Message from the Director...
Summer nights are now filled with the sounds of cicadas, which always means summer is coming to an end. Soon (if not already) shopping for sunscreen and vacation supplies will be replaced with back to school shopping. For decades libraries have bridged the gap between school years and this summer was no exception. We held our Summer Reading Program party for children and teens last week with Leonardo Music, prizes, cookies and we even had an appearance from “Finley the shark!” More than 329 children and teens participated in our Annual Summer Reading Program logging more than 121,631 hours of reading. When shopping for back to school supplies, make sure you add “library card” to the list. Students can use their library card to access online databases, request books (even college textbooks), and get homework help through LinkedIn Learning.
Our Adult Summer Reading Program continues through the end of August with prizes awarded weekly. Adults, be sure to register at srp.mercerlibrary.org and log any books you read yourself or you read to someone else, any magazines you’ve browsed through, audiobooks or podcasts you’ve listened to, as well as watch for special codes for extra points. Great prizes await!
Summer’s end also brings a slow down in requests for our Hotspots. Free access to the internet with our Mobile Hotspots is very popular throughout the year, but especially when patrons are taking vacations. Giving parents and grandparents FREE access to unlimited internet makes traveling with children much quieter. As the school year begins, if you find yourself in need of access to the Internet whether for traveling, a gap in home Internet Service Providers or unexpected visitors, keep us in mind.
Remember, that our programs for all ages don’t stop at the end of the Summer. All four of our library locations hold programs throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/mercercountylibrary), Twitter (@MercerCoLibrary), visit our website (mercerlibrary.org), or subscribe to our Newsletter (https://tinyurl.com/mcdlnews) to find out what programs your library has for you.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention our continued distribution of COVID-19 Test Kits. Through partnerships with the Ohio Department of Health and the Mercer County Health District we continue to provide COVID-19 Over-the- Counter Rapid Tests for anyone. Test kits are available at all four of our library locations via curbside pickup only. Simply park in the designated “Curbside Parking” spots, call the library and follow the prompts. We will continue to provide these free COVID-19 test kits as long as there is community need and we continue to receive the test kits from the Health Departments.
I look forward to seeing each of you, when you come in to utilize what all our libraries have to offer you. Whether that be for books, technology, programs, events, the mineral collection, a COVID-19 test, a hotspot, or just a friendly face, we are here for you. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with me.
A very special thank you to the following businesses and organizations who support our Summer Reading programs:
Celina Eagles Lodge 1291, Mercer Health, CAPT, Celina Moose Lodge 1473, Moeller Door & Window, Mercer County Fair, Cotterman & Co, Cakes By Design, Ray’s Refrigeration, Bryson Pool, Consolidated Hunter, Kings Island, Celina Wine Store, Friends of Mercer County District Library, Ohio State Fair
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