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Monday was Read Across America Day, a time that’s traditionally marked by volunteers going to schools and reading, appropriately enough, stories by Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

This is an ideal time to inform or remind town and county residents that they are quite fortunate to have libraries within an easy drive — perhaps even a short walk for many. Western Tidewater is home to the Blackwater Regional Library, whose network includes not only Windsor and Smithfield, but also the city of Franklin as well as Southampton, Sussex and Surry counties.

Each branch in those localities is dedicated to not only housing books, newspapers and magazines, but has also become a community center of sorts where adults, teens and children are welcomed to speak above a whisper. In addition to checking out printed and audio books, people can participate in regular and numerous activities and events, most of which incorporate reading one form or another. Story time and PAWS to Read immediately come to mind as major examples.

As we’ve noted before, the occasion to read — especially to a child — should not be limited to only 24 hours or even seven days in the week. Reading should be a daily practice done every day of every year for the rest of your life. It’s one of the best habits to develop.

To learn more and find the library closest to you, please visit www.blackwaterlib.org.