By Julia McCane-Knox
While there will be no in-library events taking place this week, the Adams County Public Library is taking the excitement on the road by joining the Adams County Fair. Library staff will be located in the Merchant Hall throughout the fair, inviting community members of all ages to stop by for games, crafts, and interactive activities designed to help visitors beat the summer heat.
Fairgoers are encouraged to visit the library’s booth, from July 13 through July 17, to enjoy free family-friendly activities, prizes, and opportunities to connect with library staff. Whether visitors are longtime library patrons or discovering the library for the first time, the booth offers a welcoming place to relax, explore, and learn more about the many programs and resources available throughout the year.
Although regular programming is taking a brief pause during fair week, library patrons can still participate in several ongoing activities at their local branches.
At the Manchester Library, creativity continues with Take-Home Craft Kits available for all ages. Children, teens, and adults can request a craft kit designed specifically for their age group. Each kit includes the necessary supplies along with easy-to-follow instructions, making it easy to enjoy a creative project from the comfort of home. The passive, to-go kits are available upon request while supplies last and provide a creative way to stay engaged throughout the summer.
The Adams County Public Library is also helping families prepare for the upcoming school year with its Back-to-School Drawing for children and teens ages 4 through 18. Each time an eligible participant checks out a book, they will receive one entry ticket to place in the drawing for the backpack of their choice. Participants may earn one entry ticket per day, encouraging young readers to continue building healthy reading habits and increase their chances of winning a new backpack and supplies before school begins.
Meanwhile, the Peebles Library is inviting patrons to put their literary detective skills to the test during the month of July with its Book in a Bottle passive program. Running from July 6 through July 31, the program features three mystery bottles displayed at the circulation desk. Each bottle contains clue snippets taken from a hidden book, and participants are challenged to identify the correct title using only the clues provided.
Guests may submit one guessing ticket for each bottle, giving them multiple chances to win a small prize bag of goodies. With puzzles designed to engage readers of all ages, Book in a Bottle offers an entertaining way to celebrate books and encourage curiosity and exploration.
Whether visiting the library or stopping by the Merchant Hall during the Adams County Fair, community members will find plenty of opportunities to stay connected with the library. Stop by for hands-on crafts, reading challenges, and family activities! This summer, the Adams County Public Library continues to inspire learning, creativity, and community engagement, both inside and outside its library walls. Please visit adamscolibrary.org, stop by any Adams County Public Library location in Manchester, Seaman, Peebles, or West Union, follow the library on social media, or call the library for the latest updates and announcements: Manchester Library at 937-549-3359, North Adams Library at 937-386-2556, Peebles Library at 937-587-2085, and West Union Library at 937-544-2591.
The Adams County Public Library has three book clubs for adults featuring engaging discussions and great reads. The North Adams Library and West Union Library book clubs will meet on Thursday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m., and the Peebles Library Book Club will meet on Monday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m. Each session offers a welcoming space for readers to share thoughts and explore new titles, and new members are always welcome.