As the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature from 2012-13, Walter Dean Myers traveled around the United States promoting the slogan, "Reading is not optional." He strove to spread the message that a brighter future depends on reading proficiency and widespread literacy, not only during his two-year tenure as National Ambassador, but beyond.

Access Materials from the Program

• "Center for the Book in the Library of Congress 2011 Newsletter" [PDF]

The Library of Congress' Center for the Book outlines Walter Dean Myers' appointment to the National Ambassador position and details on Myers' views on his national platform, the importance of reading in his own life, and his interest in encouraging "adults to read to children as early as possible and foster reading among boys, who, research shows, don't read as often as girls."