National Drop Everything and Read Challenge 2020

by Kathleen Moran

Register your support for DEAR here

Total Registrations = 342,712

Given that so many of us are now spending so much more time in our homes, now is an excellent time to to take some time to enjoy reading for pleasure. We are therefore inviting the entire nation to take time out and to ‘Drop Everything and Read’ for 20 minutes at 12 noon on Friday April 24^th 2020.

The simple idea is to promote the importance of literacy and to spread the joy of reading for pleasure by having as many people as possible read at the same time on the same day. Over 200,000 registered to participate last year and our aim is to have an even higher participation figure this year. So show your support and register here.

Work will be put down, computer screens will be turned off, and everyone will be encouraged to pick up a book, magazine, newspaper, e-book, audio book, etc. and to read quietly, or indeed be read to, for 20 minutes (or more!).

We are delighted to welcome poet, author and Laureate na nÓg Sarah Crossan as our DEAR Ambassador this year. In her promotional video for the DEAR Challenge, Sarah stresses the importance of reading for enjoyment. You can view Sarah’s video here

Reading is one of the only things that allows me to forget about all the things that are going on in the world

DEAR Ambassador Sarah Crossan

The main focus of this national DEAR challenge is to draw attention to the importance of reading for pleasure. If reading is to become a lifelong habit then young people must see themselves as participants in a community that views reading as a significant and enjoyable activity.

When is DEAR celebrated?

The official time and date for DEAR Ireland 2020 is 12 noon on Friday April 24^th.

Can DEAR be celebrated at a different time/date?

Of course.  If you cannot participate in DEAR at the official date and time, then please show your support by registering and taking time to read on a date and time to suit you.  DEAR can be celebrated at any time on any day, or better still, every day!

What do I need to do to participate in DEAR?

All those planning to participate in the 2020 National Drop Everything and Read Challenge (individuals, families, schools, organisations, companies, etc.) are asked to register here

Then all you have to do is read!

Resources

Registration Form – click here to register for DEAR 2020

DEAR Ambassador Sarah Crossan – click here to see short video from DEAR 2020 Ambassador Sarah Crossan

Follow the campaign on Twitter @dear_ireland and share your comments, photos and video clips on Twitter, Instagram, etc. using the hashtags #DEARIrl and #LetsGetIrelandReading or email to dear@jcsplibraries.ie

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Kathleen Moran – Senior Librarian JCSP Demonstration Library Project