By Julia McCane-Knox
The Adams County Public Library wrapped up another successful Summer Reading Program this month, bringing together readers of all ages for a season of books, hands-on learning, and community engagement.
This year’s Summer Reading Program brought the community together through hands-on learning and creativity. Participants explored their imaginations while making crafts, conducting exciting science experiments, and discovering new interests through interactive programs. Families also had the opportunity to meet and learn from several local organizations that shared their knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm with library visitors. The library is grateful to every child, teen, and adult who made reading a priority this summer and helped create an atmosphere filled with curiosity, laughter, and lifelong learning.
The success of the program would not have been possible without the generosity of numerous community partners and sponsors. The Adams County Public Library sincerely thanks the North Adams Library Friends, Peebles Magazine Club, Judge Spencer of the Adams County Common Pleas Court, Dairy Queen in West Union, McDonald’s restaurants in Peebles, West Union, and Seaman, Giovanni’s Pizza in West Union and Peebles, Snappy’s in Seaman and West Union, the Ohio Renaissance Festival, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio State Fair, the State Library of Ohio, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Their generous support helped provide prizes, educational opportunities, and memorable experiences for participants across Adams County.
While the Summer Reading Program has concluded, the Adams County Public Library continues to offer free services and resources for residents year-round, including free notary services and personalized technology assistance. Patrons needing notary services should bring a valid photo ID and wait to sign their documents until they are in the presence of the notary. In addition, those seeking help with technology can schedule a free one-on-one Tech Help appointment for assistance with smartphones, tablets, computers, email, online applications, and other digital questions by calling (937) 587-8127.
Families looking for screen-free entertainment can explore the library’s Beyond Books collection, which includes Yoto Players and Tonieboxes available for checkout at all four library locations. These kid-friendly audio players feature stories, music, educational content, and beloved characters that encourage literacy and imaginative play without the use of a screen.
Readers can also access thousands of digital titles through Libby, the library’s free reading app. Libby offers e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines, and more that can be borrowed with a library card from virtually anywhere. Romance fans can enjoy the “Always-Available Romance” collection, where selected e-books and audiobooks are ready to borrow instantly without holds or waitlists.
The Adams County Public Library encourages community members to continue visiting their local branches to discover books, attend programs, and take advantage of the many free services
available throughout the year. Please visit adamscolibrary.org or call the library for more information: 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.