In honor of National Literacy Month, San Diego and Oceanside residents showed their love for reading at two separate events Saturday. At 10 a.m., the Oceanside Public Library and Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation hosted the 17th annual Write On, Oceanside celebration. The free event took pla ce at Civic Center Library Plaza, courtyard and community rooms, 330 North Coast Highway. It featured over 25 local authors with books available for purchase and signing, an introduction by the Oceanside Poet Laureate, Karla Cordero, author readings by high school drama students, spoken word poetry with Glassless Minds, and craft activities for children. The annual literary festival’s goal was to “celebrate, showcase and inspire local authors.” Free workshops were offered as well. At 10:30 a.m. all were invited to “Journey to Publication” to learn about various paths and opportunities for publishing, with panelists Leann Garms, Richard Carrico, and Robert O’Sullivan, writing and publishing industry professionals. At 12:30 p.m., the “Benefits of a Writer’s Group” workshop began, allowing the public to bring their work to share with fellow writers and get feedback and ideas. Author readings and spoken word will take place between noon and 1 p.m., and winners of the six-word story contest will be announced at 1:30 p.m. First 5 San Diego and Dr. Seuss Foundation hosted the second Talk, Read, Sing event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Diego Central Library, Shiley Suite, 9th floor, 330 Park Blvd. “We’re excited to partner once again with Dr. Seuss Foundation to bring families together for a fun celebration that reinforces the importance of these everyday moments while connecting them with valuable community resources,” said Alethea Arguilez, executive director of First 5 San Diego. The family-friendly event encouraged parents and caregivers to build early literacy skills through simple everyday interactions like talking, reading, and singing with their children, a statement from the nonprofits read. “Talking, reading, and singing with young children are some of the simplest and most powerful ways parents and caregivers can support healthy brain development,” said Arguilez. The event featured free books and giveaways, a bilingual story time of a Dr. Seuss book, an appearance by Cat in the Hat, literacy crafts, an opportunity to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and more. “Parents and caregivers are a child’s first teacher. Talking, reading, and singing with young children builds the foundation for a lifetime of reading,” said Katie Rast, CEO of Dr. Seuss Foundation. “Together with First 5 San Diego, we invite families to partake in an event that will bring children and caregivers together to celebrate the joy of learning.” ...read more read less