It’s Time to Drop Everything and Read!
Register here
Ireland’s ninth National Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Challenge takes place at 12 noon on Friday April 26th 2024. The main focus of this exciting initiative is to promote reading for pleasure by encouraging everyone to take time out to read. The simple but very effective idea is to promote the importance of literacy and reading for pleasure by having as many people as possible read at the same time on the same day. Work will be put down, computer screens will be turned off, school-texts put away and everyone will be encouraged to pick up a book, magazine, newspaper, e-book, audio book, etc. and to read quietly, or indeed be read to, for twenty minutes.
Our National DEAR Challenge has been supported by a range of organisations over the years, including the JCSP Library Project, City of Dublin ETB, Children’s Books Ireland, LAI Youth Libraries Group, Laureate na nÓg, CDETB Curriculum Development Unit, Poetry Ireland and many more. DEAR is open to all. Schools, community groups, individuals, families and workplaces can register to participate here and find more information and DEAR guidelines here
We are delighted to welcome the current Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde as our DEAR Ambassador this year.
Tens of thousands of people register to participate each year and the aim is to have even greater participation this year. Getting involved is very simple – register now and when the clock strikes noon on April 26th, just drop whatever you are doing and READ!
You can follow on Twitter/X @dear_Ireland and share your comments, photos and video clips using the hashtags #DEARIrl and #LetsGetIrelandReading
Let’s Get Ireland Reading!
When is DEAR celebrated?
The official time and date for the DEAR Ireland Challenge 2024 is 12 noon on Friday April 26th 2024
Can DEAR be celebrated at a different time/date?
Of course. If you cannot participate in DEAR at the official date and time, then please take time to read on a date and time to suit you. DEAR can be celebrated at any time on any day, or better still, every day!
What do I need to do to participate in DEAR?
All those planning to participate in the 2024 National Drop Everything and Read Challenge (individuals, families, schools, organisations, companies, etc.) are asked to register here. (Registration does not commit you to anything other than your support for the Challenge!)
Follow the campaign on Twitter/X @dear_ireland and share your comments, photos and video clips on using the hashtags #DEARIrl & #LetsGetIrelandReading or email to dear@jcsplibraries.ie
Then all you have to do is read!
Help us to develop a life-long love of reading across the nation by supporting our National Drop Everything and Read Challenge on the 26th April 2024.
Resources
Registration Form – click here to register for DEAR 2024
dropeverythingandread.ie 
