Saturday, March 2 is Dr. Seuss' birthday, and the Temple Public Library will celebrate with crafts, stories, and a scavenger hunt for the entire family.

The library opens at 10 AM, and there will be a Seuss Story Time for children of all ages in the Story Time Room at 10:30 AM. Families can stop by the library until closing time (5 PM) to participate in free activities. The library is located at 100 W Adams Ave.

The celebration is part of Read Across America Day, which was established by the National Education Association in 1997 to promote childhood literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

Many American kids are exposed to Dr. Seuss' work early in life. The author published 60 books from 1937 to 1991, and chances are at least one of them is on your family's book shelf or tucked away with childhood memorabilia.

The Temple Public Library isn't the only organization celebrating this special day. United Way of Central Texas volunteers will read to Belton and Temple ISD students on Friday, March 1 to mark Read Across America Day.

“On Dr. Seuss Day, United Way volunteers will be out in our community making a difference in the lives of local children by reading to them,” said Veshell Greene, Vice President of Resource Development, United Way of Central Texas. “We want every child to achieve their full potential through education and to know they live in a community that supports them.”

According to Greene, fewer than one in five kids who read below their grade level in third grade will go on to higher education.

Raye-Allen Elementary School Principal Fran Smetana said Raye-Allen teachers are excited to have United Way volunteers read to the students on Dr. Seuss Day.

“Many of these students do not have the opportunity to read at home with their parents,” Smetana said. “Students are thrilled to have different people with differing expressions and inflections share their favorite books and their love for reading. Having these volunteers come to read to our kiddos instills a love of reading."

For more information about Read Across America Day and printable activities you can enjoy with your children, visit seussville.com/Educators/educatorReadAcrossAmerica.php.

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