NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH

August 31, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

As kids head back to school, there’s no better time for them to discover the treasures awaiting them in the local library. September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month!

A library card can be a rite of passage for your child, giving them a sense of obligation and responsibility. As a library patron, children learn the importance of caring for things that belong to others. Children take the essential early step in their development when they obtain their library card and become a conscientious member of the community.

Visiting your local library also encourages your child to read. Reading helps brain development and provides a solid foundation of the language and literacy skills. Opening a book encourages children to travel to far away places and let their imagination sore. Develop reading as a hobby early and young for every child.

Libraries of the World

The world’s oldest running library is the St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai, Egypt. It was built in the mid-6th century C.E. And, the Vatican houses the most extensive collection of religious material in the world. When the Great Library of Alexandria burned down (circa 640 C.E.) among the great works believed to have been lost was the private collection of Aristotle.

The U.S. Library of Congress houses over 150 million items as the world’s largest library. This accomplishment takes up to 830 miles of shelves. In contrast, only one person at a time fits in the world’s smallest library on the streets of New York. The reader can choose from just 40 books.

Allure of April

April 1, 2026May 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

The Allure of April: A Celebration of Renewal, Reflection, and Rebirth

Welcome to April, the golden child of the spring season. There is a distinct magic that happens this month—a shift in the atmosphere that feels both energetic and serene. The last whispers of winter have faded, and the world outside our windows is waking up in full force. The trees are budding, the bulbs we planted months ago are finally blooming into tulips and daffodils, and the daylight stretches longer into the evening, inviting us to spend more time outdoors. April doesn’t just mark the continuation of spring; it feels like the true starting line for the year ahead. It’s a time of gentle momentum, where we are encouraged to clear out the cobwebs—both literally in our homes and metaphorically in our minds—and make space for the color and light that this month promises to deliver.

Beyond the holidays, the true allure of April lies in the season itself. This is a month that engages all five senses. It’s the sound of birdsong returning in the early morning and the gentle patter of a “April shower” against the window. It’s the sight of cherry blossoms painting the streets pink and white, and the bright green “fuzz” of new leaves on bare branches. It’s the smell of wet earth and fresh grass after a spring rain—a scent so unique it actually has a name: petrichor. As the weather warms, we trade our heavy coats for light jackets and our comfort food cravings for fresh salads and citrus. April invites us to reconnect with nature, to take the long way home, and to simply pause and appreciate the beauty of growth happening all around us.

For many, Easter is the emotional and spiritual heart of April. Whether you observe the holiday for its religious significance or embrace its secular traditions, it is a day centered on themes that perfectly mirror the month: hope, renewal, and joy. There’s a special kind of charm in preparing for Easter Sunday. It might involve hosting a brunch featuring a glazed ham and hot cross buns, or watching the children dash across a dew-soaked lawn in search of hidden eggs and chocolate baskets. It is a day that encourages gathering, whether you are dressing up in your pastel best for a church service or sitting around a table with loved ones. Easter reminds us to look for the sweetness in life, to celebrate new beginnings, and to welcome the light back into the world.

Celebrating All April

National TAR Syndrome Awareness Month
National Brunch Month
National Afternoon Tea Month
National Alcohol Awareness Month
English Language Month
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
National Month of Hope
National Canine Fitness Month
National Financial Literacy Month
National Internship Awareness Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Awareness Month
National Donate Life Awareness Month
National Cannabis Awareness Month
National Fair Housing Month
Month of the Military Child
International Guitar Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
Lawn and Garden Month
National Autism Awareness Month
National Couple Appreciation Month
National Decorating Month
National Fresh Celery Month
National Garden Month
National Humor Month
National Jazz Appreciation Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soy Foods Month
National Straw Hat Month
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month
National Poetry Month
National Pecan Month
National Volunteer Month
National Welding Month
Occupational Therapy Month
Records and Information Management Month
Scottish-American Heritage Month
National Pickleball Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month
National Safe Digging Month
World Landscape Architecture Month
World Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
Celebrating April’s Birthstone and Its Timeless Allure

April also plays host to two very different, yet equally significant, types of celebrations: personal milestones and planetary awareness. To all the April babies—the Aries and the Taurus—this is your time to shine. There is something wonderful about having a birthday during such a vibrant month; it feels like the whole world has put on a floral display just for you. As you celebrate your own trip around the sun, you’ll also be celebrating the birthday of our planet on April 22nd. Earth Day serves as an important collective reminder of our role as stewards of this beautiful world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to align your personal new year with actions that benefit the earth—whether that’s planting a tree, starting a compost bin, or simply participating in a local park cleanup. It’s a beautiful synergy: as we celebrate our own lives, we also honor the planet that sustains us.

