Reading is Out of This World at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center

CAMBRIDGE, OH- The 4th Annual Guernsey County Family Reading Festival brought a cosmic twist to the area today with the theme, “Reading is Out of This World.”

Hosted by the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center, the event featured space themed activities and decorations, creating an exciting environment for children and families at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

“Whenever kids walk away you know, parents and grandparents are asking ‘oh how much is this?’ ‘how much does it cost?’ and we are able to, because of all of the generosity of the community, we are able to say this is free, so they’re able to walk away with a bag of free literacy things and other community things that they’re giving away at their tables, but most importantly the books,” said Marina Colombo, The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center Assistant Executive Director for Educational Services.

Families enjoyed face painting, interactive games and balloon animals. Each child also received free books to take home. The festival aims to foster a love of reading and boost childhood literacy by placing books directly in children’s hands.

“Of course, literacy is our main thrust of this event, but just any time we can bring community people together and supporting each other is a positive thing,” said Colombo.

ECOESC will be hosting Belmont County’s very first Reading Festival on May 4th at the Ohio Valley Mall. For more information, visit ecoesc.org.