March 1-31
National Reading Month
Month-long awareness observance in March promoting literacy and the joy of reading among children and communities.
National Education Association (NEA)
Institutional Initiative
The National Education Association launched its Read Across America program in 1998, centering celebrations on March 2 (Dr. Seuss's birthday) and extending literacy promotion throughout March as National Reading Month, with the goal of motivating children to read.
Introduction
It's time to get excited for National Reading Month on March 1! This day was created to celebrate the importance of reading, and it has been around since the late 1980s. It's a great opportunity to explore new genres, pick up an old favorite book, or just spend some quality time with your favorite characters. Not only is reading beneficial for our mental health, but it can also help us become better informed about the world around us. So let's dust off those bookshelves and dive into a good book this month!
National Reading Month Timeline
How to Celebrate National Reading Month
1
Read a book to a friend
Find a friend who loves to read and then read your favorite book aloud to them. Not only will you get to share your love of reading, but you'll also get to discuss the story with someone else.
2
Host a book club
Gather some friends who also love to read and host a book club. Pick a book that everyone can agree on and then discuss it when the month is over.
3
Visit your local library
Take a trip to your local library and explore all the books they have available. You may even find some hidden gems that you would never have found at a bookstore.
4
Volunteer at a literacy center
Look for local literacy centers and volunteer to help those who are trying to learn to read or improve their reading skills. You'll be helping others while celebrating National Reading Month.
5
Listen to an audiobook
Download an audiobook from your favorite app and listen to it while you're doing other things like commuting, exercising, or cooking dinner. It's a great way to get in some reading time without having to actually sit down and read.
Why National Reading Month is Important
Promotes literacy
Reading is an important skill that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and practice. National Reading Month is a great way to promote reading and encourage more people to pick up a book, whether it's for pleasure or education.
Improves creativity
Reading can open our minds to creative new ideas and ways of thinking. By exposing ourselves to different genres and viewpoints, we are able to gain insight into topics we may not have otherwise considered and potentially find solutions to everyday problems.
Develops social skills
Being able to read opens up the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with others. It allows us to express our thoughts and feelings in an articulate manner and build strong relationships by understanding each other better.
Holiday Dates
| Year | Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Wednesday to Friday | |
| 2024 | Friday to Sunday | |
| 2025 | Saturday to Monday | |
| 2026 | Sunday to Tuesday | |
| 2027 | Monday to Wednesday |
