Events & Classes > Celebrate National D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read)!
Celebrate National D.E.A.R. Day
Drop Everything and Read!
In honor of the birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary on April 12, D.E.A.R. reminds us to read something new every day! Beverly Cleary's most famous character, Ramona Quimby, is the program's official spokesperson and is responsible for spreading the word and the love of reading.
Printable Celebrate National D.E.A.R. Day flyer (pdf)
Ramona and Beezus Movie
Join us for a viewing of the movie Ramona and Beezus! The adventures of Ramona Quimby come to life in this film based on the best-selling books by Beverly Cleary. Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics are put to the test when she helps her family face its biggest challenge.
- Saturday, March 12, 3–4:45 p.m.
- Rockwood Library
- Tuesday, March 22, 1–3 p.m.
- Holgate Library
- Wednesday, March 23, 2–4 p.m.
- Midland Library
- Tuesday, April 12, 5:30–7:15 p.m.
- Hollywood Library
- Saturday, April 16, 3–5 p.m.
- Northwest Library
Toys for Ramona
The children on Klickitat Street created many imaginary games and the necessary toys to go with them. Learn how Ramona made her own instruments, stilts and other inventions out of bottle caps, plastic containers, tin cans and common household materials. Great for children ages 4–10 and their families.
- Wednesday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
- Saturday, March 26, 2–4 p.m.
- Gresham Library
- Friday, April 8, 3–5 p.m.
- Fairview-Columbia Library
Costumes for Ramona
On Klickitat Street, Ramona made her own costumes and wore them year-round. You can too! Learn to make attachable ears and tails using fabric and recycled materials. Turn yourself into an animal or creature of your choice, and finish your costume off with face paint. Great for children ages 4–10 and their families.
- Saturday, April 2, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Capitol Hill Library
- Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.
- Wednesday, April 20, 4–5:30 p.m.
- Hillsdale Library
- Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.
- Thursday, April 21, 3–5 p.m.
- Troutdale Library
Walking with Ramona
Join Portland walking author Laura O. Foster on a tour back in time, to the 1950s world of Ramona Quimby and friends. Explore the Northeast Portland landscape that inspired Beverly Cleary's best-selling children's books, from the 1951 Ellen Tebbits to the 1999 Ramona's World. See the supermarket where mud claimed Ramona's boot, the park where Henry hunts for night crawlers, and the Portland school that inspired Glenwood School. Plus lots more, including a stroll along the streets where Ms. Cleary, Ramona and her friends lived.
The tour begins at Hollywood Library, is accessible, on flat terrain, and lasts about 90 minutes.
- Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m.
- Saturday, April 9, 3 p.m.
- Sunday, April 10, 4 p.m.
These programs are made possible by The Library Foundation, with support from The Kinsman Foundation.
