The full text of each is published here.
These are ceremonial proclamations. They recognize an observance and describe a practice. They are not evaluations of effectiveness, and Reading To Connect does not present them as evidence of outcomes. What they establish is that the term Engaged Shared Reading™ has been used and defined in dated public documents by named public officials.
City of Richardson, Texas
Issued: 18 August 2025 · Signed: Amir Omar, Mayor
Whereas Reading To Connect™ is a community-rooted movement, founded in Richardson, by Quinn Cummings, that helps families build emotional trust, cultural connection, and presence through the practice of Engaged Shared Reading™; and
Whereas Engaged Shared Reading™ is a relational approach to reading that centers listening, reflection, and shared experience, allowing families to move beyond performance-based routines and into deeper connection; and
Whereas Reading To Connect Day invites families to slow down, share stories aloud, and honor the power of books to spark conversation, heal generational gaps, and nurture belonging; and
Whereas This global initiative continues to grow across cities and countries, while remaining rooted in Richardson, where it began with local families, educators, and school communities who believe reading is not just about literacy, but legacy.
Now, therefore, I, Amir Omar, Mayor of the City of Richardson, Texas, do hereby proclaim the last Sunday in August as:
Reading To Connect Day
in Richardson, Texas, and encourage all residents to participate by sharing a book with someone they love, creating space for conversation, and using stories as tools for building stronger families and communities.
Given under my hand and seal of office this 18th day of August 2025.
Amir Omar, Mayor, City of Richardson, Texas
City of Garland, Texas
Issued: 18 August 2025 · Signed: Dylan Hedrick, Mayor
Whereas Reading To Connect™ is a community-rooted movement, founded in Richardson, by Quinn Cummings, that helps families build emotional trust, cultural connection, and presence through the practice of Engaged Shared Reading™; and
Whereas Engaged Shared Reading™ is a relational approach to reading that centers listening, reflection, and shared experience, allowing families to move beyond performance-based routines and into deeper connection; and
Whereas Reading To Connect Day invites families to slow down, share stories aloud, and honor the power of books to spark conversation, heal generational gaps, and nurture belonging; and
Whereas This global initiative continues to grow across cities and countries, with participation throughout North Texas, including Garland families, educators, and school communities who believe reading is not just about literacy, but legacy.
Now, therefore, I, Dylan Hedrick, Mayor of the City of Garland, Texas, do hereby proclaim the last Sunday in August as:
Reading To Connect Day in Garland, Texas
and encourage all residents to participate by sharing a book with someone they love, creating space for conversation, and using stories as tools for building stronger families and communities.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Garland, Texas, to be affixed on this 18th day of August 2025.
Dylan Hedrick, Mayor, City of Garland, Texas
City of Irving, Texas
Issued: 31 August 2025 · Signed: Rick Stopfer, Mayor, and the Irving City Council
Whereas Reading To Connect™ is a community-rooted movement, founded in Richardson by Quinn Cummings, that helps families build emotional trust, cultural connection, and presence through the practice of Engaged Shared Reading™; and
Whereas Engaged Shared Reading™ is a relational approach to reading that centers listening, reflection, and shared experience, allowing families to move beyond performance-based routines and into deeper connection; and
Whereas Reading To Connect Day invites families to slow down, share stories aloud, and honor the power of books to spark conversation, heal generational gaps, and nurture belonging; and
Whereas This global initiative continues to grow across cities and countries, while remaining rooted in Richardson, where it began with local families, educators, and school communities who believe reading is not just about literacy, but legacy.
Now, therefore, I, Rick Stopfer, Mayor of the City of Irving, and the City Council do hereby proclaim August 31, 2025, as:
Reading To Connect Day
in Irving, Texas, and encourage all residents to participate by sharing a book with someone they love, creating space for conversation, and using stories as tools for building stronger families and communities.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City to be affixed this 31st day of August 2025.
Rick Stopfer, Mayor, City of Irving, Texas
County of Camden, New Jersey
Issued: 31 August 2025 · Issued by: Board of Commissioners, County of Camden
Whereas it is the desire of the Board of Commissioners of the County of Camden to recognize noteworthy occasions that bring awareness to our communities; and
Whereas Reading To Connect™ is a community-rooted movement, founded in Richardson, Texas by Quinn Cummings, that empowers families to build emotional trust, cultural connection, and meaningful presence through the practice of Engaged Shared Reading™, a method that transforms reading into a shared, relational experience; and
Whereas Engaged Shared Reading™ is a unique and intentional approach to reading that centers listening, reflection, and shared experience, encouraging families to move beyond performance-based routines and into deeper emotional and cultural connection; Reading To Connect Day serves as a powerful reminder of the role stories play in shaping identity, bridging generational divides, and fostering empathy, belonging, and resilience within families and communities; this initiative invites families to slow down, share stories aloud, and honor the transformative power of books, not only as tools for literacy, but as vessels of memory, healing, and legacy; and
Whereas Reading To Connect™ has grown into a global movement, embraced by cities and countries around the world, while remaining deeply rooted in Richardson, where it began with local families, educators, and school communities who recognized that reading together is not just an educational act, but a relational one.
Now, therefore, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Camden does hereby declare:
Reading To Connect Day 2025
and urges all residents of the County of Camden to celebrate Reading To Connect Day by sharing stories, deepening family bonds, and embracing the power of books to build community.
Given under our hands and the Seal of the County of Camden, this thirty-first day of August, two thousand and twenty-five.
Louis Cappelli, Jr., Commissioner Director. Edward T. McDonnell, Commissioner Deputy Director. Commissioners Jeffrey L. Nash, Jonathan L. Young, Sr., Almar Dyer, Virginia Betteridge, and Jennifer Cooley Fleisher.
