SummerREAD and more this week at the library

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is offering the following programs the week of July 14-19, 2025: Sign up today for a chance to win fantastic prizes and make the most of your summer with great books and fun experiences during our SummerREAD program. Explore all the details and check out the prizes at findlaylibrary.org. Monday from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Children's Programming Room, families can drop in to play and learn together. Join in for a Reading Games Get-Together to practice reading skills with a beginning reader. There is a collection of games that work on early literacy skills like letter names, letters shapes and sounds. Meet us Monday, July 15 at 9 a.m. at the YMCA East Branch on Manor Hill Road and again on Thursday, July 17 at Gateway Church, 620 N. Main Street for Summer Connect. Summer Connect is a series of free, family-friendly neighborhood events hosted by the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library in collaboration with Hancock Public Health and the City of Findlay Parks & Recreation. These events are designed to connect families with local resources, hands-on activities, and meaningful community engagement. Teens can register at findlaylibrary.org/events beginning July 15 at 9 a.m. for a Teen Tote filled with curated library books and surprise goodies! Once registered, you will receive an email with a form to fill out details that will help us get to know you, and your reading preferences. An active FHCPL card is required to participate. Tuesday & Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room, Miss Nicole presents Colorful Birds Storytime with Naturalist Beth Theisen. Attendees can act like birds while listening to a fun story, then make a colorful bird with play dough and feathers (gluten free option available). Storytime is recommended for children 6 and under with a caregiver, but older siblings are welcome! At 2 p.m. on Tuesday July 15, Makerspace is scheduled for the Lindamood Room. This week, participants will be making 3-D crafts with paper, like origami, pop-up cards, and more. This program is for kids 17 and under. We require children 8 and under to have a caregiver. Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Younger Room, drop in to receive basic tech help. Staff will be on hand to help with basic computer use, Microsoft Word, the internet, email, downloadable library resources, and basic smartphone use. Mini Meet-Up is scheduled for Wednesday & Friday at 9 a.m. in the Early Learning Center in the Children's Department. Little ones can explore new games, toys and activities that are educational and fun while socializing and making new friends. Starter Storytime will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday & Friday in the Lindamood Room. There will be a second session on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room. Miss Nicole will lead families in singing, rhyming, reading and having fun with scarves and bells. Storytime at Arlington is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at our Arlington Branch. Children can hear great stories, do crafts and fun activities. This week, read through a rainbow safari. This program is designed for children 6 and under with their caregiver, but older siblings are welcome! At 12 p.m. on Wednesday in the Lindamood Room, join us for an adult beginner pottery class and learn basic hand building techniques with Andrew Steingass, professional ceramic artist. Make what you like and get the piece fired for more durability! Fired pieces will be returned to the library and picked up at a later date. Thrills and Chills Book Discussion is scheduled for July 16 at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office. We'll be discussing What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTeirnan. The Family Resource Center will join us on Thursday at 2 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. to help kids explore feelings through color in a hands-on tie-dye activity. We will create expressive, swirling designs that promote creativity, mindfulness, and self-awareness. A zipper pouch will be provided for participants in grades 4-12 to tie-dye. Please register all children and teens who will attend at findlaylibrary.org/events. Our Virtual Author Talks Series continues this week with author Marie Lu. Virtually explore the intricate world she created in Legend as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Explore the depths of deceit, battle for power, and the lengths characters will go to unmask the Truth. Register to be sent a link to join the discussion at libraryc.org/findlaylibrary. This series is presented in partnership with the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. A new series begins this week on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Younger Room. The Divergent Dietitian will present a series of programs on healthy eating habits. This month's session is all about how to get children to eat without feeding them too much. These programs will address ways to combat and help picky eaters, navigate disagreements and defiant eaters at the dinner table, and talk about ways to empathetically discuss staying healthy. Do you have a work in progress sitting around waiting to be finished, or maybe you just need to set time aside to work on a craft with other crafty adults? Join us for our monthly craft circle where all crafts are welcome on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office at the library. Families are invited to our super-special 1000 Books Celebration to recognize our amazing young readers and who are reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room. Whether you have completed the program, are participating, or would like to learn more about the program, this party is for you! We will read a story, hold a brief ceremony, make a craft, and for the grand finale, there will be a bubble dance party! We hope to see you there to celebrate the magic of reading! Stay in touch and keep updated with all of the SummerREAD excitement at www.findlaylibrary.org, on our Facebook page, facebook.com/fhcpl, and on Instagram @fhcpl.