Local veterans and members of the VFW helped celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 114th birthday at the Mineral County Library on March 1. His birthday is celebrated across the nation in conjunction with Read Across America, which is an annual reading motivation and awareness program for children.

Readers included Herman Berneking, Ron Anderson, Rob Robinson, Ed Heppe, and Jim DeBree. They read their favorite Dr. Seuss books to the youngsters, who sat on a special Dr. Seuss rug which depicts some of his memorable characters like “Red Fish, Blue Fish,” “Yertle the Turtle,” “Horton” and “the Grinch.”

Laura Acker, from Parents as Teachers, was also at the party to liven things up with games, songs and other activities to keep little hands and minds busy. Library Director Guna Chubrek said that kids love Dr. Seuss because of the rhyming and they develop an appreciation for listening to stories.

There weren’t as many children at the party this year compared to last, but “you never know who will show up,” said Chubrek.

The group who did show up had a good time celebrating the stories and spirit of Dr. Seuss. Throughout his career, his books have been adapted into four movies, 11 television specials, four television series and one Broadway musical. His books have sold over 600 million copies and have been translated into more than 20 languages. Dr. Seuss, whose real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel, died in September, 1991.