Usha Vance Celebrates National Reading Month With Hospital Visit

Second Lady Usha Vance celebrated National Reading Month by reading Dr. Seuss to young patients at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

As National Reading Month begins across the country, Second Lady spent part of her Monday encouraging a love of books among young patients.

During the visit, Vance read to children between the ages of 3 and 12, sharing one of her family’s favorites.

The timing carried special significance. March 2 marks the birthday of the beloved children’s author, making the story selection a fitting tribute during National Reading Month.

“Childhood literacy is something that’s very important to me,” Vance said during the event. “In particular, when children are spending a lot of time in the hospital it’s important that they have access to books.”

For children facing long hospital stays, reading can provide more than entertainment. Books offer a sense of normalcy, mental escape, and opportunities for learning even while away from school.

Vance emphasized that early literacy skills play a crucial role in long-term educational success. Studies from the National Center for Education Statistics have shown that children who develop strong reading habits early are significantly more likely to perform well academically later in life.

To make the event even more memorable, the second lady distributed puzzles, stuffed animals, and books to the young patients following the reading.

She said her own childhood love of reading inspired her to share the experience with others.

“I loved reading as a child and hoped to encourage children to keep reading,” she told the audience.

Hospital leadership praised the visit as a meaningful boost for both patients and families.

Elizabeth Wells, executive vice president and physician-in-chief at Children’s National Hospital, said storytelling can play an important role in emotional recovery.

“Books can provide comfort, connection, and a sense of normalcy for children in the hospital,” Wells said, adding that literacy activities can support both development and healing.

The visit also comes during an exciting year for the Vance family.

Usha Vance and her husband, Vice President recently announced they are expecting their fourth child together. The couple, married since 2014, are preparing to welcome a son later this year.

When their baby arrives in July, the Vances will join a relatively small group of American presidential or vice presidential families to welcome a child while serving in office.

For now, the second lady’s focus during National Reading Month remains on inspiring young readers especially those who could use a little extra encouragement.

With a book in hand and a room full of attentive listeners, she reminded the children that stories have the power to transport, comfort, and inspire.

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