Malvern library’s summer reading program engages all ages

The Carroll County District Library’s Malvern Branch hosted a summer reading program that reached children, teens and adults with books, activities and hands-on learning.

Branch manager Judy Neitzel organized weekly programs around themes such as artists, plants, insects, animals, authors and space. Young children enjoyed arts and crafts, guest speakers and outdoor activities, often drawing as many as 30 participants, including parents.

The Rotary Club of Malvern supported the program with a $6,000 donation that funded new books for the library and for children to take home, as well as art supplies and prizes. The Rotary also helped establish a pollinator garden at the library.

To encourage reading, children logged the number of books they read or had read to them to earn prizes. Teens recorded the number of minutes spent reading as part of their assignments. Neitzel said 180 children and youth signed up, and 48 completed the program.

“I really appreciate the amount of community donations I received,” Neitzel said, noting contributions of money, supplies, volunteer time and guest speakers.

Adults also benefited. Sixty-five participants joined weekly sessions that featured themed books and related art projects, forming what became a “Silent Book Club.” Projects included making sea glass wind chimes and butterfly garden signs.

The new pollinator garden on the west side of the building features native Ohio plants supplied through a Rotary grant. With guidance from the OSU Extension Service, the garden was planted with plugs from Terra Depot in Navarre. While excess spring rain damaged some plants, the garden is expected to be fully established next year. Each plant is marked for identification, with signage explaining the garden’s role in supporting crops and native insects.

The final summer reading event will be Friday, Aug. 28, with guest reader Rev. Wally Anderson, former Rotary Club president. Library patrons are encouraged to check out new books and visit the pollinator garden.