The Bermuda Youth Library's "Children's Reading Festival" is one of the biggest events the library hosts every year.

This year, the 10th annual festival was held on March 7 and was deemed a successful event by head librarian Marla Smith.

The 500-plus people who walked in the doors of the library throughout the day, from 9:30 to 3:00, attested to the success.

The day's activities included 'book babies', 'story time', 'tall tales', the well-enjoyed 'Dr. Seuss hour', 'Bermuda jeopardy game show' and a magic show to top the afternoon off.

Kids of all ages and their parents came out to support the Youth Library's initiative to get Bermuda's youth reading.

The children's faces lit up as there were many stations and activities to partake in.

In addition to the scheduled interactive reading times, there were a craft table, colouring centre, face painting, raffles and one-fish-two fishing pond.

Micah Hollis, aged two, said, "I liked the stamping crafts. It was fun!"

The Dr. Seuss Hour held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. was one of the highlights of the day.

There were many stories read from the famous line of Dr. Seuss books.

The reader who was Cat in the Hat was well received by the children. They listened attentively and interacted when asked question by "the Cat".

Jeynesis Daniels, aged six, and a member of the library, said: "My favourite part of today was the questions by Cat in the Hat because when I answered the questions right, I won two prizes!"

The community also did their part to support the library's annual event, as community mascots made appearances to enhance the kid-friendly environment and help with storytelling. "Bird' from BELCO, 'Happy' from BF&M, 'Captain G' from Capital G and 'Sparky' from the Bermuda Fire services mingled and took pictures with the excited children.

Keino Burch, aged five said, "My favourite part was hugging the superhero".

"The purpose of the festival is to promote the love of reading and to impress upon parents the importance of reading to their children", said head librarian Marla Smith.

"We also use this event to get children to become members of the Youth Library and to encourage them to use this resource regularly.

"I feel that every year we put on this event, our goal is accomplished."