The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) hosted the Belmont County Annual Family Reading Festival on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville.
The free community event celebrated literacy with the theme “Reading is Super!” and offered families an opportunity to foster a love of reading in children through interactive activities, beloved book character meet-and-greets, and more.
Every child attending received a free book to take home. The first 400 children also received a goody bag. Throughout the event, families entered to win hourly door prizes.
Attendees had the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a grand prize package featuring a one-year family membership to COSI in Columbus. The prize package also included a $50 gas card and a $75 gift card for food and gift shop purchases at the Science Center.
The festival featured activities hosted by participating schools and community organizations. Families had the opportunity to meet beloved book characters, participate in hands-on literacy activities and explore resources available throughout Belmont County.
The family reading festival was made possible thanks to the generous ongoing partnership of the Ohio Valley Mall.
Community partners supporting the festival included River Front Motors, Pike 40 Restaurant, DeFelice Pizza of St. Clairsville, Golden Ticket Cinema, and Elks Lodge #231.
Participating schools included Barnesville, Bridgeport, Bellaire, Martins Ferry, Shadyside and St. Clairsville.
The 2025–2026 ECOESC Family Reading Festival School District Literacy Engagement Award was presented to Martins Ferry. Tables are judged by educators and scored on criteria including theme alignment, school colors and district representation, and most importantly, the creativity and quality of activities that connect students to the Science of Reading. Districts that incorporate parent engagement activities earn additional recognition. Martins Ferry stood out among the participating school districts this year for their exceptional effort in bringing all of these elements together.
The Belmont County Annual Family Reading Festival was free and open to the public. Although the festival is over, families are encouraged to continue to discover the superpowers of reading together. If you missed it this year, be on the lookout for our event flyer and we hope to see you next year!
Families explore hands-on activities at the Belmont County Family Reading Festival.
The Bridgeport Exempted Village School District engages young readers with interactive activities.
The superhero theme “Reading is Super!” came to life throughout the festival floor.
The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center welcomed families as the host of the Belmont County Family Reading Festival.
Interactive literacy activities kept young readers engaged throughout the event.
Community organizations offered resources and activities for families across Belmont County.
Children had the chance to explore a wide selection of books to take home with them at the festival.
Sensory and hands-on activities made literacy fun for the youngest festival attendees.
St. Clairsville-Richland City School District showed off their school pride with a vibrant booth.
Martins Ferry was recognized with the 2025-2026 ECOESC Family Reading Festival School District Literacy Engagement Award.