VALDOSTA —
His first book was rejected by more than 20 publishers before being accepted, but now, creeping up on a century later, Theodore Seuss Geisel has ingrained himself in the literary canon of children’s books and the South Georgia Regional Library ensured that Valdostans received a chance to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ legend on his 108th birthday at the library on Saturday afternoon.
While the temperature dipped to a chill during the weekend, Suzy Butts, children’s event coordinator, said she was pleased with the crowd the event drew despite wind ruling out the bounce house. Saturday marked the 13th year for the program at the library, according to Butts, who said the program has sprouted from cake and band into a festival packed with arts and crafts.
“We try to entertain them with games and food, but we also want the children and their parents to come inside the library and check out some books,” said Butts. “But at its core, it’s all about reading. We want children, as well as adults, to come in and use their imagination within the books. Whether they’re reading
fiction or non-fiction, we want our children to learn and comprehend what they’re reading.”
Jeanna Wilson, teacher and library patron, said she tries to bring her daughter to the library at least once a week to read and do puzzles, so the Dr. Seuss birthday celebration was a priority event for her family.
“Anytime the library does something cool, I bring Hope and I like to bring my niece too so that they can see the cool things about reading,” said Wilson. “I’m a teacher, so I do anything that I can to get them interested in reading.”
Next up for the library is a weekly series of lectures by authors and illustrators slated to run through April, before the popular Summer Reading program returns, according to Butts. She encourages the community to take full advantage of the library’s resources year round.
“We have more than just programs for the kids,” said Butts. “We also have programs for adults, like computer classes, which are free of charge. We also have beginner’s Spanish classes, and well-behaved children are allowed. We have free computers that people can use and we have free e-books that patrons can download.”
To stay on-top of the library’s programs or to find out more about its services, visit the South Georgia Regional Library’s website at SGRL.org or stop by their Facebook page at Facebook.com/SGRL.org.
Local News
Related Photos
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As their father prepares to deploy and they prepare for an extended vacation with their grandparents, Army kids Dylan and Samantha Smothers are afforded distraction at the South Georgia Regional Library’s 13th celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday Saturday in the library amphitheater. Quinten Plummer / VDT
Discussion
Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss
Library helps Valdostans honor children’s author
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