February 24, 2016
Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program by the National Education Association. The event calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. 2016 marks what would have been his 112th birthday.
Philly is celebrating 2016 Read Across America Day with lots of storytime opportunities and with a special children's author book signing.
Head to Barnes & Noble for a Dr. Seuss celebration. Pin the tail on Horton the elephant or decorate your own "Cat in the Hat" hat. Stick around for storytime, too. The Dr. Seuss book that will be read aloud is "If I Ran the Zoo."
Saturday, Feb. 27
11 a.m. | Free
Barnes & Noble: Plymouth Meeting
2300 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA
(610) 567-2900
Children of all ages are invited to celebrate author Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) with cake, games and stories at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Wednesday, March 2
10 a.m. | Free
Free Library of Philadelphia: Thomas F. Donatucci Sr.
1935 Shunk St.
(215) 685-1755
The Free Library of Philadelphia is also hosting an event for toddlers with songs, stories and a chance to act silly.
You can also check out the library's full list of events to find a branch near you celebrating on March 2.
Wednesday, March 2
10:30 a.m. | Free
Free Library of Philadelphia: Fishtown Community Branch
1217 E. Montgomery Ave.
(215) 685-9990
The Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown is hosting a big event on Sunday, March 13.
Beloved author Jerry Spinelli, who wrote favorites like "Stargirl" and "Maniac Magee," will be at the zoo for a reading and book signing.
Other special guests will include The Berenstain Bears, Arthur the aardvark, the WHYY Kids Club and Heidi Rader, author of "Chatter in the Caldera: Monkeys of Bioko Island."
Rounding out the day is a book fair sponsored by Children's Book World.
Sunday, March 13
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free with Zoo admission
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA
(800) 652-4143
Online site Seussville offers parents a range of ideas on how to celebrate Dr. Seuss' 112th birthday. There are simple craft ideas, activity plans and recipes for themed treats.
Schedule in storytime between the dance party, puppet making and Cat's Hat Kabobs.
