School is back in session and Carnegie Public Library has concluded another outstanding Summer Reading Program.
We enjoyed a terrific summer with kids and families exploring and enjoying books. More than 400 kids, teens and adults signed up for summer reading and we presented 58 programs to almost 2,000 participants. We were thrilled to collaborate once again with the Adena Health Foundation who supplied 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 kids and families and they greatly enhanced our summer entertainment. I’m especially appreciative to Fayette Travel & Tourism for funding entertainment for children that might not have had an opportunity to enjoy these programs.
The Children’s Department organized two STEM Camps and two Creative Camps for different age groups. We collaborated with Brigitte Hisey with Fayette Soil and Water for the two-day Discovery Camp held at Fayette Fish & Game. We presented two Mermaid and Pirate Parties along with outstanding story times by Miz Bonnie in Jeffersonville and Mr. Aaron and Miz Noel for Hello Friends in Washington Court House. We collaborated with St. Catherine’s and enjoyed a bike bash parade at their facility for the 4th of July. St. Catherine’s supplied the root beer floats and hot dogs and the residents enjoyed the fun as much as the kids.
The Adult Department presented the super popular Big Foot Talk with Dusty Ruth. Many adults entered into the “Tiny Art” exhibition and we learned there are quite a few talented artists in Fayette County. Thank you to Stacy Wilt from Patchwork Gardens for presenting a gardening program and who also graciously contributed plants for our beautiful library garden and landscaping. Regan’s Greenhouse at the Farm also contributed herbs, vegetable plants, and flowers to enhance our garden.
We would like to thank the Fire Department, Fayette Airport, Vermeer and the Deer Creek Dam for providing interesting and informative tours so families could explore Fayette County. Emma White opened up two of her historical homes: the Robinson-Pavey home on Highway 41 and the Dahl-Bereman home on Market Street for fascinating tours that everyone enjoyed.
Dairy Queen, Frisch’s, McDonald’s, Ranchers, Sonic, Street Side 62, Tim Horton’s, and Wendy’s, all contributed coupons for kids that completed their reading requirements as an incentive to keep reading. Whenever we distributed prize coupon packages to the kids, their eyes would light up and beg to go immediately to all the above mentioned restaurants. Destinations Outlet Mall donated a $25 gift card and plush footballs and fidget toys to distribute as prizes. Families won tickets to King’s Island, Young’s Dairy and the Columbus Art Museum. Finally, everyone that signed up to read received coupons for the Ohio State Fair, Ohio State Parks, and the Renaissance Festival.
We celebrated the end of summer reading with “Party at the Park” at Eyman. Participants enjoyed crafts, stories, face painting, games, treats and a special balloon from Mr. Bug-A-Boo, the best balloon artist in Ohio. He delighted the kids with specialty hats, crowns, bows and arrows, and swords.
On behalf of the library, I express gratitude to all the companies, businesses, individuals, and city and county agencies that collaborated with the library to highlight literacy and reading to our community. Thank you for your support, your coupons and incentives, and your time in making this another successful summer reading program. And thank you to all the parents and grandparents who brought their children in to explore the library and to start them on the path of a lifetime of reading.
