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 push for literacy.
While the statewide Read-a-Thon’s official launch featured a gathering at the State Capitol rotunda, the main event happened in local schools, offices, and libraries, where Utahns put aside distractions to spend dedicated time with a good book.
At the State Capitol, First Lady Abby Cox welcomed students from across the region to read together in the rotunda, where each attendee received a free book donated by Marissa’s Books in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber’s Utah Community Builders initiative.
Representing Alpine School District at the Capitol were students from Willowcreek Middle School and Lakeridge Junior High.
State Leaders Inspire Young Readers
First Lady Abby Cox greeted the assembled students at the Capitol, emphasizing the connection between strong reading habits and lifelong brain development.
"Statistics show that so many of us are not reading on grade level, and it's really important to read on grade level for our brain development," First Lady Cox said. "Reading books requires a little more effort, but actually gives a better outcome, and helps us to be smarter."
She also shared her personal favorite book, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, encouraging students to discover stories that resonate deeply with them.
Toward the end of the event, Governor Spencer Cox made an appearance following his statewide address. During his broadcast message, Governor Cox reflected on his own decision to delete social media from his phone to reclaim time for reading classics like Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.
"When children see us make time for books, they see that reading belongs in our lives well beyond school," Governor Cox told viewers. "Pick up your book, get comfortable, and just see where it takes you."
Students Reflect on Reading
For Alpine School District students at the Capitol, the day offered a unique opportunity to combine civic exploration with quiet reading.
"It’s my first time being here, it’s really cool! It's also my first time reading this book," said Jack, a student from Lakeridge Junior High reading Downriver by Will Hobbs. "If we don't read, then we don't know how to understand the world. The more you read, the more you can understand what people are saying, the more you can understand where people are coming from."
Jack added that taking time to read helps students step away from daily digital distractions.
Bennett, a Willowcreek Middle School student, noted the practical importance of building strong reading habits.
"You can't really do anything without it," Bennett said. "If you can't read, there's not too much that you'll be able to do in any area of life."
Read-a-Thon Across the District
Back in classrooms, schools throughout Alpine School District also found unique ways to join the statewide reading effort.
At Eagle Valley Elementary, visiting high school mentors from Cedar Valley High shared favorite elementary books and talked about why reading remains vital. Lehi High School hosted a daylong literacy celebration featuring reading bingo and scheduled reading breaks. Meanwhile, students back at Willowcreek Middle School participated in a dedicated 30-minute schoolwide reading period during "Pride Time."
"It's so cool being in this huge place in the rotunda and getting to just read here," said Rebecca, a Willowcreek student who attended the Capitol while her classmates read back at school. "So much knowledge already comes out of this place, and getting to immerse yourself in knowledge is just so cool."
Keep the Pages Turning
Alpine School District joins Governor and First Lady Cox in encouraging all students, parents, and community members to keep the momentum going by making daily reading a shared priority at home. Whether picking up a physical book, opening an e-reader, or listening to an audiobook, taking time to read every day builds essential skills and nurtures lifelong learning.