Children at the Albert Lea Public Library on Thursday celebrated the birthday of popular children’s author Dr. Seuss with stories, games and even a cake.

Patti Greibrok, children’s librarian, said the party is not only a fun opportunity for kids to take part in activities but it is also a time to celebrate reading.

Greibrok read the popular Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham,” and the children colored hats and ties to look like the Cat in the Hat.

They also made red- and white-beaded necklaces, decorated fish and stars, cheered for his birthday and played other games.

Greibrok said the celebration coincided with February’s Book Lovers Month and the library’s new Family Reads program, which encourages all family members, not just children, to read.

“We want children to see their parents read,” she said. “Children will mimic what we do.”

The party is an annual tradition for the library that usually coincides with the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day.

The birthday of Dr. Seuss — whose real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel — is on March 2.