April 12th is D.E.A.R. Day (aka Drop Everything And Read)

Drop Everything and Read Day, also known as D.E.A.R. Day, this holiday encourages you to abandon all prior commitments for the comfort of a good book. It also coincides with the birthday of children's book author Beverly Cleary, who is a spokesperson for the event. Though marketed towards children, celebration is open to everyone. However, if you happen to be holding a heavy object when the clock strikes 12, perhaps you should think of the holiday as "Set Everything Down Gently, and Read" Day.