March is more than just the start of spring in Del Mar. It’s National Reading Month, a nationwide celebration dedicated to making reading a daily habit for kids, teens, and adults of every age.
With about 10 days left in the month, there’s still plenty of time to jump in, visit your local library, and get the whole family involved.
Why March Is All About Books
National Reading Month honors the birthday of one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time: Dr. Seuss, born on March 2. The month serves a bigger purpose, too. It’s a nationwide reminder to get more people reading regularly and show communities just how powerful that habit can be.
The numbers are hard to ignore. Daily reading for pleasure in the U.S. has dropped by more than 40% over the last 20 years, and roughly 130 million American adults currently read at a sixth-grade level or below. That’s a real reason to take this month seriously, especially in a community like Del Mar, where families care deeply about education and quality of life.
Reading Does More Than You Think
Books aren’t just for kids or quieter evenings. Research consistently connects regular reading to a wide range of real benefits:
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Stronger vocabulary and writing skills across all age groups
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Improved focus, memory, and comprehension in both kids and adults
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Better emotional development and empathy in young readers
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Reduced stress and improved mental well-being for adults
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Higher academic performance and school readiness for early learners
Reading aloud with your child for even 10 minutes a day builds the kind of literacy foundation that shows up for years, from early schooling all the way through high school.
Still Happening at the Del Mar Library
The Del Mar branch of the San Diego County Library, located at 1309 Camino Del Mar, is one of the community’s most accessible resources, and there’s still time to catch these ongoing March programs:
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Toddler Storytime every Wednesday for children ages 0 to 5, complete with songs, movement, and books
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Cuenta Cuentos, a bilingual English and Spanish storytime on the first and third Thursdays of the month
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Creekside Critters with Critter Encounters, a nature-themed program pairing live animal visits with hands-on learning
Many of these programs are supported by the Friends of the Del Mar Library, a community-backed organization that funds events, advocates for library services, and keeps the branch active year-round.
Check the full event calendar at sdcl.org for updated times and any last-minute additions before March wraps up.
Simple Ways to Build the Reading Habit at Home
You don’t need a structured program to make reading stick. Some of the best habits start right at home:
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Create a reading corner with comfortable seating and easy access to books
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Visit the Del Mar Library together and let kids pick their own titles, even the wacky ones
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Set a small monthly goal as a family. Even one book per person is a win
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Read aloud together at bedtime or on a relaxed weekend afternoon
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Use the library’s free digital resources for audiobooks and e-books on any device
Del Mar is a community that has always taken quality of life seriously, and reading is one of the simplest investments you can make for yourself and your family. There’s still time this March to stop by the Del Mar Library, sign your kids up for storytime, or check out something new for yourself. Go ahead and pick up a book this week.
Sources: rif.org, news.ufl.edu, nu.edu, sdcl.org, friendsdelmarlibrary.org
Header Image Source: Thought Catalog on Unsplash
