The Scioto County Public Library, through its five locations and Bookmobile, provides more programming than you can properly organize in a news piece, where they plan many opportunities for local residents—from those just being released from the maternity ward to those who are elderly and homebound.

“Our programming is another way for us to interact with our community,” Scioto County Public Library’s Katie Williams said. “The library isn’t just about books. We are about using advanced technology, being a resource to our youth for new educational experiences while having fun and providing a place for adults to socialize with others and learn new skills.”

The system has a massive storytime schedule comprising of Toddler Time every Tuesday at 11 a.m., children ages three and under, in the Lucasville Library; Family Storytime, every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., children ages six and under, in the Wheelersburg Library; Bookwork Storytime, every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., children ages four and six, in the Portsmouth Public Library; Family Storytime, every Tuesday at 4 p.m., for children six and under, in Lucasville; Wiggle Worms Storytime, every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., children ages two to three, in the Portsmouth Public Library; Roly Polies Storytime, every Thursday at 1 p.m., children 0 to 24 months, in the Portsmouth Public Library; Family Storytime, every Friday at 10:30 a.m., children six and under, in South Webster Library; and Family Storytime, every Friday at 11:30 a.m., children six and under, in the New Boston Library.

The Portsmouth Public Library will host the Literary Pumpkin Painting Contest between September 29 and October 21. It is free for all ages.

“Our Literary Pumpkin Painting Contest is back this year and all ages are encouraged to participate. Submit a pumpkin that is painted and/or decorated with a literary theme,” Williams explained. “This can be from any book, any character in a book, or a scene from a book. We will not accept any carved or cut into pumpkins.”

There will be categories for adults, teens and children, with a winner for each. For more information and rules, call 740-354-5688.

The Lucasville Library will host Family Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. It is free for all ages. They will welcome Barkers Exotic Petting Zoo while they offer crafts, pumpkin decorating, and more. For more information, call 740.259.6119.

“Family Fall Fest is a great example of how the Scioto County Public Library strives to connect people to each other and the world by offering creative, fun and educational services,” Lucasville Branch Supervisor Taryn Mirabello said. “We want to give area families the opportunity to create lasting memories, start a new fall tradition, and have fun! Our Spookley the Square Pumpkin story walk at this event has an anti-bullying message and promotes early childhood literacy. While they’re here, Family Fall Fest attendees can apply for their own library card.”

The South Webster Library will be hosting DIY Monster Wreath on Tuesday, October 10 at 6 p.m. The event is free for children.

The New Boston Library will be hosting Monster Cookie Decorating on Wednesday, October 11 at 4:30 p.m. The event is free for children.

The Lucasville Library will be hosting Cousin It Craft on Monday, October 16 at 1 p.m. It is free for adults, but registration is required. To register, call 740.259.6119.

The Wheelersburg Library will host Family Pumpkin Painting on Tuesday, October 17 at 6 p.m. It is free for children. All supplies are provided.

The Portsmouth Public Library will host Haunting Herbology on Thursday, October 19 at 5 p.m. It is free for children. Participants will make their own mandrake craft in this Harry Potter inspired class.

The Portsmouth Public Library will host Luigi’s Haunted Mansion on Saturday, October 21, between 12:30 and 3 p.m. It is free for children. Participants will play a game in the youth section and then play on a Mario Cart racing course.

The Portsmouth Public Library will host Someone’s in the Kitchen with Lizzie on Thursday, October 26, at 4 p.m. It is free for adults.

Local author, Willard Ford, will speak on his new cookbook, “Someone’s in the Kitchen with Lizzie”. He will discuss the Lizzie Borden case and Lizzie herself as a food enthusiast. The food and dining customs during that time will be the main focus. A Lizzie character will talk about daily life in a Victorian New England home as she is “interviewed” by Mr. Ford. Copies of this book will be available to purchase. For more information, call 740.354.5304.

The Portsmouth Public Library will host Crafty Artists Group on Saturday, October 28 at 2 p.m. It is free for adults, but registration is required. Participants will be making a macrame ghost to take with them. To register, call 740.354.5688.

The events for the month extend at each location and you can find even more programs at their website. View all upcoming library events online at sciotolibrary.org.

Reach Joseph Pratt at (740) 353-3101, by email at [email protected], © 2023 Portsmouth Daily Times, all rights reserved.