February is for Book Lovers

 

You don’t need a holiday to bask in the glow of literary love, but for those who like to make it official, February is National Library Lovers’ Month. Started by the Friends and Foundations of California Libraries in 2003, National Library Lovers’ Month is an annual observance held throughout the entire month of February to celebrate the value of libraries, librarians, and the people who love them.

The month of February is dedicated to recognizing libraries as community hubs where people can find connections beyond books, such as e-books, databases, research tools, movies, music, story times, STEAM programs, literacy programs, and more.

Celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month by taking part in special events and challenges hosted by your public library. 

For seasoned patrons, write love notes to show appreciation for your library staff on February 14, partake in events listed on your library’s calendar, and consider volunteering with your Friends of the Library group. Speak with a branch manager to find your local chapter.

Is this the beginning of your library journey? Start by obtaining a library card and meeting the librarians by letting them know your special interests. Take a “shelfie” in front of your favorite book section and post it to your social media. Borrow books, DVDs, and audiobooks. Explore programs and events. Utilize digital resources. Ask about special collections and archive tours. Ask about free or reduced-price tickets to local museums, zoos, and cultural attractions. Check for availability of tools and maker labs for 3D printers, sewing machines, and audio recording booths.

“I always knew from that moment, from the time I found myself at home in that little segregated library in the South, all the way up until I walked up the steps of the New York City library, I always felt, in any town, if I can get to a library, I’ll be OK. It really helped me as a child, and that never left me.” —Maya Angelou

Penguin Random House compiled a list of fiction books featuring libraries and librarians across all genres and for all ages.

February 4, 2026 is World Read Aloud Day. Established in 2010 by Pam Allyn, founder of New York City based non-profit LitWorld, World Read Aloud Day was inspired by the idea of a first-grade boy. After Allyn had finished reading Where The Wild Things Are to the group of first-grade boys, one of them asked why they did not do that more often and stated they should have a “big party” for the read-aloud. By 2020 the event was celebrated in over 173 countries.

Ten Ways to Participate in WRAD:

1. Celebrate the communal power of storytelling.

2. Advocate for literacy as a fundamental human right.

3. Post the books you are reading aloud to social media and use the hashtag #WorldReadAloudDay.

4. Sign up for the LitWorld newsletter to get access to resources to celebrate WRAD.

5. Watch ASL story times presented by author Kathy MacMillan (Stories by Hand).

6. Read aloud your own poems, essays, and short stories.

7. Build a collaborative story by each participant adding a sentence.

8. Read a news article you want to share with others.

9. Blind and visually impaired readers can read aloud from Braille books.

10. Listen to an audio book. For inspiration browse the Libro.fm bestseller list.

February 14 isn’t just for giving Valentines, it is also a day for giving books! Since 2012, International Book Giving Day has inspired gifting of books to underserved communities and developing countries. Celebrate by donating to children’s hospitals, libraries, schools, shelters, and Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood.

Have you shown some love to the Mission Hills Library Shop at 925 W. Washington Street since its grand opening in December 2025? Closed since 2019, the library store is stocked and open once again. The Library Shops are independent bookstores run by The Library Foundation San Diego. The proceeds support free programs at the San Diego Public Library.

One of our San Diego loves at Bluestocking Books is our own Balboa Park, which is easily accessible by foot, bicycle, bus, and rideshare. Balboa Park offers so much to do, see, and explore. February is the ideal time for locals to enjoy Museum Month, with free gardens and discounted museum admission. If you haven’t had a date with Balboa Park lately, rediscover what makes it so lovable and why it’s The Cultural Heart and Crown Jewel of San Diego. 

Starting February 1, 2026, San Diego Museum Month returns, allowing visitors to pick up a free pass at any San Diego City or County public library (or download one) for 50% off admission to over 70 museums, gardens, and historical sites. The pass is valid for up to four people from February 1–28, 2026, and can be reused at different locations throughout the month.

Spotlight on the Spinner Rack

Are you curious about which titles Bluestocking Books readers love the most? We have a spinning rack displaying new copies of the most requested titles. At the Bluestocking Books website, simply put the letters SPNNR in the search box and investigate some greatest hits. Which ones are on your reading list?

Call for San Diego Book Crawl Volunteers

Save the dates! April 25 is National Independent Bookstore Day and the kick-off of our annual San Diego Book Crawl. Bluestocking Books is looking for volunteers on Saturday April 25 and Sunday April 26. Please email us at info@bluestockingbooks.com with the subject “SDBC Volunteer” if you are up to directing the packs of bookhounds.

Book Sets Beautify Your Shelves

In addition to offering individual gently used and new books, Bluestocking Books has a sweet selection of multi-volume sets that will beautify your bookshelves and charm your heart. Visit the bookstore at 3817 Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest to view all the book sets or call +1 (619) 296-1424 for more information.

Bluestocking Books in San Diego Union

Bluestocking Books is grateful to be highlighted as a favorite Hillcrest spot of Sisters Pizza owner Emily Green Lake. Sisters Pizza and Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill are two of our favorite Hillcrest spots.

Vintage Valentines

In addition to packs of new Valentine cards, Bluestocking Books has a selection of antique postcards for Valentine’s Day. Come and get them quickly as they have been moving faster than a lover’s beating heart!