Local libraries are encouraging visitors to hit the road again this summer.
The Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System is bringing back its summer Road Trip program, encouraging visitors at each of the 38 library sites across the two counties served by the group.
The free program is open to community members in both counties, regardless of library card or usage status, and aims to encourage visitors to as many libraries as possible over the summer months. Come visit the unique feel and offerings at each facility.
Starting Sunday and running through Aug. 31, participants may stop in at any CCLS library — there are 36 libraries in 38 locations in the system — for a free map to all libraries. Pick up a sticker to mark each visit, and small prizes will be offered for reaching a certain number of stops. Prizes include: First stop, a map and a pencil or pen; sixth stop, a drawstring bag; 13th stop, a magnet bookmark; 26th stop, a carabiner; 31st stop, screen cleaner and entry into a prize drawing; and 38th stop, a journal.
New this year is Road Trip Bingo. Participants who complete 25 library activities will earn an entry into a gift card drawing and a final prize.
“On top of exploring and seeing firsthand our fantastic libraries, we encourage you to check out a Day Adventure Pass to explore partner organizations around the area,” said CCLS Assistant Director LJ Martin. “Summer in Western New York is a great time to become an explorer in your backyard, and libraries are here to help.”
Visit each library’s website ahead of time for operating hours and programs to attend. The libraries vary in size, atmosphere and offerings, so CCLS officials encourage visiting many to get a feel for all that is offered.
In Cattaraugus County, libraries include Allegany Public Library, Blount Library (Franklinville), Cattaraugus Free Library, Delevan-Yorkshire Public Library, Ellicottville Memorial Library, Gowanda Free Library, King Memorial Library (Machias), Memorial Library of Little Valley, Olean Public Library, Portville Free Library, Randolph Library, Salamanca Public Library, Seneca Nation Indians Library (Salamanca), and Seneca Nation Indians Library (Irving).
Chautauqua County libraries include Ahira Hall Memorial Library (Brocton), Alexander Findley Library (Sherman), Anderson-Lee Library (Silver Creek), Ashville Free Library, Bemus Point Public Library, Cassadaga Branch Library, Clymer-French Creek Free Library, Darwin R Barker Library (Fredonia), Dunkirk Public Library, Ellington Farman Library, Falconer Public Library, Fluvanna Free Library, Hazeltine Public Library, James Prendergast Library (Jamestown), Kennedy Free Library, Lakewood Memorial Library, Mary E Seymour Memorial Free Library (Stockton), Mayville Library, Minerva Free Library, Myers Memorial Library, Frewsburg), Patterson Library (Westfield), Ripley Public Library, Sinclairville Free Library, The Smith Memorial Library (Chautauqua).
For more information, a bingo card and suggested groupings of nearby libraries to aid in trip planning, visit www.cclsny.org/ccls-road-trip.
