Alaina McDonald delights in petting a chinchilla held by Addison Biesemeyer while animal handler Mark Kohlhorst looks on during Mark’s Ark Live Animal Show at North Webster Community Public Library.

NORTH WEBSTER — The kids have worked hard during the summer reading program by earning prizes at North Webster Community Public Library. Now it’s time to celebrate at the summer reading grand finale picnic at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1.

All summer reading program participants and their families are invited to a free hot dog supper held in the North Webster Community Center gym. The doors open at 5 p.m. for games with supper served at 6 p.m., followed by the awarding of prizes. Participants who turned in at least five hours of reading by July 28 get a free souvenir cup, plus door prizes for everyone. The library will close early at 4:45 p.m. that day so the staff can assist with the picnic.

Stock up on more reading for adults and kids at the Friends of the Library’s Dixie Day Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28. Lots of good quality, gently used books will be on sale at bargain prices along with movie DVDs, music CDs and puzzles. The sale will take place outside in front of North Webster Community Center, located at 301 Main St. All proceeds from the sale will go to support the work of the library.

Registrations are currently being accepted for the library’s next Coffee and Canvas at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. Sign up and learn how to paint a harvest scene as Karla Hayden provides easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. The cost is $18 and includes 11×14 canvas, painting supplies, coffee and cookies. Advance registration with non-refundable pre-payment is needed by Aug. 9 at the circulation desk. The class is for adults only.

For those interested in researching their family genealogy, the library offers free access to ancestry.com on the library’s computers in the Local History and Genealogy Center. A subscription based website, ancestry.com is the world’s largest family history online resource. No library card is needed to use the computers. Patrons only need to sign in. In addition to ancestry.com, other genealogy resources are available on the library’s website at www.nweb.lib.in.us and on library shelves. The staff is available to assist patrons in getting started with researching their genealogy.