Notable Birthdays

· William Shakespeare (April 23, 1564): England’s most famous playwright and poet.
· Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816): British novelist who wrote Jane Eyre.
· Harper Lee (April 28, 1926): American author of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.
· Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928): American poet and civil rights activist.

Charlie Chaplin (April 16, 1889): English silent film star and director.
· Eddie Murphy (April 3, 1961): American comedian and star of Beverly Hills Cop.
· Robert Downey Jr. (April 4, 1965): American actor famous for playing Iron Man.

Jackie Chan (April 7, 1954): Hong Kong martial artist and actor known for his stunt work (while primarily an actor, his martial arts skills place him here).
· K. LeRoy Irvin (April 3, 1957): Former American NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion.
· Joe Welch (April 3, 1963): Former American MLB pitcher.

Queen Elizabeth II (April 21, 1926): Longest-reigning British monarch.
· Booker T. Washington (April 5, 1856): American educator, author, and advisor to presidents.
· Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743): Third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence.

As we journey through these next few weeks, let’s allow the spirit of April to inspire us. Let’s embrace the showers because we know they bring the flowers. Let’s gather for Easter, celebrate the Earth, and raise a glass to the Aries and Taurus souls marking another year. April isn’t just a month on the calendar; it’s a feeling—an optimistic, breezy, and colorful feeling. So, open the windows, let the fresh air in, and step outside to enjoy the show. After all, the world is blooming, and we get to bloom right along with it.

Happy April, everyone! How are you welcoming the new season? Let me know in the comments below!

Allure of April _2026 Download

LIBRARY SHELFIE DAY

January 25, 2026December 19, 2025Jensperspectiveblog

On January 26th if you need a break, Library Shelfie Day, offers a unique opportunity for book lovers.

Some collectors of books tend to arrange their collections so their spines can be admired pleasantly. Others have a system of organization that results in an alternative art form. However our books are organized on the shelf, they are meant to be photographed and shared on social media.

Library Shelfies offer book stores, libraries, schools, and individuals an opportunity to express their reading preferences through a single photograph. Whether they frame their favorite authors, titles, genres or cover art, readers share a bit of their library in creative ways. With or without dust jackets, signed and unsigned, dogeared and in mint condition, bibliophiles love books of all kinds.

Furinno Pasir 4-Tier Bookcase / Bookshelf / Storage Shelves, Espresso#LibraryShelfieDay — Furinno Pasir 4-Tier Bookcase / Bookshelf / Storage Shelves, Espresso

Yoobure Tree Bookshelf - 6 Shelf Retro Floor Standing Bookcase, Tall Wood Book Storage Rack for CDs/Movies/Books, Utility Book Organizer Shelves for Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office#LibraryShelfieDay — Furinno Pasir 4-Tier Bookcase / Bookshelf / Storage Shelves, Espresso

LIBRARY SHELFIE DAY HISTORY

The New York Public Library founded Library Shelfie Day as a way to observe various national holidays by displaying shelfies representing books from each day.

Explore More…

Book Lovers Day
Library Shelfie Day
Science Fiction Day
National Thesaurus Day
Get Caught Reading Month
Library Lovers Month
Library Lovers Day,
World Read Aloud Day,
International Book Giving Day,
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week,
Children’s Authors & Illustrators Week,
National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Read an E-Book Week,
National Get Caught Reading Month
Return Borrowed Books Week,
Read Across America Day,
World Book Day,
National Grammar Day,
Write Your Story Day,
Freedom of Information Day,
World Poetry Day,
Tolkien Reading Day
National Poetry Month,
Childrens Book Day,
School Librarians Day,
Read a Roadmap Day,
National Library Week,
Encourage A Young Writer Day,
D.E.A.R. Drop Everything And Read Day,
National Librarian Day,
Haiku Poetry Day,
National Columnist’s Day,
Talk Like Shakespeare Day,
World Book & Copywrite Day,
Poem In Your Pocket Day,
National Tell A Story Day
National Authors Day
National Black Poetry Day,
Library Card Sign Up Month
National Read A Book Day,
Comic Book Day,
National Coloring Book Day,
National Book Month,
National Family Literacy Day
National Family Literacy Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #LibraryShelfieDay

Whether you have a small library with a few select favorites or are a true bibliophile, arrange your collection on a shelf and take a picture. Some suggestions include:

Arrange by color
Order books by height, thickness, width
Arrange book titles so they send a message
Stack books artistically
Place books in the order in which they were read
Rely on the good ol’ alphabetical order by author
Display a biography only shelfie

You can combine this with Chocolate Cake Day also recognized today. A good cup of coffee or tea, a slice of chocolate cake, and a great book. Curl up in your favorite spot. There is no better way to enjoy a cold winters day. (It’s 30° in Florida. Trust me this is cold for us.)

