The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center hosted the Tuscarawas County Annual Family Reading Festival on Saturday, Nov. 7, at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia. The event began at 11 a.m. and continued until 2:30 p.m. This year’s theme was “Building Strong Readers.”
The mall was filled with stories, smiles and plenty of page-turning fun as families spent the afternoon celebrating the joy of reading. The festival featured activities hosted by participating schools and community organizations, each designed to show children that reading can be an adventure. Participating schools included Tuscarawas Central Catholic, New Philadelphia, Claymont, Buckeye Career Center and Tusky Valley.
The ECOESC Family Reading Festival School District Literacy Engagement Award was presented to Claymont City Schools.
Every child who attended received a free book to take home, and the first 1,000 children received goody bags. Families also had the chance to meet beloved book characters, participate in hands-on literacy activities and explore resources available throughout Tuscarawas County. For many young readers, the day offered a chance to bring their favorite stories to life.
ECOESC is grateful for the sponsors that helped make this event happen including Ohio Natural Energy, Reeves Foundation, Dover-Phila Credit Union, VFW #1445, ProVia, Mary Spies, Berner Trucking, Dover Eagles #515, Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Center, Buckeye Career Center, Bowerston Shale Company, Commercial & Savings Bank, Dee’s Restaurant, Dover-New Philadelphia Kiwanis Club, Hawk Family Dental Care, Nathan Springer DDS MS, The Commercial Savings Bank, The Eye Doctors, WTUZ/WJER Radio, and Walnut Creek Cheese.
“Reading festivals turn books from a quiet, solo activity into a big community party,” said ECOESC Gifted Coordinator Julie Rotruck. “More than just a celebration of great stories, events like this help kids fall in love with reading while bringing local families, teachers, librarians and area agencies together to show support for our young readers”
