Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette on August 24, 2025

I get super excited every spring for summer break, even though I no longer get summers off – thanks, adulthood. Apparently, my brain still thinks I do. Of course, my kids get summer breaks, but they’re too young to appreciate the beauty of those eternal summer days. I remember swimming, badminton tournaments, and rollerblading around town. The days seemed to last forever. Now, I lose months without realizing. July of this year did not exist. More than anything, now I associate summer with the skills my kids have been losing since last school year. Again, thanks, adulthood.

This got me thinking about what the library has that can help with that summer slump. There are so many incredible programs and services that are free. Here are some of my favorites to get your kids, or even your classroom, prepared for fall learning.

Broaden your horizons with Mango Languages, which includes ASL Inside and Little Pim. Mango Languages offers over 70 languages and 17 English as a Second Language courses. ASL Inside teaches conversational American Sign Language. And Little Pim, geared for children six years and under, makes early lessons fun. All platforms offer entertaining and approachable lessons. Making building new language skills a breeze. Use these to supplement required courses. Or, take the opportunity to learn a language you’ve always wanted to know. Visit CRCPL.org/elibrary and click on the Language Learning tab to see for yourself.

Take home a STEAM kit, available through our Beyond Books Collection. Our themed selections include Dinosaurs, Building and Design, and Music. These kits include books, games, and items that encourage interactive play. The full list is available at CRCPL.org/beyondbooks.

My absolute favorite ongoing program for younger readers is our Listening Dog Service. Offered weekly at the Main and Northside Branch Libraries. Call ahead to reserve a fifteen-minute time slot for your reader. Select or bring a chosen book and enjoy reading to one of three trained therapy dogs. This allows new readers to build confidence and literacy all while having fun. My kids loved reading to the listening dog. They are stronger readers today because of it.

Our programs and services don’t stop with kids. If you are a teacher or homeschool caregiver, we can make gathering books for your lesson plans a breeze. Visit CRCPL.org/educators to submit a request with your preferred theme. Then let our Youth Services Department track down interesting books on the subject. All you have to do is pick them up when ready and get started.

These are just a few of the many learning opportunities available online and at the library. Visit CRCPL.org or stop by any library location to discover everything we offer. Let us help get your brain, even those well into adulthood, geared up for a great year.

Sheena Brown is a reluctant adult and an Enrichment, Communications, and Marketing Clerk at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library.