Local children celebrated Dr. Seuss’s 112th birthday with crafts, games and skits at the Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery. Photo by Makala Chapman, QNet News.
BELLEVILLE – Oh, the places you’ll go!
Local children kicked off their March Break with games and crafts to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s 112th birthday at the Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery on Tuesday.
The event was called Seussapalooza and was one of the many free events the library was offering as part of its March Break week-long program for school children.
The Coordinator of Children’s, Youth & Readers’ Services Suzanne Humphreys said the library has always wanted to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
“He just has timeless appeal,” said Humphreys. She also said that the late author’s stories were a fun way to encourage young children to read.
“The kids are getting all those ready to read skills without evening knowing it,” she said. “All those nonsense words and the rhyming and the rhythm of his books are just fabulous for kids.”
Those in attendance were also treated to a skit put on by library staff of Green Eggs and Ham.
Jamie Jonah said she thought the free programs offered by the library play an important part in developing children’s social skills. Jonah’s 8-year-old daughter Alyx suffers from anxiety, but according to her mother, events like Seussapalooza are therapeutic.
“Due to high anxiety, she gets socially withdrawn,” said Jonah. “I bring her out in public places like this and get her interacting with other kids so that way her anxiety isn’t as high for if we have to do any other activities.”
Sharlene Ford is a teacher at Harmony Public School and she said Seussapalooza was great for getting her children out of the house during the March Break.
“I thought this was the place that would be great fun for (the children),” said Ford. “It’s a great activity for kids to get together with other kids, make some crafts and do some things that they wouldn’t otherwise get to do.”
Another mother, Kirsty Scott, also said she appreciated the programs that the library has to offer. She said that events like Seussapalooza made coming to the library fun and encouraged more visits.
“I know that when we come to these events we usually go and get lots of books out from the library. I think it’s really good because it gives everyone the chance to get and do something.”
8-year-old Jessica Shea said that she has been having a good March break and has been getting to visit the library everyday.
“My favourite part about March Break is spending time with my family and my favourite part of today was making the Lorax (crafts).”
The week-long events at the library all come to a close on Friday with a Dr. Who party for teenagers and a Star Wars themed party for children.
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