Celebrate March is Reading Month in Ann Arbor: Events, Activities & The Power of Reading

March is Reading Month—a special time dedicated to fostering a love for books, literacy, and storytelling! Whether you're a lifelong reader or encouraging young ones to develop strong reading habits, this month serves as a reminder of how books shape our imagination, knowledge, and empathy.

Reading at an early age has been linked to improved vocabulary, better academic performance, and even stronger emotional intelligence. It’s a time for parents, educators, and libraries to come together to promote literacy in fun and engaging ways.

Ann Arbor is a literary-friendly city with plenty of opportunities to celebrate this month. From exciting library events to kid-friendly activities, here’s everything you need to know about March is Reading Month in and around Ann Arbor!

Kid-Friendly Activities for March is Reading Month

Looking for ways to make reading extra fun for children? Here are a few ideas:

📚 Reading Challenges – The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) and local schools often offer special reading challenges where kids can win prizes for completing books!

📖 Storytime Adventures – Make reading interactive by acting out books, using silly voices, or turning stories into mini puppet shows.

🔖 DIY Bookmarks – Encourage kids to create their own bookmarks using stickers, drawings, and favorite quotes.

✏️ Write Your Own Story – Let kids create their own mini-books with drawings and short stories. They can even "publish" them by reading aloud to family members!

🎭 Book-Themed Movie Nights – Read a book and then watch its movie adaptation for a fun discussion. Some great picks: Charlotte’s Web, Matilda, Harry Potter, and Winnie the Pooh.

🏆 Library Scavenger Hunt – Visit the Ann Arbor District Library and create a list of book-related items to find, like a book about animals, a book by a local author, or a book with a blue cover.

Ann Arbor District Library Events for March is Reading Month

The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) is hosting a variety of events to celebrate reading. Whether you're looking for storytimes, live music, or interactive activities, there's something for everyone!

📍 Locations: Various AADL branches🌐 More Info: aadl.org/events

🌟 Special Events for Kids & Families

📖 Storytime at the Library

• Dates: Multiple throughout March

• Locations: All AADL branches

• Details: Enjoy interactive storytelling sessions featuring books, music, and movement.

🎶 Joe Reilly in Concert

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Downtown Library – 1st Floor Lobby

• 🎸 Details: A fun-filled musical performance for families and kids!

🎨 Make Your Own Picture Book

• 📅 Date: Sunday, March 10, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Pittsfield Branch

• ✏️ Details: Kids can become authors by designing and illustrating their own books!

🔍 Fairy Tale Escape Room

• 📅 Date: Saturday, March 23, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Malletts Creek Branch

• 🧩 Details: Solve puzzles and riddles to help famous fairy tale characters escape!

🖍️ Coloring & Crafts: Favorite Story Characters

• 📅 Date: Friday, March 29, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Westgate Branch

• 🎨 Details: Create artwork inspired by classic children's books.

  
  

More March is Reading Month Events in Ann Arbor

🌳 Story Walks at Local Parks – Enjoy outdoor reading with story walks at Gallup Park and Leslie Science & Nature Center, where pages of a book are displayed along a walking trail.

📚 Meet Local Authors at Literati Bookstore – This independent bookstore in Ann Arbor frequently hosts book readings and signings, making it a great place for book lovers to connect with local writers.

📖 Ann Arbor Storytellers' Guild Meeting – Share and listen to stories at this monthly gathering on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Schuler Books (2513 Jackson Ave.).

Why March is Reading Month Matters

Encouraging a love for reading early in life has lifelong benefits, including:✅ Improved language and communication skills✅ Enhanced creativity and imagination✅ Increased focus and cognitive development✅ Stronger emotional and social awareness

Whether you attend an event, take part in a reading challenge, or simply cozy up with a good book, March is the perfect time to make reading a fun and meaningful experience.

📢 Call to Action:👉 Visit the Ann Arbor District Library to join the celebration! Check out their events at aadl.org/events.👉 Explore Ann Arbor’s literary scene—stop by Literati Bookstore or participate in a local reading challenge.👉 Make reading a daily habit—set a goal to read for 20 minutes each day!

Let’s make this March is Reading Month a time to inspire, explore, and celebrate books! 📖✨