National Read Across America Day | 2022
The world-renowned Dr. Seuss once wrote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” As a champion of rhyme, whimsy, and exploration for kids of all ages, Theodor Seuss Geisel understood and emphasized how quintessential reading is to learning, growing, and changing the future. For National Read Across America Day, held each year on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, our goal is to give the children in our lives that same spirit. Join us as we explore some of the best book reading spots in Chicagoland to celebrate in— and for those who will be celebrating at home, we’ve gathered some ideas for making the perfect at-home reading spot for kids!
Children’s Libraries in Chicagoland
Source: Tom Harris | Gensler
Thomas Hughes Children’s Library
400 S State St
Chicago, Illinois
Within the massive main branch of the Chicago Public Library, this children’s library houses 100,000 books for young readers and soon-to-be-readers, plus pint sized-chair and tables for perusing them. There's also a Storybook Dollhouse, where more than 70 clues lead to the names of famous children's stories, nursery rhymes and poems. Teens can take advantage of exciting STEM-focused activities with real production and crafting equipment, and free workshops are taught here throughout the week.
Indian Trails Public Library District
355 Schoenbeck Rd
Wheeling, Illinois
The Indian Trails Public Library is newly renovated with all the features and activities that make new age libraries special. The kid's area, with toys and plenty of space, is separate, which allows for kids to run around freely and explore to their heart's content. In fact, one story time is proudly entitled Noisy Time with stories, rhymes and lively music and movement. Making Mondays special is a recurring monthly event to get creative and enjoy new literacy-based themes. Other popular clubs for kids include: Lego Club, Gamers, and Book Clubs starting as young as 2nd grade.
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
500 N Dunton Ave
Arlington Heights, Illinois
From the moment you step inside Kids' World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, your child will be ready to explore. The sprawling children's area is filled with colorful decor, a life size chess board, building blocks, train table, and much more. Recurring family-friendly events include many story times (with drop-off options for some ages), evening hour Jammin' in Jammies, Art Cart Crafternoons, First-Time Parents Meet Ups, playgroups, singalongs, and a fun Family Book Club for ages 5+.
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S. Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois
Elmhurst is an expansive, exciting library that welcomes kids in with an aquarium display. Babies and toddlers can explore the redesigned Learning Garden play area while older kids will find puzzles, computers, giant stuffed animals, and fun seating areas throughout the first floor. The staff hosts events such as story times, LEGO club, baby playtimes, STEM workshops, and more.
Kid-Friendly Chicagoland Bookstores
Source: Quinn Meyers
Women & Children First
5233 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois
One of the last feminist bookstores in North America, this Andersonville shop caters to young readers who want to educate themselves and support the causes they care about. Some of the store’s fastest growing sections are devoted to genres like Young Adult Queer Literature and Disability Justice. Women & Children First also hosts a monthly virtual Kids Book Group for readers who are 8-to-12 years old, featuring book discussions and crafts and activities that are accessible at home.
Anderson’s Bookshop
123 West Jefferson Avenue
Naperville, Illinois
The oldest single family run book cellar in the country made a name for themselves as the first bookstore to host J.K. Rowling for a Harry Potter reading event. Known to host other big-name authors, Anderson’s has pivoted to virtual events for kids of all ages. Their Naperville and Downers Grove locations stock thousands of children’s books and offer ample seating areas for families to read together.
Booked
506 Main Street
Evanston, Illinois
From the moment kids enter Booked through their own miniature door, they are immersed in the charming, unique and well-designed bookstore. At Booked, literature is grouped by age-appropriate material, which makes it easy to pick out the right items for your little one. Each month, the bookstore selects a community organization, local non-profit, or educational institution to give back to.
Semicolon Bookstore
1714 W. Division St
Chicago, Illinois
This Wicker Park shop is Chicago’s only Black woman-owned bookstore, priding itself on its diverse collection: more than 90 percent of books in stock are from authors of color. Its founder also started National Black Literacy day, which champions book access and reading programs for Black youth across America. The store’s 800 titles are grouped by association rather than genre, and parents will love the section that educates children about anti-racism and race.
Celebrate Reading at Home
Source: Vincent Longo
For those who are staying inside for National Read Across America Day, why not create a cozy reading corner that will inspire kids of all ages to escape into the pages of a good book, or offer the whole family a chance to congregate and hold their own book reading club? Below are some of our favorite examples of how you can create a children’s reading nook to fit all interiors and lifestyles.
Source: Sonya Lee Architect
Source: Maestri Studio
Built-in Hideaways
A favorite for little ones who like to have a space to themselves! These built-in reading nooks can cozily fit under a staircase, into a built-in shelving unit, and more, offering a low-profile and space-efficient way to encourage good reading habits.
Window Nooks
As the most classical form of reading nook, window benches and nooks are perfect for starry nights, rainy afternoons, and everything in between. Unique shelving solutions allow your child’s favorite books to stay within easy reach when the reading mood strikes.
Source: Courney McClure
Source: Marian Louise Designs
Source: Sissy + Marley
Source: Curated Nest Interiors
Accent Walls
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple coat of paint and some imaginative design to create a unique and fun reading area to fit your child’s personality perfectly. Pair with easily-accessible shelving and a comfy chair or bench!
Corner Nook
These adorable solutions can turn any corner in the house into a place for reading and learning. Whether in a colorful child’s room or occupying a spot in the family den, these reading corners are as accessible as they are beautiful.
Source: A Beautiful Mess
Source: Erin Williamson Design
Source: Mel Bean Interiors
Source: Pinterest
Canopies & Tents
For the ultimate reading getaway, nothing beats a secluded tent or canopy to inspire your child’s imagination. These reading areas offer the perfect escape into the fantastical worlds of fiction.
Room for Two
Snuggle up in an oversized chair or lounge for story times that are extra special. These reading nooks are a chance for siblings or parents to join in the fun of reading and explore new worlds together.
Source: Yael Weiss Interiors
Source: Liberty Interiors
Learn more about this year’s National Read Across America Day initiatives and find a plethora of other fun reading activities for you and your child at the link below.