By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Since being created by Jim Davis in the mid-1970s, Garfield the cat has become a household name.
Not only did the comic strip that bore his name become the most syndicated strip in the world, but the lasagna-loving feline also starred in several TV specials as well as his own TV show, “Garfield and Friends.”
Garfield made the move to the big screen in 2004 with the live-action “Garfield: The Movie,” and it’s 2006 sequel “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties,” with Bill Murray providing his voice. This past summer, the animated film “The Garfield Movie” hit theaters, with the title cat voiced by Chris Pratt.
And now through Saturday, Jan. 25, fans of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy Garfield up close and personal in the large program room at Otsego District Library.
The event, which is called Garfield’s Glow Games, is part of the library’s annual early literacy fundraiser. Proceeds will be used to purchase new materials for the library’s ever-expanding children’s section.
In addition to Garfield, the event also features Garfield’s owner Jon and his canine buddy Odie.
“The Otsego District Library is pleased to announce the return of their big early literacy fundraiser event,” the library said in a press release. “This winter, the library is celebrating the beloved American comic, Garfield.
“Garfield and his friends will bring you a neon glow adventure with multiple ‘glowing’ games to play.”
Included in those games are Garfield’s Flinger Ringer; Jon’s Jungle Jenga; Odie’s Tic-Tac Toesy; and Arlene’s Archery.
There will also be hopscotch, light-table dominoes and a snack shack including play pizza and sandwich shop for the younger patrons.
As was the case last year, the library is asking for a freewill donation to participate in the Garfield fun. All money donated will be used for children’s materials.
Otsego Public Library director Andrea Estelle said the early literacy event is always a highlight of the year.
“The Otsego District Library encourages literacy and enjoys putting on this literacy fundraising event each winter to get families excited about reading,” Estelle said. “We often see new faces at the library during this event and by coming into play the game, they also explore the library and see all the many resources that the library offers.”
The whole family can enjoy exploring Garfield’s Glow Games during regular library hours through Jan. 25.
Library hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, in celebration of New Year’s Day.
“The library gets a lot of positive feedback for hosting this event during the dreary winter months when families are looking for something fun to do,” Estelle said. “We hope that everyone will invite a friend and come enjoy Garfield’s Glow Games at the Otsego District Library.”
As is the case each year, the early literacy event is made possible by the contributions of several businesses in the area.
“We really want to note that we are so appreciative to the local businesses in our community that support our efforts to create this fun family event each winter,” Estelle said. “This year, we had 22 amazing sponsors.”
Serving as sponsors of this year’s event are:
Arbor Credit Union
- B & C Trophy and Apparel
- Bishop Construction
- Edward Jones – Ginger Titus
- Esper Electric
- Four Roses
- Friends of the Otsego Library
- Greenridge Realty – Cornell & Associates
- Honor Credit Union
- Kelly Kivell – Berkshire Hathaway Realtor
- Kurt Hatfield, Attorney at Law – PLC
- Lane Family
- Lynx Golf Course,
- MillAssist Services, Inc.
- Old Mill Brewpub & Grill
- Otsego Rotary Club
- Safari Circuits, LLC
- Steve Revor – Berkshire Hathaway Realtor
- TKH Group P.C.
- Tom & Diana Gilmer
- Winkel Funeral Home
- WQXC 100.9 FM
As part of the event, the library also has Garfield books and merchandise for sale.
Photos of Garfield’s Glow Games can be seen at the library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/OtsegoDistrictLibrary.
For more information about the event, contact the library at (269) 964-9690.
