March 2 was the 109th birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss as well as National Read Across America Day. Both occasions were observed at the Chevy Chase branch of the Montgomery County library system.

A couple of dozen kids and parents gathered at 10:30 in the library’s children’s book section. They spent half an hour on crafts; some of the kids fashioned replicas of the saggy, red-and-white-striped top hat of perhaps Dr. Seuss’s most famous character, the cat in the hat. Others plucked paper fish out of a barrel and others staged puppet shows with their parents.

Then librarian Janet Bock gathered the children into a group and read them “The Cat in the Hat.” Everyone seemed to have a good time, including young Paul Suchada, at right.

The library, on Connecticut Avenue, frequently hosts events designed to introduce children to the joys of storytelling and reading. Its web site has a “programs and events” link that provides quick access to the schedule.