Once you’ve taken your library shelfie, visit a local library and check out theirs. You might find they’ve developed clever ways to entice you to new books and old ones, too. Don’t forget to use #LibraryShelfieDay to share on social media.

Fantasy Lover#LibraryShelfieDay — Fantasy Lover

Outlander Complete Hardcover Series by Diana Gabaldon (Books 1-9)#LibraryShelfieDay — Fantasy Lover

I highly recommend these authors. By no means a complete list…
Julia Quinn, Diana Galbaldon, Suzanne Brockmann, Sherrilyn McQueen (a.k.a Kenyon), Lisa Kleypas, J.M. Madden, Suzanne Enoch, Kait Nolan, Liz Carlyle,
Lexi Ryan, Sarah McClean, S.A. Monk,
Sabrina Jeffries, Carla Kelly, Hannah Howell, Collette Scott, Shandi Boyes, Nora Roberts, Amanda Quick, Catherine Colter, Edith Layton, Lorraine Heath, Dean Koontz, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, David Balducci, Janet Evanovich, Steven King, John Grisham, J D Robb, Michael Connelly, Agatha Christie, George R. R. Martin, Harper Lee,

NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY

October 31, 2025October 24, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Families gather around to observe National Family Literacy Day on November 1st. Families who read together succeed together.

There are more reasons than ever before for families to read aloud to their children from a young age. Besides the fact that reading creates quiet, quality family time, it develops early vocabulary skills. If that wasn’t enough to get a family reading together, check out these reasons:

Expands their attention span and yours. Read chapter books even to your youngest child. They may drift off to sleep, but they are listening and their attention span will lengthen.
It’s free. Books can be checked out from the library.
You can read well above a child’s level, and they will still listen and comprehend.
Improve listening skills. See above.
It’s portable. Reading doesn’t require batteries. Except at night.
Reading is a tool that can never be unlearned. Once a child learns to read, they never stop. You’ll know because you’ll have to stop spelling certain words to your spouse.
It improves imagination and creativity.
Reading opens up a dialogue between parent and child.

200 Family Conversation Cards - Put Down The Phones & Connect with Your Family - Get to Know Each Other Better with Meaningful Talk - Let Kids Express Themselves, Great for Dinner Table & Road Trips#FamilyLiteracyDay — 200 Family Conversation Cards – Put Down The Phones & Connect with Your Family – Get to Know Each Other Better with Meaningful Talk – Let Kids Express Themselves, Great for Dinner Table & Road Trips

Kids Against Maturity: Card Game for Kids and Families, Super Fun Hilarious for Family Party Game Night
#FamilyLiteracyDay — 200 Family Conversation Cards – Put Down The Phones & Connect with Your Family – Get to Know Each Other Better with Meaningful Talk – Let Kids Express Themselves, Great for Dinner Table & Road Trips

NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY HISTORY

In 1994, the 103rd Congress passed Joint Resolution 413 Designating November 1 National Family Literacy Day. The day kicks off National Literacy Month.

Want to Read even more? My parents taught us to read long before going to school. Reading opens the door to new worlds. It’s the best vacation you can rake without leaving you favorite cozy chair. Check out and encourage some of these book days to start a lifelong enjoyment of opening a book.

Book holidays

Book Lovers Day
Library Shelfie Day
Family Literacy Day
Family Literacy Month
Science Fiction Day
Thesaurus Day
February is Library Lovers Month
Library Lovers Day
World Read Aloud Day
International Book Giving Day
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week
Children’s Authors & Illustrators Week
Read an E-Book Week
Return Borrowed Books Week
Read Across America Day
World Book Day
National Grammar Day
Write Your Story Day
Freedom of Information Day
World Poetry Day
Tolkien Reading Day
National Poetry Month
Childrens Book Day
School Librarians Day
Read a Roadmap Day
National Library Week
Encourage A Young Writer Day
D.E.A.R. Drop Everything And Read Day
National Librarian Day
Haiku Poetry Day
National Columnist’s Day
Talk Like Shakespeare Day
World Book & Copywrite Day
Poem In Your Pocket Day
National Tell A Story Day
National Authors Day
National Black Poetry Day
Library Card Sign Up Month
National Read A Book Day
Comic Book Day
National Coloring Book Day
National Book Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #FamilyLiteracyDay

