TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The state's First Lady shared the story of the importance of reading at an appearance Wednesday.

Mary Brownback was guest speaker at the Women Attorneys Association of Topeka luncheon. The group held its annual "Read to Me" program in conjunction with her speech. Members were encouraged to bring a children's book to donate to Grace Episcopal's Parent-Child Learning Center.

Mrs. Brownback says it's important for parents to read to children to foster a life-long interest in reading and learning. She says reading is important to every aspect of life, so it need to be done and encouraged.

Mrs. Brownback hosted the first-ever Kansas Book Festival last weekend, which attracted hundreds of attendees to the Kansas History Center.