By Lisa Cromell
and Kaylee Veneberg
March marks National Reading Month, a nationwide celebration inspired by Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. The month highlights the joy of reading and the lifelong benefits it brings, from stronger comprehension and critical‑thinking skills to richer language development in children.
Local public libraries are inviting residents to take part in the celebration. Libraries offer free access to books, programs for all ages and welcoming spaces that encourage learning and imagination. It’s the perfect time for families and readers of every level to stop in, explore new stories and make reading a daily habit.
Lego Club meets this Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. This is a monthly club for 7- to 10-year-olds featuring fun themed challenges, free-building and building together. All Legos will be provided; please do not bring any from home.
New book:
This week’s new book is “The Friend of the Family” by Dean Koontz (large-print edition). Here is the publisher’s synopsis:
“Traveling Depression-era America from carnival midways to speakeasies, Alida is resigned to an exploited and lonely life as the Museum of the Strange’s golden ticket — until she’s rescued by Franklin and Loretta Fairchild, who see in Alida a gifted girl in need of a loving touch and a family. With the couple and their three children, Alida finds it.
“Yet Alida knows she is still a very different kind of girl. Her dreams are vivid, unsettling and threatening. Alida fears it’s the Fairchilds who may need rescue from a bad, bad world. She will do anything to help those she now holds nearest and dearest. Empowered to vanquish evil, she will not fail her family.”