Celebrated across America, this day focuses on special activities and events that showcase the importance of family literacy programs. Attend a program or activity at a school or library near you. Get together with family and read a book together. Other ways to celebrate National Family Literacy Day include:

Visiting the library and getting a library card.
Creating a reading nook in your home.
Starting a tradition of reading time at home.
Explore new genres with your children. Sometimes a different topic is all it takes to get children excited about reading.
Have a spelling bee night.
Play Scrabble or other word games.

You can also share your favorite ways to encourage reading in your family. While you’re celebrating, be sure to use #FamilyLiteracyDay to post on social media.

Interesting Stories for Curious Kids: A Fascinating Collection of the Most Interesting, Unbelievable, and Craziest Stories on Earth! #FamilyLiteracyDay — Interesting Stories for Curious Kids: A Fascinating Collection of the Most Interesting, Unbelievable, and Craziest Stories on Earth!

Inspiring Stories for Amazing Kids: A Motivational Book full of Magic and Adventures about Courage, Self-Confidence and the importance of believing in your dreams
#FamilyLiteracyMonth — Interesting Stories for Curious Kids: A Fascinating Collection of the Most Interesting, Unbelievable, and Craziest Stories on Earth!

NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY MONTH

October 31, 2025October 24, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

National Family Literacy Month is an annual designation observed in November. This month, get the whole family snuggled up on the couch and open up a good book. Studies show that reading aloud with mom or dad is the most important activity when it comes to preparing children to read on their own.

And if you raise a good reader… Pretty much anything is possible! Reading helps with vocabulary, writing skills, attention span, memory, and teaches us about other times and places. Even if your child is just a baby, you should still sit down and read with them every once in a while. An infant can look at pictures and listen to your voice as you read stories to them… And believe it or not, studies show that that alone can have a profound effect on your child when it comes to learning later on in life.

Grab a few books, gather the fam, snuggle up, and let a book take you all to another place together.

Book holidays
Book Lovers Day
Library Shelfie Day
Science Fiction Day
Thesaurus Day
February is Library Lovers Month
Library Lovers Day
World Read Aloud Day
International Book Giving Day
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week
Children’s Authors & Illustrators Week
Read an E-Book Week
Return Borrowed Books Week
Read Across America Day
World Book Day
National Grammar Day
Write Your Story Day
Freedom of Information Day
World Poetry Day
Tolkien Reading Day
National Poetry Month
Childrens Book Day
School Librarians Day
Read a Roadmap Day
National Library Week
Encourage A Young Writer Day
D.E.A.R. Drop Everything And Read Day
National Librarian Day
Haiku Poetry Day
National Columnist’s Day
Talk Like Shakespeare Day
World Book & Copywrite Day
Poem In Your Pocket Day
National Tell A Story Day
National Authors Day
National Black Poetry Day
Library Card Sign Up Month
National Read A Book Day
Comic Book Day
National Coloring Book Day
National Book Month
Family Literacy Day
Family Literacy Month

HOW TO OBSERVE

Get the whole family together and enjoy some reading. Use #FamilyLiteracyMonth to post on social media. If you are reading to toddlers or other young children, try to remember when you were young, and the way you liked listening to your parents or teachers read with excitement in their voice, and when they gave you enough time to look at the pictures as well as listening to the words. Here are a few things you can do this month (and hopefully every month to follow) to participate in National Family Literacy Month.

Set aside a little time for reading every day, even if it’s only for 15 or so minutes.
Go through both old and new books, and set some of your favorites around the house. They make cute decorations, and maybe one of the kids will pick one up and start reading!
Take a few trips to the library.
Read your child the book version of their favorite movie. If they can read on their own, encourage them to read it!
Start a book club with friends and family.
Participate in a book drive and donate old or used books you no longer need. This will help families in need read to their kids.

No matter your preference teaching a love of reading will open doors and opportunities for a lifetime of exploration.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

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NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH

Libraries of the World

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Libraries of the World

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Celebrating All April

Notable Birthdays

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LIBRARY SHELFIE DAY HISTORY

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HOW TO OBSERVE #LibraryShelfieDay

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NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY HISTORY

Book holidays

HOW TO OBSERVE #FamilyLiteracyDay

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HOW TO OBSERVE

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