The Portersville Snowman, a seasonal ice cream and snow cone stand, has donated 50 gift certificates to nine local libraries in Butler County. The gift certificates are part of the “Summer Reading is Cool” program where each library will award the first 50 children that complete its summer program a $5 gift certificate.

“Reading feeds the imagination and helps build cognitive skills,” said Brian LaChance, owner of the Portersville Snowman. “We encouraged our children to read and, at that time, various businesses provided incentives for kids to read. We just thought we could help.”

Participating libraries include: Butler Area Public Library, Cranberry Public Library, Evans City Public Library, Mars Area Public Library, North Trails Public Library, Prospect Community Library, Slippery Rock Community Library, South Butler Community Library and Zelienople Area Public Library.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Snowman and the LaChances,” said Krista Conway, manager for the Butler County Federated Library System. “Their support helps us reinforce that, while it’s important the entire year, summer reading is cool.”