Read Across America 2013

February 20, 2013

It's that time of year again! The time of year we celebrate the birthday of iconic children's author Dr. Seuss. Here are a few fun facts about Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss:

• He was born March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA.
• Seuss was really his middle name, and he put Dr. in front of it because his father always wanted him to get a doctorate and be a professor.
• And To Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street was his first published book.
• He wrote Green Eggs and Ham using only fifty words.

By keeping the words in his books simple to read and having his characters do the most unexpected things, Dr. Seuss's stories appeal to kids of all ages. This is why each year, for the past 15 years, we have stopped and taken time to read a Dr. Seuss book aloud with those around us.

Read Across America is a national program sponsored by the National Education Association with support from more than 50 national non-profit and association partners. The program is designed to motivate children to read. Children who are motivated to read actually do better in school. Locally, schools, libraries, community centers, and others work together to celebrate and promote reading.

You are invited to celebrate Read Across America with your local MCPL branch.

Click here to access a list of celebrations.

Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss, and happy reading to all of you!

Shari Ellison
Youth Services Department Manager