National Drop Everything and Read Day is a celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority.

Every year on April 12th — the birthday of author Beverly Cleary — is the official event date. The program’s official spokesperson is Cleary's character Ramona Quimby.

Your library can host Drop Everything and Read events on April 12th:

• use the info on the Resources page to get ideas
• get inspired ideas for displays, activities, and events
• create a display of Beverly Cleary's books to commemorate her birthday

Sponsors of National D.E.A.R. Day include The National Education Association (NEA); Parent Teacher Association (PTA); and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association.