More than 100 books were donated to the Amelia Givin Library in Mount Holly Springs at the Cumberland County 4-H Horse and Pony Club’s celebration of 100 years of 4-H in Pennsylvania, the first of its five community service projects planned through August.
“The books were donated by members, the community, publishers and authors,” Debra McLaughlin, the 4-H Club’s community service leader, said. “And we were very excited to have received a dozen books from the Will James Society.”
The society promotes the legacy and literature of cowboy, artist and author Will James by donating his inspirational books to schools, library, military units and hospitals throughout the world.
Children attending the event also had the chance to visit with Tricia and Dwight West’s alpacas, pet rabbits and miniature horses, make crafts, play games and learn about the opportunities that 4-H Clubs provide.
Children’s book author Camille Mathews had a booth at the event where she talked about her program to teach young children how to write and perform equine psychotherapy.
Mathews donated six copies of a book from the “Quincy the Horse” children’s book series and had copies of her books for sale and to autograph.
The 4-H Club started in America in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio. Pennsylvania joined in 1912, and the Cumberland County Horse & Pony Club was founded in 1958.
Club programs educate youths in the arts and sciences and encourage fellowship and service opportunities.
The club goes beyond agriculture and animal husbandry to include photography, conservation, cooking, public speaking, shooting sports, history and art.
“The goal for this event was to gather donated books for the library and to encourage interest in the club,” said Mary Beth Slike of Carlisle, club secretary.
The club has “a drill team, which is like synchronized swimming, except on horses,” said Allison Strayer of Carlisle, club president. “The team shows at the Shippensburg Fair and the Farm Show in January.”
Club Vice President Abbie McCrea of Newville said “We have a Cloverbud division to our club, which is for kids ages 5-8, and a Hippology team for kids 8-12 where they learn about horse and farm-safety skills and compete against other teams in a Quiz Bowl.”
To find out how to get involved in a 4-H Club, go to extension.psu.edu/4-H.
Photo: Joshua Schmidt, The Patriot-NewsFrom left, Lisa Webster, children'??s library programmer; Cynthia Thompson, library director; and Debra McLaughlin, 4-H community service leader, are shown with books given to the library.