaryland campaign on social media. We truly came together to showcase our state’s commitment to advancing literacy, empowering our young people and uplifting our communities.”

During the celebration, students enjoyed story time with the governor and first lady, fossil discovery with the Maryland Natural History Society, a coloring station provided by Crayola, and activities organized by the Maryland State Library Agency. Each student took home an age appropriate book and resources to inspire them to continue reading this summer.

“Maryland students are proving what they can achieve when schools provide effective and well‑supported reading instruction,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Meaningful, engaging literacy experiences spark curiosity and build confidence. When we empower students to become confident readers, we open pathways to opportunity in school, in careers, and throughout their lives.”

Child coloring paper

Since taking office, the Moore-Miller Administration has invested record funding in Maryland’s K-12 education system. This year, the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget with a $10.2 billion investment in public schools—which includes bringing literacy and math coaches to provide direct, in-classroom support for teachers to boost student achievement and educator retention. In the last two years, Maryland has seen reading scores increase in nearly every grade—moving from 40th to 20th in the nation for literacy. 

“Reading proficiency unlocks lifelong opportunities and the Moore-Miller administration has invested record funding in public schools to improve literacy outcomes,” said Governor’s Office for Children Special Secretary Carmel Martin. “To continue this positive momentum, we have to intentionally target resources to eliminate reading disparities among boys, children of color, and kids living in poverty. By executing data-backed solutions, we are ensuring that no child is left behind in receiving a world-class education.”

The Moore-Miller administration continues to provide new resources to ensure every child and their families have access to the tools they need to thrive. In April, The Governor’s Office for Children launched the Maryland Youth Digital Wellness Playbook, a best-practices guide for young people, parents, and educators to support youth mental health and healthy behaviors online. Later this summer, the Maryland State Department of Education will release the Family Guides for Student Success to assist parents with PreK-8th grade level strategies that support mastery of English language arts and mathematics standards. 

Governor Moore shaking hands

“When school is out, the library is in,” said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. “Summer is a season of discovery, when Maryland’s public libraries help children and families learn, read, and explore together. Throughout every corner of our state, libraries’ Summer Reading Programs are strengthening literacy, inspiring curiosity, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow. We are proud to partner with Governor Moore and the First Lady to support our libraries as they help young Marylanders build the skills, confidence, and love of learning that will serve them for years to come.”

The Maryland State Library Agency coordinates statewide partnerships to support summer library programs. These programs are created independently by public libraries across the state. The state partners annually with the national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), which determines the theme of summer library programs across the country. In 2025, more than 124,000 youth participated in Maryland summer library programs. 

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