Today is National Reading Day and some local schools have made plans to celebrate.

Hanford Dole Elementary School in Salisbury will celebrate with a “drop everything and read,” or “D.E.A.R. Day.” Students, teacher and staff will stop what they are doing and read for pleasure at 2:15 p.m. today.

Many administrative and non-classroom staff have volunteered to read to entire classes and small groups, including Principal Michael Courtwright.

Forest Park Elementary School in Kannapolis will hold its third annual Family Reading Night Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Shady Brook Elementary Principal Dr. Rachel Zaionz will perform, families will read together and students will leave with a new book and prizes.