ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Local families traded the library stacks for a day of high-tech exploration on Saturday, April 11, as the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library (CRCPL) hosted its second “Adventure Bus” excursion to Columbus.
The destination was COSI (Center of Science and Industry), where participants spent the day engaged in hands-on STEAM learning. The initiative, designed to remove financial and logistical barriers for Ross County residents, was made possible by the Friends of the Library with grant funding from the David Meade Massie Trust and the South Central Power Company Foundation.
An “Adventure” Before Arrival
For many of the families, the experience began the moment they stepped onto the charter bus. For one single parent, the trip represented a milestone that would otherwise have been out of reach.
“My girls and I had a great time,” she shared. “It was my children’s first time on a charter bus… As a single parent, this isn’t something I could do on my own.”
The program covers all costs, including:
- Transportation: Professional charter bus service.
- Meals: Breakfast at the library and a full lunch at the museum.
- Admission: General access to COSI and the featured Science Behind Pixar exhibition.
Beyond the Books
The Adventure Bus pilot program launched in 2025 to address “opportunity gaps” in the community—barriers like transportation costs and admission fees that often keep children from experiencing world-class educational facilities.
“It’s more than a field trip for our patrons,” said Library Outreach Manager Ruby Smart. “No family should be left on the sidelines of learning and adventure due to financial barriers.”
Investing in Lifelong Learning
While the library is traditional known for its books, Communications & Marketing Manager Courtney Lewis emphasizes that programs like the Adventure Bus are vital to their broader mission of lifelong learning. The program relies on continued grant support and community donations to keep the wheels turning.
For those interested in supporting future Adventure Bus trips, the library encourages community members to reach out to their marketing department to help ensure more Ross County families can make these lasting memories.
