Library’s littlest patrons get visitor with magic, comedy show

SOUTH POINT — The Briggs Lawrence County Public Library’s summer reading program is entering its final weeks, and, on Thursday, the library’s South Point branch hosted a special guest.

Ronald McDonald entertained children with a magic show, comedy act and a presentation on the value of reading.

“He talked about the importance of books, the library and taking care of books,” Jan Gullett, youth librarian, said. “And he talked about our summer reading program and its theme, ‘Build a Better World.”

The clown, the restaurant’s mascot since 1963, is available to schools, libraries and other venues for educational presentations. The visit to South Point marked two days of stops for Ronald at branches throughout the county.

Gullett said the summer reading program has several activities planned for its last weeks.

She’ll be providing a viewing of the film “The Smurfs: The Lost Village” at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Ironton location.

“Gadgets-to-Go,” presented by COSI, will visit library branches on Monday, presenting several hands-on workshops for kindergarten through third grade students.

Space is limited to 30 students per session and those interested are asked to call their local branch to reserve a spot.

The sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. at Symmes Valley’s branch, 2 p.m. in Chesapeake and 4 p.m. in Ironton.

Bingo for Books and Prizes will be the finale for the teen and tween summer reading program, and is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 2 in Proctorville, and 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4 in South Point.

Attendees need to register in advance.

On Friday, Aug. 4, author and illustrator Steve Harpster will offer drawing lessons, teaching children how to draw animals using letters and numbers.

He will appear at the Proctorville branch of the library at 11 a.m. and the South Point Branch at 2 p.m.