Little Theatre Troupe Workshops, Family Fun Programs for Summer Days, Visiting Author Daniel J. Coffey on the Upcoming Election, and much more at Stark County District Library this week

Lots of great family fun is scheduled for this week at Stark County District Library, with a couple of timely, thought-provoking programs for adults as well. The library's celebrated Little Theatre Troupe is running an exciting summer drama workshop for grades K-5 all week. Plus, kids and families can enjoy great summer programs like Dale Smith's Comedy Magic, Out of Sight Overnights, Family Fun Days, and much more. For grown-ups, author Daniel J. Coffey will visit to present Buckeye Battleground, the book he co-authored, and talk about Ohio's key role in the upcoming election. Moreover, this week Stark County District Library hosts the first of two programs (with possibly more to come) on a subject that has been big news in Ohio and around the country: oil, gas, and fracking.

As always, each program listed here is linked to the Stark County District Library Events calendar, where you'll get more information about the program (such as the time the event is offered), and have the opportunity to register online or by phone to attend.

The Little Theatre Troupe's Dream Theater Summer Drama Workshop and Performances are scheduled for a branch near you every day from Monday, June 25, through Thursday, June 28--click the link above to see where and when they will be held. Kids will learn theater basics such as blocking, projection, and character breakdown, and then have fun with costumes and props when we all perform together. Broadway here we come! Dress comfortably and wear socks.

A few nighttime-themed programs are on the calendar as well. At Plain Community Branch on Wednesday, June 27, kids grades K-5 can explore the night sky with arts, crafts, and other stellar activities at Explore Constellations and Outer Space. On Thursday, June 28, Lake Community Branch welcomes The Massillon Museum and Stark Parks for Animals of the Night, a program on nocturnal animals. On Saturday, June 30 at Plain Community Branch families can enjoy Out of Sight Overnights, with black light-enhanced stories, characters that go "bump" in the night, and an overnight bag craft.

Don't forget the summer book clubs. On Wednesday, June 27, North Branch hosts its Classic Lit Book Club. The book this month is A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. There's plenty of time to read the play and join in! I just read Everything That Rises Must Converge, by Flannery O'Connor, and I've got to say, sometimes the classics make the best summer reading. But if that's not your style, why not read a great mystery? Lake Community Branch's Mystery Book Club meets on Tuesday, July 3, and the book is the thriller, Oath of Office by Michael Palmer.

Also on Wednesday, June 27, Main Library hosts Oil and Gas in Stark County. This program is presented by The Stark Development Board and Chesapeake Energy and will cover the economic impact and the technical aspects of oil and gas exploration in Stark County. It's the first of two scheduled programs on the subject. Here's a link to the second program, a Guide to Oil and Gas and Fracking.

On Thursday, June 28, at North Branch Daniel J. Coffey will present the new book he co-authored, Buckeye Battleground: Ohio, Campaigns, and Elections in the Twenty-First Century. Find out why Ohio's role in Presidential elections has become so crucial. Coffey is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Akron.

Thursday, June 28 also brings the second installment of Family Fun Days to Main Library. This week, it's Sleeping Bag Storytime, with campfire stories, s'mores, games and more.

Speaking of family fun, East Canton Branch will present Dale Smith and his Amazing Comedy Magic on Saturday, June 30. Thanks to Meadow Wind Health Care Center for co-sponsoring his visit. And, on Tuesday, July 3, East Canton Branch presents How to Train Your Dragon on Family Movie Night.

Be sure to check out Jackson's Got Talent! beginning July 2 at Jackson Township Branch. All through the month of July they'll be displaying the art and crafts of talented library customers.

Lastly, there's still time to enter one of the Dream Big! Photo Contests at a participating branch near you. And Lake Community Branch is also offering it's 7th Annual photo contest in partnership with Quail Hollow State Park Camera Club.

There are many other excellent events planned at a branch of the Stark County District Library near you, including children's story times, book groups for adults, computer classes, programs for teens, and much more. For a full listing of events and programs, check www.StarkLibrary.org/eventscalendar and find something that enriches and inspires you today.