“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” ~ Harper Lee

April’s end brings May with flowers and a celebration of the joy of reading! Imagine a month dedicated to catching you with a book in hand, while you revel in tales and facts that stretch the imagination. That’s exactly what Get Caught Reading Month is all about–celebrating that reading is great fun and has so many benefits. Reading boosts our understanding of the world, lights up our creative minds, and enhances our empathy towards others. Thanks to books, readers tend to donate more to charity while children who read learn thousands of new words each year. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to entertain yourself while you improve your memory and analytical skills. So, whether you’re speeding through a thriller or taking your time with a classic, reading is a gift that keeps giving​. The best way to inspire a love for reading is to model it. So, grab a book and start reading. It’s a habit that enriches lives, fosters connections, and brings endless joy​.

Get Caught Reading Month kicked off in 1999, thanks to the Association of American Publishers. It was a bright idea to get everyone, young and old, hooked on reading. Every Child a Reader, a notable charity, now spearheads this campaign, having turned it into a year-long celebration of literature. The aim is to sprinkle a little bit of reading magic across every month, not just May​​. This initiative shines by encouraging folks to dive into books anywhere and anytime. Imagine swapping your phone for a paperback on the bus or during lunch. It’s all about spreading the idea that reading is a thrill that connects people. By promoting this, the campaign hopes to spark conversations among book lovers, leading to the discovery of new authors and stories​. Here’s the link: https://getcaughtreading.org/

Libraries and communities come alive with reading and book-related activities. Everything is free and reusable with your library card. Visit your library to find a new read (we’ll help, if you like) and “Get Caught Reading!

“My alma mater was books, a good library…. I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” ~ Malcolm X