Reading Month Programs

Dive into all things reading this National Reading Month. In addition to highlighting our regularly occurring book clubs, storytimes and author talks, find National Reading Month specific events and challenges.

Explore Reading Month Events

Join the festivities with games, challenges, storytimes and more this March.

Reading Dragons
Jefferson Branch
March – May
Earn collectible playing cards for the reading you are already doing. Each card features a different mythical creature, and can be used to play against each other and staff members at Jefferson. Stop at the circulation desk to sign up, and collect your dragons. At sign up you will receive a starter set of dragons, a rules card, a reading tracker, an egg checklist, and a collector's card box.

March is Reading Month Book Bingo
Campbell Branch
Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of bingo with a literary twist. Bring your favorite book recommendations and compete to win exciting prizes.
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Groovin’ Through Reading with Pete the Cat
Duffield Branch
Saturday, March 7, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Pete the Cat kicks off Reading Month with a groovy, totally fun reading party- books, music, crafts, games and prizes. Great family fun.
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Meet the Buzzbees Special Storytime
Children’s Library at Main
Monday, March 9, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Detroit author Risonna Perkins will present her new book, “Meet the Buzzbees,” a heartwarming tale that celebrates the wonders of nature, the strength of friendship, and the magic of imagination, reminding young readers that something sweet can emerge from loss.
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March is Reading Month—Let’s Talk About the Classics!
Lincoln Branch
Thursday, March 12, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
A frank discussion and interactive workshop delving into the history of classic literature, how are books classified as classics, examples of classic works, and why we should read the classics today.
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Great MI Read: Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
Jefferson Branch
Saturday, March 14, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us for a gathering of book lovers at the Great Michigan Read Meet Up. We will discuss the book Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin, and pick up your free book.
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Author Talk: Rated-M Wrote It
Wilder Branch
Saturday, March 14, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Rated-M Wrote It is a Detroit-based author known for her raw, emotionally honest storytelling, best exemplified in The Book of Ayesha.
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Giggle, Wiggles, and Woofs
Elmwood Park Branch
Saturday, March 14, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Children ages 3-17 are invited to enjoy a calming storytime led by Ms. Tia, followed by a special chance to read one-on-one with the friendly therapy dog Otis.
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More Than a Stray: Book Launch and Storytime
Children’s Library at Main
Sunday, March 15, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Special meet the author and storytime featuring local author and shelter advocate Sue Valentine and her heartfelt book More Than a Stray. Drawing from her years of working with dogs at Detroit Animal Care and Control, Sue shares a moving story told through the eyes of a once-forgotten shelter dog.
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Storytime with Senator Stephanie Chang
Children’s Library at Main
Saturday, March 21, Noon – 1:00 pm
Celebrate National Reading Month with our special guest reader, Senator Chang!
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Cookbooks at Lincoln
Lincoln Branch
Monday, March 30, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Over the years Lincoln Branch has added a delightful bevy of Cookbooks to its collection. Enjoy refreshments as we peruse recipes from the cookbooks and share why we like or dislike them.
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National Reading Month Bingo
Sherwood Forest Branch
Monday, March 30, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Winners will receive a book of their choice. For families with children ages 4-12, but all children and their families are welcome.
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Join a Book Club

Reading Month is a great time to join a book club! Check out the regularly hosted clubs at eleven of our library locations and their upcoming title choices.

Bowen Branch Adult Book Discussion
Second Saturday of the Month, 11:00 am – Noon
March 14: Women of War by Suzanne Cope (Celebrate Women’s History Month)
April 11: A Kind Life: Eat Plants, Buy Less, Slow Down and Save the Planet by Carina Wohlleben (Celebrate Earth Day)
May 9: This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month)

Chandler Park Branch Book Club
First Saturday of the Month, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Join us for our monthly adult book discussion group.
March 7: The Intruder by Freida McFadden
April 11: A Dangerous Man by Robert Crais
May 2: Conclave by Robert Harris
June: Twice by Mitch Albom

Chaney Branch Book Club
Fourth Saturday of the Month, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Be a part of our monthly book discussion!
March 28: The Queen of Crimes by Marie Benedict
April 25: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
May 23: All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
June 27: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

Chase Branch Last Tuesday Book Club
Last Tuesday of the Month, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
March 31: Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell - Speculative Fiction
April 28: Where It Rains in Color by Denise Crittendon - Speculative Fiction
May 26: The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs - Non-Fiction
June 30: The Dead are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne - Biography

Elmwood Park Branch Book Club
Enjoy two opportunities each month to participate, an evening or weekend. Refreshments provided.
Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 pm and/or Saturday, March 21 at 11:00 am: The Women by Kristen Hannah
Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 pm and/or Saturday, April 18 at 11:00 am: The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 pm and/or Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 am: Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin (Great Michigan Read program)
Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 pm: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Hubbard Book Club
Third Saturday of the Month, 11:00 am – Noon
Discuss our book of choice with light refreshments.
March 21: Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
April 18: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
May 16: TBD

Lincoln Branch Book Club
Saturday, March 21, Noon – 2:00 pm: My Remarkable Journey by Katherine Johnson. Hybrid meeting either in-person or via Zoom
Thursday, April 9, 4:00 – 5:30 pm we will discuss via Zoom The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Saturday, April 11, Noon – 2:00 pm we will view the movie The Giver based on the book in-person.

Main Library Second Wednesday Book Club
Second Wednesday of the Month, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Lively, thoughtful conversation about books from a variety of genres.
March 11: True Biz by Sara Novic
April 8: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
May 13: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Parkman Branch Romance Book Club
Last Wednesday of the Month, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Enjoy a selection of romance titles in our monthly book club.
March 25: A Mind of Her Own by Danielle Steel
April 29: Out of Nowhere by Sandra Brown
May 27: The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton
June 24: Reel by Kennedy Ryan

Redford Branch Book Club
First Monday of the Month, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Lively discussions and light refreshments every other month.
March 2: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
May 4: The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation by Anna Malaika Tubbs
July 6: Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin

Sherwood Forest Branch Comic VS Chapter Book Club
Fourth Thursday of the Month, 6:00 pm
It's a battle of the books! Choose between the comic book and chapter book of a popular story to read. Then we'll meet up to chat about the books and decide which version of the story is best--all in fun of course! Books are available to check out starting the month before the event. Availability is based on a first come, first served basis. Registration is highly recommended. Pizza is provided. For ages 8-12.
March 26: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park
April 23: Check with the Branch for title
May 28: Check with the Branch for title

Attend a Storytime

Find a wide selection of storytimes for kids and families across our library system.

Attend an Author Talk

The Detroit Public Library's Author Series is hosting five in-person author talks this March! You can also find a variety of virtual author webinars to stream from the Library Speaker's Consortium.

View Upcoming Author Series Events