Seuss-a-Thon Community Event to Focus on Famous Author

Dr. Seuss’ birthday is coming up, and that means it’s time for the annual Seuss-a-Thon. This year’s Seuss-a-Thon will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road.

Area educators and literacy advocates will read Dr. Seuss books aloud to children in a marathon fashion for four continuous hours. Children will also have opportunities to do Dr. Seuss-related craft projects.

“As a long-time children’s literature professor, I am deeply committed to promoting literacy in our community, especially among our young people,” said Mark West, event organizer and chair of the Department of English at UNC Charlotte.

“For this reason, I am a big supporter of the National Education Association’s Read Across America campaign, which celebrates and encourages reading and literacy,” West said. “One of my goals in organizing the Seuss-a-Thon is to sponsor an event that contributes to this larger literacy campaign.”

Mark West at previous event

This is the fifth year West has organized the Seuss-a-Thon, which is co-sponsored by the English Department and Park Road Books.

“We invite people of all ages to come by and enjoy the books written by one of America’s most influential authors,” West said.

The Seuss-a-Thon takes place on or near the birth date of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, and wrote and illustrated over 40 books for children. He received many honors, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 “for his special contribution over nearly half a century to the education and enjoyment of America’s children and their parents.” This past year saw the publication of a new Dr. Seuss book titled What Pet Should I Get.

Park Road Books will supply the books to be read. They will offer a 20 percent discount on any Dr. Seuss books purchased that day. Park Road Books, located in Park Road Shopping Center, is Charlotte’s oldest continuously operating bookstore.