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Second Lady Usha Vance Reads to Patients at Children’s National Hospital to Celebrate National Reading Month
On Monday, March 2, 2026, Second Lady Usha Vance visited Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she hosted a reading event with patients to promote childhood literacy and celebrate the beginning of National Reading Month.
Ms. Vance held the event for patients ages 3 to 12 in Dr. Bear’s Den at the Children’s National Family Resource Center. Ms. Vance read “The Sneetches and Other Stories” by Dr. Seuss, one of her favorite books to read with her own children.
“Childhood literacy is something that’s very important to me, both as a parent and as someone who grew up reading avidly,” said Ms. Vance. “In particular, when children are spending a lot of time in the hospital it’s important that they have access to books, both as entertainment and to ensure they develop the essential literacy skills they will need for the rest of their lives. It’s an honor to spend time with these children and to encourage them to keep reading after they complete their stay here at the hospital.”
Following the reading, she handed out puzzles, stuffed animals, and books to patients for use while at the hospital. Ms. Vance encouraged young patients to spend time reading when they are able, nodding to her own love of reading as a child as a reason for hosting the event.
“The visit from Second Lady Usha Vance during National Reading Month beautifully reinforces the importance of reading and storytelling in a child’s development and healing journey,” said Elizabeth Wells, MD, MHS, executive vice president, chief clinical officer and physician-in-chief at Children’s National. “Books can provide comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy for children in the hospital. We are sincerely thankful for her time, her compassion and her commitment to supporting kids and families.”
Ms. Vance held the event for patients ages 3 to 12 in Dr. Bear’s Den at the Children’s National Family Resource Center. Ms. Vance read “The Sneetches and Other Stories” by Dr. Seuss, one of her favorite books to read with her own children.
“Childhood literacy is something that’s very important to me, both as a parent and as someone who grew up reading avidly,” said Ms. Vance. “In particular, when children are spending a lot of time in the hospital it’s important that they have access to books, both as entertainment and to ensure they develop the essential literacy skills they will need for the rest of their lives. It’s an honor to spend time with these children and to encourage them to keep reading after they complete their stay here at the hospital.”
Following the reading, she handed out puzzles, stuffed animals, and books to patients for use while at the hospital. Ms. Vance encouraged young patients to spend time reading when they are able, nodding to her own love of reading as a child as a reason for hosting the event.
“The visit from Second Lady Usha Vance during National Reading Month beautifully reinforces the importance of reading and storytelling in a child’s development and healing journey,” said Elizabeth Wells, MD, MHS, executive vice president, chief clinical officer and physician-in-chief at Children’s National. “Books can provide comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy for children in the hospital. We are sincerely thankful for her time, her compassion and her commitment to supporting kids and families.”
