TUSCARAWAS COUNTY - The Tuscarawas County Public Library System is inviting area families to participate in this year's Summer Reading activities and contests. 

Kids, teens, and adults can have fun reading, attending programs, and earning prizes over the summer at any of the library system's five locations. 

Children's Services Manager Linda Uhler says this is a great way to keep kids' learning over the summer. 

"Summer Reading is a great way for children to have fun and earn prizes while increasing their reading skills and combatting the typical summer slide, which is the learning loss that often occurs over the summer months," she says.

This year's Summer Reading Program is titled "A Universe of Stories." Children will enjoy space-themed storytimes, crafts, programs, and contests while being challenged to read to earn prizes. Participating children are entered to win weekly prizes, as well as a chance to win a bicycle courtesy of the Tuscarawas Dairy Association. Each child completing the reading challenge will receive a free book. 

The library system will also have a reading challenge and summertime programs for teens going into grades 6-12.
Public Service Associate Courtney Wallace says participating teens will be entered to win a themed gift basket. 

Adults are also being encouraged to continue reading and learning over the summer by taking part in the library's 'Give Me 5 Reading Challenge' and attending cooking classes, gardening club, star gazing, crafting, technology classes, and more. 

Bolivar Branch Supervisor Jessica Conley says they're excited to continue the 'Give Me 5 Reading Challenge' for that rewards teens and adults with a raffle ticket for every five items they check out during the summer. 

The library system will be kicking off its Summer Reading Program with a party at each of its locations. Dates and times of each party are as follows:

  • June 4th at 5 p.m. – Tuscarawas Branch (209 South Main St)
  • June 4th at 6 p.m.  – Strasburg Branch (Franklin Park Pavilion)
  • June 6th from 6-8 p.m. – Tuscora Park (161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Phila)
  • June 7th from 5-7 p.m. – Sugarcreek Branch (120 South Broadway)
  • June 8th at 11 a.m. – Bolivar Branch (455 West Water St)

The Main Library's Summer Reading Kickoff Party will take place at Tuscora Park this year due to the current renovation and expansion project.

The library system's Summer Reading Program is free and open to everyone. Registration started June 3rd and will continue throughout the summer at the five locations of the Tuscarawas County Public Library System. Events and contests begin June 10th.

Details about specific program offerings can be found in the library's systems "Between the Lines" newsletter and online www.tusclibrary.org.