School has started again and the Carnegie Public Library has completed another outstanding summer reading program.
We enjoyed a great summer with children and families exploring and enjoying books. More than 400 children, young people and adults registered for the summer reading and we presented 58 programs to almost 2,000 participants. We were thrilled to once again be working with the Adena Health Foundation who provided great prizes for participants. There were four grand prize winners who won bikes and a Fitbit. Thank you Adena!
Fayette Travel & Tourism sponsored five outstanding programs including The Gordon Russ Magic Show, Crystal Clear Science, What’s Shaking Music with Ryan Glass, Buckeye Game Truck and Mr. Bug-A-Boo. All five shows were popular with children and families and added a lot to our summer entertainment. I am particularly grateful to Fayette Travel & Tourism for funding entertainment for children who may not have had the opportunity to enjoy these programs.
The children’s department organized two STEM camps and two creative camps for different age groups. We partnered with Brigitte Hisey and Fayette Soil and Water for the two day Discovery Camp at Fayette Fish & Game. We presented two mermaid and pirate parties along with outstanding stories from Miz Bonnie in Jeffersonville and Mr. Aaron and Miz Noel for Hello Friends at the Washington Court House. We worked with St. Catherine’s and enjoyed a bike bash parade at their facility on July 4th. St. Catherine’s provided the root beer floats and hot dogs and the residents had as much fun as the kids.
The adult section presented the super popular Big Foot Talk starring Dusty Ruth. Many adults attended the Tiny Art exhibit and we learned that there are some talented artists in Fayette County. Many thanks to Stacy Wilt of Patchwork Gardens for presenting a garden program and who also kindly contributed plants for our beautiful library garden and landscaping. Regan’s greenhouse on the farm also contributed herbs, vegetables and flowers to beautify our garden.
We would like to thank the Fire Department, Fayette Airport, Vermeer and Deer Creek Dam for providing interesting and informative tours so families can explore Fayette County. Emma White opened two of her historic homes: the Robinson Pavey home on Highway 41 and the Dahl Bereman home on Market Street for fascinating tours that were enjoyed by all.
Dairy Queen, Frisch’s, McDonald’s, Ranchers, Sonic, Street Side 62, Tim Horton’s, and Wendy’s all contributed coupons to encourage children who have completed their reading needs to continue reading. Whenever we handed out packets of vouchers to the children, their eyes would light up and they would ask to go to all the restaurants mentioned above immediately. Destinations Outlet Mall donated a $25 gift certificate as well as plush soccer balls and fidget toys for prize giving. Families won tickets to King’s Island, Young’s Dairy and the Columbus Art Museum. Eventually, everyone who signed up to read received coupons for the Ohio State Fair, Ohio State Parks, and Renaissance Festival.
We celebrated the end of the summer reading with “Party at the Park” in the Eyman. Attendees enjoyed crafts, stories, face painting, games, treats and a special balloon from Ohio’s top balloon artist, Mr. Bug-A-Boo. He delighted the children with special hats, crowns, bows and arrows and swords.
On behalf of the library, I would like to thank all of the businesses, corporations, individuals, and city and state governments who have worked with the library to highlight literacy and reading in our community. Thank you for your support, your coupons and incentives, and your time to make this another successful summer reading program. And thank you to all the parents and grandparents who brought their children to explore the library and set them on the path of lifelong reading.
Isaac, Ezra and Ben Matthews enjoy themselves during the summer reading program “Oceans of Possibility”.
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