CADL HASLETT LIBRARY - Around the nation, March is recognized as National Reading Month in honor of the acclaimed late author, Dr Seuss', birthday. The Capital Area District Library (CADL) in Haslett is celebrating by engaging young readers with a "March is Reading Month" challenge calendar, free activities, and surprise visits from characters including Clifford, Cookie Mouse, and others.

Head Librarian at CADL Haslett, Tom Moore, believes every month is a good month to read, but especially March:

"At the library every month is reading month because we are all about books...March is a good time to remind people that its good to take a minute, read a book, [or] sit down with your child and read to them [and vice versa]."

CADL Haslett will be carrying a "March is Reading Month" reading challenge calendar for young readers:

"We have a [calendar] for ages three through eight, and it has a different activity each day to encourage kids to read, or tell stories, or engage [with] the five early literacy practices...read, write, talk, sing, and play. Those are things that help you engage with stories and words in different ways to enforce some of those literacy skills [in young readers]," explained Moore.

In the midst of a pandemic, CADL Haslett has some virtual activities and events planned for those looking to avoid in-person attendance:

"We have lots of virtual events going on [including]...CADL Tales Live, which is our virtual storytime Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and 7 PM [on Facebook Live], virtual book clubs, and we will be giving out story time to-go kits," mentioned Moore.

From virtual to in-person, at CADL Haslett there are a plethora of ways to encourage young readers to pick up a book this March.

For more information about the "March is Reading Month" events and festivities, visit the CADL website at www.cadl.org.