Reading Month packed with surprises at Herrick District Library

March is Reading Month, and Herrick District Library is delivering a surprise this year for those who participate.

The Holland library is celebrating the annual event with take-and-make boxes for all ages. HDL staff will curate each box specially for individual participants with a book matched to their interests, along with other reading-related goodies.

“This would be a great opportunity for people to get personalized recommendations or try out a book in a genre they don’t typically read,” HDL Public Services Librarian Annaka Koster says.

Age groups

Spots are limited. Each age group has its own registration and pickup days.

• Early literacy (0-5): Registration is open now. Box pickup is March 1-5. Online content will also be available at communitycollections.herrickdl.org/HDL/ys_early_literacy (case sensitive).
• Kids (6-10): Registration open now. Pickup is March 8-12.
• Tweens (11-13) and Teens (14-18): Registration open now. Pickup is March 15-19.
• Adults: (18+): Registration opens March 8. Pickup is March 22-27. Adults will receive “Advanced Reader Copy” materials — books that are sent to libraries and others before they are published.

Each registration comes with a short questionnaire to help library staff select the individual’s surprise book. An email will be sent to registered participants with pickup instructions. Visit herrickdl.org/events to register for your specific event. Participants may select either HDL Main or HDL North Branch to pick up their book box.

“We’re asking patrons to pass along their book to a family member or friend once they finish, so they can share the love of a good book,” Koster says.

‘Library Academy’

Kids and teens (ages 6-18) may also participate in a virtual “Library Academy” challenge. They’ll test their library knowledge, earn virtual badges, and unlock new opportunities to become a library expert. Graduates will be entered in a drawing for a reading lover’s bundle of goodies. 

Sign up for the challenge at https://herrickdl.beanstack.com/. The challenge begins March 1.

Herrick District Library Main is located at 300 S. River Ave. HDL North Branch is located at 155 Riley St., Holland Township. For details about these or other HDL programs or resources, visit herrickdl.org, or call 616-355-3100 or 616-738-4360.