When students at Black’s Mill Elementary heard about Celebrity Reader Day, one child asked if pop star Justin Bieber would be in attendance.

Tana Martin, media specialist, said the school’s definition differs from the traditional meaning of the word.

“Anybody who is willing to serve our community and help kids by showing up and reaching out to them by reading, that’s a celebrity,” Martin said.

Black’s Mill and Robinson elementary schools invited community leaders from all over Dawson County to participate last week in the annual event.

Throughout the day, dozens of volunteers visited both schools.

Martin said Celebrity Reader Day stresses the importance of literacy.

“Everybody’s telling kids that reading is important,” she said. “They hear it from their parents, they hear it from their teachers ... but to hear it from other people in the community, that makes a huge difference.”

Robinson Elementary’s media specialist, Rebecca Wilson, said Celebrity Reader Day “is an opportunity for kids to see adults enjoy reading. It’s a great change of pace for them.”

Added Wilson: “They really enjoy it. It puts a smile on their faces.”