ALLIANCE – Rodman Public Library will host the following activities in June:

RPL Plans Movie Matinee

Rodman Public Library will screen a blockbuster based on a popular video game franchise on the big screen inside the Main Auditorium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.

(Due to licensing agreements, Rodman Library is not allowed to reveal the title of the movie in mainstream media.)

In the animated adventure film, which is rated PG and runs 1 hour and 39 minutes, a Brooklyn plumber is transported to a colorful world filled with mushroom people. He teams up with new friends on a quest to stop a powerful tyrant from conquering the kingdom. Packed with humor, the movie celebrates teamwork, courage, and friendship.

All movies are free at RPL and fresh popcorn is provided, thanks to Friends of Rodman Public Library. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome to attend, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Former Librarian to Explore the Mystery of New Guinea

Readers of early Stark County history will come across references to New Guinea in Lexington Township.

Usually in the form of a sentence or two, most mentions provide very little detail about the Black settlement along the Mahoning River that flourished in the early 1800s, long before the Civil War freed the slaves.

On Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m., local historian Michelle Dillon will discuss “The Mystery of New Guinea” inside Rodman Auditorium as part of the library’s Juneteenth observance.

Registration is required to attend at rodmanlibrary.com

The lecture, co-sponsored by Rodman Public Library and Alliance Historical Society, is free to attend, but registration is required at rodmanlibrary.com.

Dillon, a retired librarian and vice president of the Alliance Historical Society, has compiled comprehensive research about New Guinea, from its origins around 1805, to life within the settlement, to its demise in the 1850s. That also includes the names of those free persons of color who were among the settlers of New Guinea.

During her talk, Dillon will share what she has found during her quest to learn more about New Guinea.

Teens Invited to Jurassic Escape Room

Teens, ages 12 to 18, are invited to a Jurassic Escape Room on Thursday, June 11, inside the Rodman Auditorium.

During the event, participants will solve puzzles and complete tasks to get away from the dinosaurs.

The event will be held between 3 and 5:30 p.m. Teens should call 330-821-2665, ext. 217, or visit the Information Center at the Main Library to register for a 25-minute time slot.

Dino-ROAR is Coming to Alliance

The Dino-ROAR! Tour is coming to Alliance.

Sponsored by Rodman Public Library, the highly engaging, exciting, and educational dinosaur program will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at The Commons, located just across Arch Avenue from the library.

This children’s event is free, but space is limited and registration is required to attend at rodmanlibrary.com.

Each Dino-ROAR! performance includes costumed handlers, several rambunctious baby Dinos, a ferocious growing T-Rex, and a whole lot of fun. In between shows, audience members can check out intriguing and educational fossil displays, take a picture with a roaming baby dinosaur or two, and chat it up with Dino experts.

The event is part of the 2026 Unearth a Story summer reading program and is supported by Friends of Rodman Library.

Storytime Set at RPL Branch

Summer Storytime at Rodman Branch Library will be held each Wednesday between June 10 and July 22 in conjunction with the 2026 Unearth A Story Summer Reading Program.

Identical sessions will be held at 10:30 a.m. and again at noon.

Ideal for children ages 3 to 5 and their adult caregivers, storytime sessions are intended to encourage lifelong readers through stories, music, movement and activities.

Registration is not required to attend storytime.

Bluey Bash To Kick Off Summer Stories and More

Bluey is coming to Rodman Public Library.

At 10:30 a.m. on June 11, Bluey will attend our Bluey Bash at the Main Library in the first Summer Reading Stories & More program of 2026.

Summer Reading Stories & More events will be held each Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Adult caregivers should note that some programs will require registration through our online calendar to attend.

During the Bluey Bash, children will visit different stations full of fun activities and will have the opportunity to greet Bluey. Registration is not required for this event.

Also in June, Akron Fossils and Science Center will visit Rodman Public Library on Thursday, June 18 for Fantastic Fossils, a special hands-on Summer Reading Stories & More program.

During Fantastic Fossils, kids will examine real fossils, learn how they are formed, create their own fossil replica to take home, and participate in an erupting model volcano demonstration.

Fantastic Fossils will be presented twice, including at 10:30 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. Registration is required to attend and kids should sign up for just one of the time slots. (Register children attending only).

To finish up June, children and their favorite plushy friends are invited to Rodman Public Library’s annual Stuffed Animal Pet Show inside the Main Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25.

During the Stuffed Animal Pet Show, each stuffy will receive an award and children will make a craft as part of the fun.

Kids should bring only one plushy pal.

No registration is required.

John Hancock is June ‘Forgotten Founders’ Subject

Most people recognize the name John Hancock for one reason: his bold, oversized signature on Declaration of Independence.

In fact, his name became synonymous with the very act of signing. But Hancock’s contributions to the cause of American independence extended far beyond that famous flourish.

For that reason, local history enthusiast Sidney Zufall chose Hancock as his sixth and final “Forgotten Founders” lecture series subject and will deliver “John Hancock: Signature of Liberty” at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 15.

The series, which also featured an overview of the first American patriots as well as presentations on Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, James Otis Jr., and Dr. Joseph Warren, is co-sponsored by Rodman Public Library and the Alliance Historical Society. It is part of Alliance’s America 250 festivities.

Registration is required to attend at rodmanlibrary.com.

A wealthy merchant in Boston, Hancock used both his resources and his influence to support colonial resistance. British officials frequently targeted his ships and cargo, accusing him of smuggling — charges that only increased his popularity among colonists who resented imperial control. Rather than backing down, Hancock emerged as a leading voice in opposition, working closely with figures like Samuel Adams to organize resistance efforts.

Hancock served as president of the Second Continental Congress, a role that placed him at the center of revolutionary leadership. As president, he was the first to sign the Declaration, setting a tone of defiance and unity.

His leadership extended beyond symbolism. He helped coordinate the colonies during the early, uncertain days of the Revolution, lending both legitimacy and stability to the Patriot cause.

When war broke out, Hancock remained deeply involved. He supported the Continental Army and played a key role in mobilizing resources for the fight against Britain. Later, he would serve as governor of Massachusetts, helping to guide the new state in the aftermath of independence.

While his signature may be what people remember, John Hancock’s true legacy lies in his leadership, his willingness to risk his fortune, and his unwavering commitment to liberty. He was not just a signer of history — he was an active architect of it.