The Cat in the Hat will be on the prowl for fun in local schools and public libraries in honor of Dr. Seuss' March 2 birthday. (Some schools will celebrate Friday, a day early; one library will celebrate a week later.)

Read Across America Day, as it's known, was initiated by the National Education Association in 1998 to promote reading and recognize the ground-breaking works of author-illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel, who died in 1991 at age 87.

So put on your striped top hat and join the parties featuring costumed characters, special guest readers, Seuss stories, activities, prizes and treats, including birthday cake. Register in advance by calling the numbers listed or visiting the library websites.

• Adamstown Area Library: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Join The Cat in the Hat for Seuss stories, activities, birthday treats and prizes; free, families welcome; call 484-4200.

• Ephrata Public Library: 10 a.m. Saturday. Stories, activities, food and a special visit from The Cat in the Hat; free, ages 4-8; call 738-9291.

• Manheim Community Library: special guest readers at 10 and 11 a.m., activities all day, Crazy Cake, and Winter Reading Program sign-up; free; call 665-6700.

• Lancaster Public Library East-Leola Branch Library, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. Read to greyhounds Blackberry and Solomon; enjoy cake and treats; free; call 656-7920.

• Lancaster Public Library: Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, either 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon March 9, with The Cat in the Hat reading stories. Cost is $3 for children ages 2-10, free for children under 2, $5 for accompanying adults; call 394-2651.