Given the opportunity, most can recite lines of poetry from the works of Theodor Geisel, arguably one of the greatest American writers.

“Green Eggs and Ham,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Lorax,” “Horton Hears a Who!” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” are just a few of his many stories loved by adults and children alike.

Sunday, Brown Library is extending an invitation to children ages 4 through 12, to help celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2, and participate in Read Across America, a National Education Association project held yearly to promote children’s literacy. This year’s book: “The Cat in the Hat.” From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., children (and their accompanying adults) will be treated to refreshments and a reading of the whimsical favorite by Children’s Librarian Terry Rollins.

Rollins spoke about the universal appeal of Dr. Suess.

“The very first set of books that I got as a child was a set of Dr. Suess books. I loved them as a kid and I still love them today,” Rollins said. “Anybody who reads ‘The Cat in the Hat,’ ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ — it just sticks with them. Dr. SuesS just had a way of creating silly stories that are universal. His stories appeal to everybody: kids and adults.”

This is the second year Washington’s library has taken part in Read Across America, in which a predetermined book is read to children across the nation. As a children’s librarian, Rollins has witnessed just how important it is to read to children and instill an appreciation for the written word at a very young age.

“From my standpoint as a children’s librarian, I’ve seen it. Children who are read to from infancy on up have a lifelong love of books and reading,” Rollins said. “Studies have shown that children who are read to do better in school.”

Sunday would have been Dr. Suess’ 110^th birthday.  In honor of the event, Rollins said he will wear his own “Cat in the Hat” hat.

For more information about the Read Across America event, contact Terry Rollins at 252-946-4300. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.