Hancock War Memorial Library to Unveil New Interactive Children’s Exhibit Thanks to Generous Donation

The Hancock War Memorial Library, a branch of the Washington County Free Library system, is set to unveil an exciting new addition to its children’s area, made possible by a significant donation from the family of Ruth Ann Shives. The $10,000 contribution will fund the installation of a modern, interactive light-up art display designed to foster creativity and engagement among young visitors.

Ruth Ann Shives, a long-time resident of Hancock for over 40 years, was a passionate advocate for libraries and a devoted supporter of literacy. Her family, recognizing her deep appreciation for reading and the library’s role in the community, chose to honor her legacy with a gift that will directly benefit the children’s section of the Hancock branch. Mrs. Shives herself frequently brought her children to Storytime events at the library, underscoring her commitment to early childhood education and the joy of shared reading experiences.

The donation will facilitate the purchase and installation of “Pixel Pegs” from Science Kinetics. This innovative exhibit is described as a large-scale, contemporary interpretation of the classic Lite-Brite toy. It is designed to be a colorful and hands-on feature, allowing children and their families to collaborate on creating illuminated designs. The interactive nature of the Pixel Pegs aims to encourage creativity, teamwork, and playful exploration within the library’s dedicated children’s space. Library officials expressed profound gratitude to the Shives family for their generosity, emphasizing that such contributions are crucial for enhancing library services and maintaining welcoming, stimulating environments for families.

The Hancock War Memorial Library will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce the new exhibit. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the library, located at 231 Hancock Veterans Parkway in Hancock, Maryland. This new interactive feature promises to be a valuable addition to the library’s resources, providing a unique educational and recreational opportunity for the youngest members of the community and their families. Residents are encouraged to attend the unveiling and explore the new attraction.

For those seeking more information about the Hancock War Memorial Library or other services offered by the Washington County Free Library, the library’s website is http://www.washcolibrary.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Free Library.

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