It’s Time To Drop Everything and Read!

April 12 is National D.E.A.R. Day!

National D.E.A.R. Day, or National “Drop Everything and Read” Day is a national celebration of reading designed to remind people, both young and old, to make reading a priority in their lives. 

What’s more fun(damental) than reading? National D.E.A.R. Day is celebrated every year on April 12, the birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary whose characters Ramona and Beezus are favorites among generations of readers. It's a day to put down your phone, step away from the screens and get lost in the magic of a book. Reading is a fundamental skill that unlocks a world of knowledge, imagination and enjoyment. Whether it's a captivating novel, a fascinating biography or a silly picture book, our libraries have a book out there for everyone. 

Celebrate D.E.A.R Day with Storytime

For the little ones who haven't learned to read yet, we host weekly storytimes for babies and toddlers at our different library locations. Reading books alongside young children and babies helps their development in a number of ways. Not only does your child get familiar with different sounds and words, but you're also establishing a love of books and a passion for reading in their life. In their first year of life, a baby's brain is growing more than at any other time in their entire life. When babies are read to, they are learning the sounds of language, the meanings associated with words and the wonderful social element of communication. Reading books stimulates your baby's imagination and helps them learn about the world around them.

Encouraging Reluctant Readers

If you have a reluctant young reader in your life, one way to encourage them is by attending Paws for Tales! At Paws for Tales, your child can have their own 10-minute session to practice reading with a therapy dog at the library. Studies show that children who may not want to read in front of their peers are much less anxious with an animal present. Children don't perceive animals to be judgmental, and reading to a furry friend helps them become more confident readers!

Beverly Cleary's Best

What are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, dust off your favorite book, and get ready to celebrate National D.E.A.R. Day with us! Together, let's show the world the power and joy of reading. Here are some of our favorites by Beverly Cleary to get you started:

Beezus and Ramona

Ramona and Beezus

The Complete Ramona Collection

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

The Mouse and the Motorcycle