Guernsey County Family Reading Festival

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – The Guernsey County Literacy Council operates through an organization called the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.

Each winter the ESC along with several community partners holds a Family Reading Festival at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Last year, more than 350 books were handed out, free of charge.

“It’s open for all families within the county. We actually send fliers to the school districts, so that they can have the information. When they come in they can register and they will get a bagful of information about county services and supports. They will be able to come in and visit a lot of tables. I believe there’s 21 or 22 different tables set up with businesses and community partners around Guernsey County,” ECO-ESC Gifted Coordinator Julie Rotruck said.

Upon arrival, the children will be given a free book and each table will hand out a stamp. After a certain number of stamps is collected, they will earn a chance to win the grand prize, which is a free family membership to the Science Center in Cleveland, along with a gas card and a gift card. 

“It is Saturday. This coming Saturday, February 7th, at Pritchard Laughlin. We start at 11. The doors will open up at 11 o’clock and we’re there until 3 o’clock. So we encourage… we have lots of home-school parents that bring their children as well. Pre-school, babies, I mean we have books that cover all ages. From Board books up ‘til high school age actually. So any family members, we encourage them to come,” ECO-ESC Educational Services Executive Director Lori Robson said.

The free event will take place unless there’s a Level Two or Three Snow Emergency established by the Sheriff’s Office. For more information, you can visit the East Central Ohio ESC Facebook page.