Dr. Seuss' birthday honored nationwide

The Monroe County Public Library followed the doctor's orders Saturday by prescribing children of all ages a dose of the whimsical, simple wisdom of Seuss literature. \nBecause March 2 was the anniversary of Dr. Seuss' 102nd birthday, the local library, as well as other libraries around the country, celebrated the legacy of the author by promoting literacy last week. \nBloomington's Parks and Recreation Department co-sponsored the event to educate young people about reading.\n"I think Dr. Seuss has left a great legacy for kids, and celebrating with a Seuss festival on his birthday was a great idea," said event organizer Sarah Nix.\nThe event featured several activities, including an over-sized board game, book-making, face-painting, fishing and prizes. \nSeveral children dressed up as Dr. Seuss characters to honor the day. \nAccording to his official Web site, www.seussville.com, some of Dr. Seuss' most notable books are "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham," "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Dr. Seuss is the pen name, for Theodore Geisel. After Geisel graduated from Dartmouth College and Oxford University, he began his career as a World War II cartoonist.\nAfter the success of the book "The Cat in the Hat," Geisel's fans would forever know him as Dr. Seuss. Many Seuss fans credit his repetition, rhyme and colorful illustrations as both charming and profound. Seuss is often quoted in graduation speeches for his emphasis on life lessons.\nGeisel died September 24, 1991, with more than 200 million copies of his books dispersed around the globe in 15 different languages. \nAlthough the event was geared toward children, adults enjoyed the festival, too. \n"I've had a pretty good time," said Bloomington resident Jodd Terrell, who took his two granddaughters to the library to introduce them to reading. "I really wanted to expose (my granddaughters) to literature, and this festival was a good way to do it," he said.\nLibrarian Lisa Kaiser sliced up Dr. Seuss's birthday cake and served it to the festival participants.\n"This is great to see this many people so enthusiastic about Dr. Seuss, and I am awestruck by the number of people here," she said.\nNix said she also hoped Dr. Seuss could be remembered beyond today's festival.\n"Dr. Seuss has left a legacy for children to enjoy reading, and that is something that should be enjoyed every day," she said.