United Way kicks off Big Red Bookshelf for area children

MANSFIELD — Local children took part in the United Way of Richland County's Big Red Bookshelf event Monday.

The event kicked off the organization's fifth year of the Big Red Bookshelf program in the county.

At the Richland Academy of the Arts, the children listened to a reading of "Llama, Llama, Red Pajama" and received a free copy of the book afterward.

They also enjoyed snacks and hot chocolate at Relax It's Just Coffee, rides at the Richland Carrousel Park and activities at the Little Buckeye Children's Museum.

The Big Red Bookshelf program collects new and gently used books for children birth to third grade in Richland County, and children can read and return the books or keep them at home.

The nine Richland County bookshelves are at the Mansfield Area YMCA, Richland County Children Services, Richland Job and Family Services, Richland County Child Enforcement Agency, Shelby Helpline, Oakwood Estates, Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department WIC program, the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center and the Lucas Community Center.