mdspencer-dr-seuss-day-2023-02 — Library staff Doug Fortunato, Stephannie Interrante and Justin Antoe hold Dr. Seuss books in the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center on Feb. 15, 2023. Photo: Monica D. Spencer/InMaricopa

‘Oh, the places you’ll go:’ Dr. Seuss Day returns to Maricopa library

'You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.'

Feb 23, 2023

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Following a two-year hiatus, Whos, Sneeches and Lorax-lovers alike can finally gather to celebrate Dr. Suess Day at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center on Feb. 25. This will be the first time the library celebrates the author’s birthday in its new location.

Library Manager, Angela Howell, holds a stack of books inside the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center on Feb. 15, 2023. Photo: Monica D. Spencer/InMaricopa

Library Manager Angela Howell said the family-oriented event is a chance for young and old alike to don colorful costumes and enjoy a silly afternoon at the library.

“All of the staff here gets dressed up,” Howell said. “We dress up, we get involved, everybody is silly. There’s story times, there’s games. The whole purpose of it is to make it fun for everyone.”

As in previous years, the library will host family-friendly festivities featuring Dr. Seuss characters. Activities will be arranged in an open-house format, including bowling, based on Ten Apples Up On Top, magnetic fishing for One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and a little Lorax craft to take home.

The library began hosting the event in 2010 as part of Read Across America Day, an annual event since 1998 to jumpstart children’s excitement for reading and to celebrate the author’s birthday on March 2. While the National Education Association has shifted the focus to a more diverse range of children’s authors, Dr. Seuss still has a heavy influence on celebrations.

“(Dr. Seuss) was very instrumental in children’s publishing and getting kids excited about reading,” Howell said. “The colorful characters, the simple words, the rhyming and everything that goes into his books. That really excites young children to read.”

As for all the mind maker-uppers who have yet to make up their minds to attend, Howell had one piece of advice.

“Just come to have fun,” she said. “Getting children excited about reading is one of our core missions and that’s what we want to do (here).”

The library’s annual Dr. Seuss Day is Saturday, Feb. 25, 2-4 p.m. at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.

More information or to register: Visit the library’s website or the event page.