Olympia School District proclaims February as Olympia Reads!! Month 

The Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed February 2026 as Olympia Reads!! Month to promote a culture of reading in the city.

“The mission of Olympia Reads!! is to excite readers of all ages by connecting them with published authors and illustrators,” states the district’s website. 

Similar to the long-running Lacey Loves to Read initiative, Olympia Reads!! features an author whose work will engage the community in meaningful conversations.  

This year will be the third Olympia Reads!! author event. It will feature Renée Watson — a New York Times bestselling author, recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor winner. 

District Instructional Technology Specialist Sharyn Merrigan thanked the people behind the different events under the initiative. 

“Our neighboring school district from Thurston has hosted a similar author program for over 20 years. Lacey Loves to Read is truly a district and city-wide celebration of reading. With their logistical advice, Olympia teacher-librarians launched Olympia Reads!! in 2024,” Merrigan said. 

A bookmark contest was held in connection to the event, and some winners were recognized at the board’s meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8. 

Proclamation 

Board members alternated in reading the passages of the proclamation.

“I, Patrick Murphy, Superintendent of the Olympia School District, and the Board of Directors, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Olympia Reads!! Month in the Olympia School District, and encourage all students, staff, and community members to participate in the event, celebrate the power of reading, and engage in meaningful conversations inspired by the works of Renée Watson,” Murphy read.

The district aims for learners to read literature on diversity, history and global issues in order better understand the world, foster empathy, and engage on dialogues about unity and mutual respect. 

Watson will be in Olympia on Feb. 10–12, to hold a series of events aimed at sparking a passion for reading, writing and storytelling.  

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, Watson will be presenting at the downtown Olympia branch of the Timberland Regional Library, after an author event at Capital High School. 

Past featured authors of Olympia Reads!! include Varian Johnson (2025) and Christine Day (2024).