Puskarich libraries launch summer reading events

The Summer Reading Program kickoff began last week throughout the Puskarich Library System.

The Scio Branch Library opened the program June 9 with a Touch-a-Truck event, inviting all age groups to explore a variety of vehicles and meet community helpers. The following day, June 10, the Puskarich Library in Cadiz hosted a family-oriented evening of crafts, games and hands-on activities. On June 11, the Clark Memorial Branch in Freeport kicked off the summer with crafts, games and treats.

With school out for the summer, the library is offering a variety of programs for all ages. Several reading challenges encourage students to read throughout the summer, learn dinosaur facts and compete for a chance to win the Waterpark Grand Prize. The prize includes free admission to the Uhrichsville Waterpark on July 25.

Programs at the Puskarich Library in Cadiz include Roar and Explore, featuring Dino Discovery, Dino Bones and Rocks; Dino Detectives, which includes problem-solving activities, fossil making, erupting volcanoes and mystery games; Story Strolls at Sally Buffalo Park; Stories in the Stones with Daniel Caron; and Dino Academy, led by Dr. Sarah Tops, which combines science, storytelling and imagination. The Oglebay Zoo also will visit with animals for an educational program.

The Scio Branch Library will offer Tiny Dinos for children ages 18 months to 4 years, Teen Surprise Grab-and-Go Bags for ages 13-17, Dino Academy, Trail Tales on the Conotton Creek Trail and Jurassic Kitchen Games for teens.

Clark Memorial Branch programs include Leaping Lizards, featuring live lizards and information about their habitats and behaviors; Delicious Days, a family cooking program; Dino Academy with Dr. Sarah Tops; and Storytime for children ages 18 months to 5 years.

Additional family programs include Slime Labs and Make and Takes at the Scio Branch. Food Truck Mondays also will be held during June and July. At the Clark Memorial Branch, family activities include Cookie Cake Monster Jars and Summer Toasts.

Author Gary Baker, author of "Growing Up Freeport," will hold a book signing from 3-5 p.m. July 17.

Adult programming includes book clubs at multiple branches, Quilting with Sue, pickleball in Scio, Summer Soap, Floral Totes, Paint Night, Patriotic Wreath Making and All Ability Pals, a program for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers.

For information or to register for programs, contact your local library branch.

Organizations participating in the summer reading kickoff at the Puskarich Library included the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Help Me Grow, Harrison Hills City School District, Harrison County Health Department, Kinder Sprouts, Harrison County Soil and Water Conservation District, WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital, Harrison Wellness Coalition, COAD4Kids, Autumn Behavioral Health, Harrison County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Intervention, Harrison County Family and Children First Council, Dairy Jean, the Crafty Arts Bus sponsored by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Puskarich Friends of the Library.

Library Day at the Harrison County Fair also will feature prehistoric-themed activities.