"This will be a fun time for the whole family," said Jan Betty, director of children and youth at the Milanof-Schock Library, describing "Celebrate Seuss - a Library Adventure." The Dr. Seuss-themed festivities will take place at the library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy, on Friday, March 4, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

"People will come into the program room at the library and pick up the supplies they need for activity stations we'll have set up throughout the library," Betty explained. "All of the activities are Seuss-themed." Each activity will have two levels, one for younger children and one for older kids, and adults are also invited to join in the fun. Each child will receive a goodie bag, and all participants will receive a ticket for a chance to win a prize.

Costumed characters, including the Cat in the Hat, will be available to pose for pictures with families. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes as well. "They don't have to be Seuss-themed," Betty commented. "They can come dressed from 'Frozen' or 'Encanto' or any costume they like."

The library held this event for the first time last year, when pandemic restrictions caused the cancellation of its annual green eggs and ham breakfast. Betty said the Seuss celebration serves multiple purposes. "It's a fun way to build excitement about reading, and it's a way to give kids a visual experience," she stated. "If they meet up with Yertle the Turtle, they might want to read that book." It's also an opportunity for people who are not familiar with the library to see what the place has to offer, she said, noting, "They will get to go the whole way around the library and see what the library is all about."

Sponsors for the event include the Kiwanis Club of Norlanco-Rheems, Donegal High School Key Club, Donegal Junior High Builders Club, Olde Square Inn and many others. "We have lots of people who help us with this event," Betty remarked. "We have library volunteers and staff who help as well."

Betty noted that Celebrate Seuss is an opportunity to mark the author's birthday while also encouraging families to have fun together. "It's so important in this day and age to be together as a family," she stated. "This is a fun way for everyone to have a good time together."

Proceeds from the event will benefit library programs. Tickets are required for the event and must be purchased in person at the library. Admission will be by time slots to allow for social distancing. For more information, visit https://mslibrary.org or stop by the library.