MEDIA Advisory: Gov. Cox and First Lady Abby Cox to kick off statewide Utah Reads Read-a-Thon

SALT LAKE CITY - Gov. Spencer J. Cox and First Lady Abby Cox invite Utahns to join the statewide Utah Reads Read-a-Thon on Friday, Oct. 2, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. More than 275,000 students and adults are expected to participate through schools, libraries, businesses, and organizations across Utah. The governor will welcome participants throughout the state via a livestream at 9:30 a.m., while the first lady will welcome students reading in the Capitol rotunda.

Earlier that morning, the governor and first lady will visit Guadalupe School to read with students and help them select books at a book fair. Media coverage opportunities are outlined below.

Guadalupe School book fair and read-a-thon

When: Friday, Oct. 2, 8:45-9:10 a.m.
Where: Guadalupe Center, 1385 N. 1200 West, Salt Lake City
Who: Gov. Cox, First Lady Abby Cox, Guadalupe students and staff, and representatives from Cyprus Credit Union and FOX 13 News

The governor and first lady will read aloud with students and help them select books at a book fair celebrating the annual FOX 13 News and Guadalupe Center book donation event, with support from Cyprus Credit Union.

Statewide kickoff and Capitol rotunda read-a-thon

When: Friday, Oct. 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Utah State Capitol rotunda, 350 N. State St., Salt Lake City

Capitol rotunda read-a-thon with First Lady Abby Cox
The first lady will welcome students gathered in the Capitol rotunda for the read-a-thon. Students who participated in the Salt Lake Chamber's Utah Community Builders summer reading program have been invited. Each attending student will receive a free book donated by Marissa's Books.

Governor's livestream
Gov. Cox will deliver a welcome from his office at 9:30 a.m., followed by a slideshow highlighting participating schools and organizations.

Watch: Statewide read-a-thon livestream

Additional school media opportunities

Media may contact the following participating schools to coordinate coverage of local read-a-thon activities. Please confirm timing and access with each school before arriving. Note: Gov. Cox and First Lady Abby Cox will not attend these school events in person.

Eagle Valley Elementary, Alpine School District
Communications Specialist Karen Ashman: [email protected]
Eagle Valley students will read with visiting students from Cedar Valley High School, who will share favorite books from their elementary years and talk about why reading remains important to them.

Lehi High School, Alpine School District
Communications Specialist Karen Ashman: [email protected]
The school is planning a daylong reading celebration with reading bingo, designated reading moments and spaces for students to read.

Sky View High School, Cache County School District
Director of Communications Sheri Anderson: [email protected], 435-752-7737
The school's reading club is organizing participation, with local businesses donating treats for students to enjoy while reading.

Pacific Heritage Academy
Assistant Director Semmi-Lu Satoafaiga: [email protected]; 801-363-1892
The school will include storytelling from the cultures represented by its staff and faculty alongside read-a-thon activities.