On Thursday, Aug. 24, Partners for Children and Families, Moore County's local Smart Start organization, will join Jumpstart, an international group promoting early literacy, in sponsoring "Read for the Record," setting the world record for the largest simultaneous shared reading experience ever.

Partners for Children and Families is encouraging as many adults as possible to read the selected book, "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper, to preschool children.

Copies of the book, registration forms and activity sheets have been provided to area child-care providers, libraries and bookstores.

The Bookshop by the Lakes in Seven Lakes, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, Southern Pines Library, as well as the Vass and Robbins libraries, will all be hosting special reading events that day.

"Early learning experiences are crucial to the growth and development of young children," says Amy Ortiz, community educator for Partners for Children and Families. "Smart Start was created to support and encourage early learning and school readiness for all of North Carolina's children. Jumpstart shares this vision on a national level, so we are excited to be part of this event.

"Read for the Record provides the opportunity for everyone in our community to support quality early education and to engage in a powerful learning experience."

Those wishing to participate in "Read for the Record" may contact Partners for Children and Families at 949-4045.