(TRAVERSE CITY) - March is National Reading Month! While this month is a celebration of reading, we’ve never needed it more. Reading proficiency test scores for Michigan fourth and eighth graders are historically low.
Library Director Michele P. Howard notes that standardized testing shows just 24% of Michigan fourth graders were deemed proficient in 2024 - well below the 30% national average. One in four Michigan eighth graders were deemed proficient in 2024, below the 28% national average.
“This means that 76% of our fourth and eighth grade students are not considered proficient readers,” Howard said. “We must do better! Everyone needs to read and encourage reading. I know this is a big ask, but put away your phone and read. Be seen reading at home, at the doctor’s office, on an airplane or any other place you frequent. Talk about reading to friends and family. Give the gift of reading. And of course stop by the library and bring a friend!”
March highlights at TADL:
YOUTH
We have events throughout the month and a full slate of Spring Break Staycation activities! Find our complete calendar at tadl.org/youth
March Madness
March Book Madness happens all month long. Vote each step of the way and try to get your favorite crowned as champion! Voting starts 3/1 and the winner will be announced on 3/31.
Spring Break Staycation!
3/24 (Monday) - Family Storytime, 11 am
3/25 (Tuesday) - Nerf Mobile Games
10 am - Ages 5 - 8 Must Register
11 am - Ages 9 - 12 Must Register
3/26 (Wednesday) - Challenge Island STEAM program
11 am - Ages 5 - 8 Must Register
2 pm - Ages 9 - 12 at 2 pm Must Register
3/27 (Thursday)
Build & Create, 10 am - Noon
Motorized Lego, 4 pm (Ages 9 - 12) Must Register
3/28 (Friday) - Movie time! Finding Nemo, 10 am
3/29 (Saturday) - Yoga for Families, 11 am
Save the date: Mark your calendars for Saturday April 26 - MakerFest 2025! It’s a special Earth Day edition in conjunction with RecycleSmart at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center 10 am - 2 pm.
Teen (https://www.tadl.org/teen)
Spring Break Teen Staycation!
3/24 (Monday) - Cooking for Teens: Sushi, 2 pm Must Register
3/25 (Tuesday) - Tiny Book Workshop, 2 pm
3/26 (Wednesday) - Polymer Clay, 2 pm
3/27 (Thursday) - Nerf Battle, 2 pm Must Register
3/28 (Friday) - Derby Cars, 2 pm Must Register
Adults (https://www.tadl.org/adults)
3/6 - Author Talk: Stephanie Carpenter, Moral Treatment, 6:30 pm
Health & Wellness
3/7 - Tai Chi, Noon
3/13 - Yoga, 6 pm
3/21 - Tai Chi, Noon
3/24 - Ageless Grace, Noon
3/27 - Yoga, 6 pm
3/28 - Chair Yoga, 11:30 am
Special programs -
3/8 - Let's get gardening!, 1 pm Must Register
3/10 - Blazing a trail to Congress: Historic firsts for women, 12:45 pm
The State of Michigan is celebrating 20 years of MeLCat, the Michigan eLibrary Catalog and our statewide interlibrary loan system. If you haven’t used MeLCat give it a try! If TADL’s collection doesn’t have a book you are looking for you can search 434 other libraries in the state to borrow it, then pick it up at your home library. It’s also great to get extra copies of books for your book club. MeL and MeLCat receive support from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. The State of Michigan provides additional funding.
Check our calendar for the most up-to-date roster of events. Press resources are available online at tadl.org/press TADL provides dynamic resources and innovative services to stimulate intellectual curiosity, facilitate lifelong learning, promote literacy, and nurture personal enrichment. Circulating over 1,300,000 items each year, TADL provides a wide variety of services, including a broad collection of books, digital streaming and downloads, public computers, free WiFi, a Talking Book Library, and free programs for all ages.
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