Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Dr. Seuss' birthday celebrated in Bessemer

BESSEMER – Young children gathered round from far and from near, and while the librarian read, they lent her their ears.

The Bessemer Public Library hosted a Dr. Seuss birthday party on Saturday morning, complete with reading, a craft and, of course, cupcakes. The event helps mark the 110th anniversary of the birth of author Theodor Seuss Geisel, born March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Mass.

"Every year all over the country, all over the world, libraries and schools do a lot of Dr. Seuss events," Library Director Melissa Rajala said. "He changed children's literature and everything he wrote was so fun that we like to acknowledge that."

Rajala said she chose to read "And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" and "Green Eggs and Ham" because they are her favorite Dr. Seuss books.

"'Mulberry Street' is like the way kids see the world," she said. "They don't just see a horse and cart – they see elephants and giraffes." The story, the first children's book Seuss wrote, tells the story of a young boy who saw a procession including wild animals and a marching band parading down a street in his neighborhood.

Rajala read with spirited excitement which spread quickly to the six local children who attended the event. The youngsters bounced in their chairs, commented on the pictures and asked questions about the stories as Rajala read.

After story time, kids were able to create their own red-and-white-striped hat out of paper plates and construction paper in a craft inspired by "The Cat in the Hat." Rajala said she got the idea for it on the Internet.

Rajala said she was happy with the turnout and is already planning future events. Starting this month, the library will be open the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Every month on that first Saturday, we're going to do different family programs," she said. Programs will usually have a seasonal theme.

The excitement of the kids and their laughter so dear made it obvious to all that one thing was clear. They thought the party was funny, they thought it was neat. And to think they saw it on Sophie Street.

 
 
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