Timberland Regional libraries throughout the five-county public library system are celebrating National Drop Everything and Read Day (D.E.A.R.) and the birthday of beloved children’s author, Beverly Cleary, (April 12) with parties, book chats and other activities.

Oregonian Beverly Cleary has written dozens of books filled with warmth and humor for girls and boys. For over five decades, Cleary’s book characters, such as Ramona Quimby, Beezus, Henry Huggins, Ellen Tebbits and Ralph S. Mouse, have garnered loyal readers of all ages. The author receives thousands of letters from children every year. In 2000 the Library of Congress awarded her "Living Legend" status.

D.E.A.R. Day was developed by national educational, library and publishing organizations to honor the internationally acclaimed children’s author and to encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a priority. D.E.A.R. Day is also part of the Timberland Regional Library Family Read-Aloud program that is now in progress and continues through April 12.

There’s still plenty of time for families to join in the Family Read-Aloud program and its activities and to enter a prize drawing. Drop by any Timberland library, pick up an activity kit and sign a giant birthday card that will be sent to Beverly Cleary for her 92^nd birthday. Prizes will be drawn on April 17. These include suitcases or backpacks filled with books for six families and visits and photo shoots with Mike Gregoire, spouse of Governor Christine Gregoire, for five more families.

"Make reading aloud with your family a part of each day—a family fun time that also promotes early literacy and reading success," says Ellen Duffy, TRL Youth Services Coordinator.

Aberdeen Timberland Library (360-533-2360) April 12, 1-2 p.m., for children grades 1-3. A book chat about "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," by Beverly Cleary, games and a craft. Register at the library a week in advance and pick up the book to read before the program. Refreshments will be provided.

Hoquiam Timberland Library (360-532-1710) April 5, 1:30-3 p.m., for all ages. A reading from Beverly Cleary’s "The Mouse and the Motorcycle." April 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m., for all ages. A Beverly Cleary birthday party with singing, cake and a reading from "The Mouse and the Motorcycle." Dress up as your favorite Beverly Cleary book character and discuss books you read for the Read-Aloud program.

Oakville Timberland Library (360-273-5305) April 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m., for all ages. Celebrate Beverly Cleary’s birthday with cake and readings. Read your favorite short story, poem, song lyrics, monologue or picture book aloud or listen to other’s favorites.

Westport Timberland Library (360-268-0521) April 12, 1-2:30 p.m., for all ages. Celebrate Beverly Cleary’s birthday with cake and readings. Read your favorite short story, poem, song lyrics, monologue or picture book aloud or just listen to other people’s favorites.

Ilwaco Timberland Library (360-642-3908) April 11, for all ages. Stop by the library to sign a giant birthday card for Beverly Cleary and enjoy cookies and punch.

Naselle Timberland Library (360-484-3877) April 12, 1-1:45 p.m., for all ages. D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) birthday party for Beverly Cleary. Dress up as your favorite book character, play games, read and have some cake and refreshments.

Ocean Park Timberland Library (360-665-4184) April 15, 6:30-7 p.m., for all ages. D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) birthday party for Beverly Cleary with cake and refreshments.

Raymond Timberland Library (360-942-2408) April 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m., for all ages. Bring a book you’ve finished and trade it. Then read your book and have some cake for Beverly Cleary’s birthday.

South Bend Timberland Library (360-875-5532) April 8, 6:45-7:30 p.m., for all ages. Join in D.E.A.R. Day birthday party for Beverly Cleary. Play games, read and have some cake and refreshments.

Centralia Timberland Library (360-736-0183) April 5, 2-3 p.m., for families. A special PageTurners book discussion of Beverly Cleary’s "Ramona Quimby, Age 8" and snacks. Register at the library and pick up the book in time to read it in advance.

Chehalis Timberland Library (360-748-3301) April 12, 10-11 a.m., for families. A special PageTurners book discussion of Beverly Cleary’s "Ramona Quimby, Age 8" and snacks. Register at the library and pick up the book in time to read it in advance.

Shelton Timberland Library (360-426-1362) April 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., for children and families. Reading stations with Dr. Seuss activities will be set up around the library for families to enjoy together.

April 12, two sessions: 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., for children. Clifford the Big Red Dog will lead off D.E.A.R. Day story times. Pick up free tickets at the library during the preceding week. First Book will provide free books for young children. Parents may want to bring their cameras.

Lacey Timberland Library (360-491-3860) April 12, 2-4 p.m., for all ages. Read a book by Beverly Cleary aloud, enjoy some simple activities, sign a giant birthday card to the author and have some cake.

Tenino Timberland Library (360-264-2369) April 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., for all ages. Read your favorite short story, poem, song lyrics, monologue, or picture book aloud or listen to other’s favorites. Refreshments will be provided.