WHEELING — Friends of the Ohio County Li- brary will host the Second Annual Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups at the Ohio County Public Library’s Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 21, featuring Laura Jackson as host and emcee, along with DJ Jermaine Lucious.

The bee will include 10 teams competing for both spelling and best costumes prizes. The pre-registered teams, comprising two to six spellers, will work col- laboratively to determine the correct spelling of giv- en words, with a team-designated member spelling out the final answer. Those not interested in joining a spelling team can still purchase tickets to attend and cheer on their friends. Audience members are encouraged to bring extra cash to help their chosen team to re-spell a missed word or help to support our local public library.

Teams can register for $100, and audience tickets can be purchased for $10 at https://www.zeffy.com/ en-US/ticketing/2026-spelling-bee-for-grown-ups. Every registration also includes a current-year mem-

bership to the Friends of the Ohio County Public Li- brary.

FOCPL President Dr. Charles Julian shared his prediction for a fruitful event.

“We are delighted to reprise last year’s successful Spelling Bee for local, hopeful orthographists who are eager to win their bragging rights,” Julian said. “But more importantly, they’ll have a fun time do- ing it — all while raising money for the Ohio Coun- ty Public Library. Last year’s event raised nearly $3,000, which was donated to the library for pur- chase of new furniture!”

The Friends of the Ohio County Public Library, Inc. (FOCPL) is a group of dedicated volunteers who work to support the promotion, growth, devel- opment and successful usage of the Ohio County Public Library’s programs, services and resources to benefit all citizens of Ohio County and surrounding areas. For more information, follow, like and sub- scribe to the Friends’ Facebook page or contact them via email at friends@ohiocountylibrary.org.