Drop Everything and Read celebrated in April
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D.E.A.R. is celebrated each April. What is D.E.A.R. you ask? Great question. It stands for Drop Everything and Read. So that is what we are asking for you to do. Drop Everything and Read. Life gets busy and it is easy to forget to take time to slow down and smell the roses. How many books are on your reading list that just sit closed on your bed side table? I challenge you to take some time and pick up a book. Take some time and make reading a priority activity in your life.
Here at the library we believe that reading on your own or cozied up next to a love one is the best way to spend an afternoon. We even believe that this is more fun and rewarding than about anything else. If you can’t Drop Everything and Read for the whole month how about just one day.
Beverly Cleary wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. April has become the chosen celebration month in honor of beloved Beverly Cleary’s birthday. April 12th this year she would have turned 107. Beverly passed away less than a month away from her 105 birthday on March 25, 2021. When Beverly was asked by children where she finds her ideas, she would tell them, “From my own experience and from the world around me.” Also she talked about a passage about the D.E.A.R program from her book. Located in the second chapter she was inspired by letters she received from children who participated in Drop Everything and Read activities.
While, the 12th has come and gone it is not too late to pick a day and Drop Everything and Read. If you have the time why not Drop Everything and Read for the rest of the month, or all Summer. Join Ramona and the other great characters living on our shelf and pick up a book. I even encourage non-fiction reading for all those folks that want more insight into a culture, project, or history.
While, we know you all have busy lives we know that maybe even a day to drop everything might be extreme. But we encourage you to take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together.
Ramona is a character that comes to life in several of Cleary’s books. Is Ramona an old favorite, or something you have never read? Stop by our library and checkout one of Cleary’s many books that are here waiting for you. Cleary and her books have been favorites for generations. Why not reread a favorite or find a new one waiting to be discovered.
The library offers many selections for family reading. We have several storybook collections perfect for families that want to Drop Everything and Read. Also our full collections boast classics, old favorites, and new stories all waiting for you to discover. We even have e books in our collection. Your family can find stories to share without even having to leave home.
We also offer an extensive audio book collection. If you find a book to read with the family you can pick up the book in audio as well and listen along with the book. Audio books are also great for long car rides. So there is no reason your family cannot take time to join the celebration.
Stop by the library to find your next adventure, celebrate Beverly Cleary’s work and life by reading one of her books, find an audio book, discover our e books, and more. Take the challenge today and D.E.A.R. to share the love of reading. If only you can spare 30 minutes make sure it is with a great book. It only takes a moment to share and enjoy the love of reading with your family. When you do, you will be glad you did.
Sarah Jones is the Carlsbad Public Library executive director. Sarah can be reached by phone 575-885-6776 or by email at sejones@cityofcarlsbadnm.com. Visit the Carlsbad Public Library website at https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com/departments/carlsbad-public-library/.
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This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Drop Everything and Read celebrated in April
