Many pet care items have already been collected at the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library’s five branches, but the county animal shelter says it is always in need of more of the community’s generosity.

Each library branch is collecting items for dogs and cats housed at the shelter in conjunction with their “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales” summer reading program.

So far, South Point has led the way in donations, said Cheryl Blankenship, Briggs’ children’s librarian, but there is still plenty of time for people to stop in at their nearest branch to drop off items. Items will be collected through the end of the month.

“We really thought this would be a good project to pair with our reading program and it’s a good community outreach for the library, too,” Blankenship said.

Bill Click, county dog warden, said there are a number of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens awaiting adoption at the shelter. Some of the items needed for their care include: cat litter, flea repellants, shampoo, toys and food. Click said old towels, blankets and cleaning supplies are also needed.

“Without the public’s help, we can’t make it,” Click said. “We are so thankful for any kind of support like this from the community.”

Blankenship said Petland in South Point has also agreed to help their effort. For every 1,000 books the children collectively read at all the branches, Petland will donate items to the shelter.

Blankenship hopes this new program will encourage the children to read even more books than they have before.

For more information about donating to the shelter or adopting an animal call the shelter at (740) 533-1736. The shelter, at 1301 Adams St., is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.