Secretary of State Jesse White encourages families to spend time reading today as part of annual Family Reading Night.

According to a Wednesday news release, White said the event helps to create a positive bond within families and expand a child’s mind.

“Reading together creates a positive learning environment and helps children develop a love of reading that can last a lifetime,” White said in the release.

The theme for this year’s event is “One World, Many Stories,” and this is the 21st year that a family reading night has been sponsored by the Secretary of State in Illinois, according to the release.

Posters and bookmarks have been distributed to libraries throughout the state, and the program is intended for pre-kindergarten through 6th grade children and their families.

According to the release, events have been planned to celebrate Family Reading Night all around the state, including public readings from children’s book authors, a pajama party for families and a number of free book handouts for children.

More information about Family Reading Night can be found at bit.ly/TITlG9.