Do you remember when you were first learning how to read?  It was fun...and was one of the first steps taken towards independence.  What made learing to read fun for you? 

In order to encourage reading amoung the youth, I plan to visit libraries and hold special events, such as story hour where I'll read a story outloud and then discuss it with a group of children.  We will then do a creative project that relates to the book.  Do you have any other ideas?