Read Across America: Library event seeks to promote reading

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterFebruary 17, 2017

Read Across America: Library event seeks to promote reading
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Dr. Seuss's work has touched millions, and the Fort Rucker Center Library wants to celebrate the birthday of one of the world's most beloved authors by promoting healthy reading habits to children at an early age.

In conjunction with Read Across America Week, which coincides with Dr. Seuss's birthday, the Center Library will host its Seusstival celebration Feb.28 from 4-5:30 p.m. where parents can bring their children to take part in games, activities and fun, all while promoting learning through reading, according to Cameron Hill, Center Library youth librarian.

"We plan to hold the event outside because we'll have more space for the games and activities, and there will be a bounce house for the children to play in," she said. "There will be lots of activities and crafts, and there will also be prizes that people can win."

Hill said people are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Dr. Seuss character or in any wacky costume that evokes the spirit of the world-renown author.

Leading up to the event, many of Dr. Seuss's books will be on display at the library and available for checkout, but the event isn't only meant to promote Seuss's books, but an interest in all books, as well as the resources the library has to offer.

"It's always important to get children started reading early, and whatever can get a child to love reading is a good thing," said Hill. "And for parents, this is a good way to introduce them to the library and everything we have to offer here. We have a lot more to offer their children than we did before."

Recently, the library celebrated the grand opening of their children and teen rooms. The rooms feature age-appropriate reading material and activities, as well as game console systems for children and teens to play with -- all part of an effort to get children into the library and interested in books, said the youth librarian.

"We like to have fun here at the library, so whatever we can do to have fun and get our patrons having fun and interested in the library we're all for," she said. "We're not only just books, but we've got other resources like our online resources, audio books, movies, magazines, board games and video games."

The Seusstival is a great way to get parents and children interacting together to promote a love of reading, said Hill.

The event will culminate with a children's parade, where all the children will line up to put on a parade for spectators, who will have the opportunity to toss candy at the children as they walk by.

Hill encourages parents to bring their children by to not only introduce them to the works of Dr. Seuss if they aren't familiar, but to introduce them to a love of reading and everything the library has to offer.

For more information, call 255-3885.

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker