By VINCE REMBULAT

The Bulletin

Cool Crafts & More with Ruthanne welcomed a special guest on Wednesday.

Congressman Josh Harder (D-Turlock) stopped by the Manteca Branch Library’s McFall Room to read “My Fourth of July” by Jerry Spinelli – the book is about a young boy and his family celebrating his favorite day.

Harder, who represents California’s 10th congressional district, was in town earlier in the day for the Chamber Coffees & Mixers hosted by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

At the library, he met with youngsters in the summer program spearheaded by retired librarian Ruthanne Bassett, asking them what the Fourth of July is all about outside of fireworks and barbecue cookouts.

“It’s the birthday of the United States,” said one girl in pigtails.

A boy in glasses chimed in, saying: “That’s when the U.S. ceded from Great Britain.”

Harder, who later donated children’s books to the local library direct from Washington, D.C., applauded both answers.

“It’s the day we became a country – our day of independence,” he said.

Assistant librarian Dana Serfozo cherished the visit with Harder and youngsters of the summer program.

“It’s great that he talked to them about the Fourth of the July and its significance,” she said.

From there, they took part in arts and crafts, using chalk to create paintings of fireworks.

Cool Crafts & More is held every Wednesday through the end of this month.

For more information, log on to upcoming events at www.ssjcpl.org/locations/county/manteca.html.