Read Across America Day kicks off National Reading Month this March. This month, we encourage everyone to read a little each day. Reading has many benefits, including memory recall, building vocabulary and reducing stress.

Events offered in the month of March include:

— Pop-Up Craft Days: On Tuesday March 4 and 18, children can stop by the library to make themed DIY crafts. All materials and instructions are provided for these DIYs on the table in the children’s section.

— Story Time and Activity Hour: Story Time will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and March 22 to celebrate Spring.

— Let’s Talk About It: Conversations Among Citizens Series: For the second in this series, we will discuss topics for Brain Awareness Week. Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. This discussion will focus on the recognition of the Brain and Neurocognitive System as an integral part of bodily organs and systems for a person-centered holistic approach toward health, well-being and safety. The program will be offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Reservations are appreciated and requested, as only 13 seats are available. To register, please call Cresson Public Library at 814-886-2619 or register via our website.

PBS film screening

Cresson Public Library will hold a free special PBS documentary film screening from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Mount Aloysius College’s Cosgrave Student Center. The public library is one of America’s most valued, yet endangered institutions. The public library system was founded on a visionary principle to create a place where anyone can enter and encounter a universe of ideas, free of charge.

“Free for All: The Public Library” chronicles the evolution of the nation’s public libraries, tracing the battles over who can enter, what belongs there and who makes those decisions while exploring how public spaces are defined and defended. Director Dawn Logsdon charts the trajectory of the library, from America’s original Free Library Movement that began in the mid-19th century to current struggles in a digital age amid budget cuts, closures and book bans. Following the film, there will be a moderated discussion and Q&A session. Light snacks will be provided and 32 seats are available. To register, please call Cresson Public Library at 814-886-2619 or register via our website.

Large Print and Non-Fiction Book Sale is happening over the next few months during library hours while the books are being weeded. All proceeds directly benefit Cresson Public Library.

March New Releases

The library shelves hold many new arrivals for book lovers of all ages.

— Juvenile Fiction: Horns to Toes and in Between; Rocket Writes a Story; The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark; Pete the Cat: Play Ball!; Benji’s Big Adventure; Adventures on The Nile; Lucky Bunnies: Petal’s Party; Alone

— Juvenile Non-Fiction: Gnomes; Yeti

— Adult Fiction: Alex Cross Must Die; The Crash; The Secret; Anxious People; Romantic Comedy; Happy Place; The Spellshop

— Adult Non-Fiction: Brain Food for Your Baby

— Adult DVD: Wicked

Event updates are available by following the Cresson Public Library on its Facebook page.