EDUCATION FOR ALL
FRANK SARRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
EDUCATION FOR ALL
Peggy Tseng, Library Director
Frank Sarris Public Library celebrates five years in the community
Since the opening of the new Frank Sarris Public Library in June of 2011, a lot has changed – and a lot has stayed the same. For example, five years ago, the staff and board wanted the library to be a community center. They didn’ t want it to be a“ quiet” library. And, with expanded programming for patrons of all ages, that goal is achieved on a daily basis.
The library’ s main circulation desk has moved, and in the space of the former desk is a café that opened this spring. Children’ s events, such as Lego Club, Summer Story Time, Summer Reading Camp and movie nights occur regularly. And, look for that programming to increase as the weather gets warmer.“ We’ re expanding summer programs for children, especially once school is out,” said Board of Trustees president Manuel Pihakis.
The library’ s Genealogy Room not only provides print resources, but access to Ancestry. com for those who hold a library card and wish to trace their family history.
At the end of 2015, library director Peggy Tseng began increasing the focus on senior citizen programming( Canonsburg was named the best place to retire in Pennsylvania by SmartAsset). New senior programming includes a weekly coloring club, bi-weekly knitting club, monthly book discussion groups and movie matinees, ongoing healthy living workshops and computer classes by appointment.
“ The knitting group will meet at the café area now instead of a meeting room in order to create a more inviting atmosphere,” Tseng said.“ Some groups, if they are small enough, meet right on the main floor in a sitting area. We want people to congregate, create, collaborate and to enjoy the facility.”
Another new initiative for the library is the movie-making studio that is coming this summer. Due to Tseng’ s participation in the ILead USA training program, the library will be receiving a Library Services and Technology Act grant that includes a laptop, video and photo editing software, a camcorder, headset and microphone. Tseng said that they will
be used to create a video to complete the ILead USA program, and that the library will own the equipment, which will be part of a movie studio for public use. The equipment is scheduled to arrive in July, and Tseng said she is planning to also purchase a MacBook laptop so that patrons can use iMovie.“ The Movie Studio will be housed in the Teen Lounge, which will move out to the teen department by the window,” Tseng said.
Technology has changed exponentially since 2011, and the library has kept up with the times. Already offering free Wi-Fi when it opened, it is also a member of WAGGIN, which is a shared online catalog and consortium of public libraries in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. This means that if a patron is seeking a book that the Frank Sarris Public Library doesn’ t have, but that Citizen’ s Library in Washington( or any of the 17 participating libraries) does, then the patron can request that the item be sent to the Frank Sarris Public Library or visit the participating libraries to check it out. Not only that, it gives WAGGIN card holders access to more than 800,000 items, databases, audiobooks, e-books and free online classes. Books can be reserved and renewed online as well.
With Zinio, digital magazines and periodicals can be downloaded to patrons’ tablets, smartphones or computers without even having to come into the library, allowing homebound patrons access to the amenities. Frank Sarris Public Library is the only library in Washington County to offer Zinio and Universal Class online courses. There are more than 100 titles on Zinio and more than 500 online course offerings from Universal Class.
For the first time, the library was a polling place for the April 26 primary election.“ We’ re looking forward to housing the general election in November, and if all goes well, it might be a permanent polling place,” Pihakis said.
Of course, none of these initiatives would have been possible without grant money and public support from the residents of Canonsburg, North Strabane Township and Cecil Township. It is that support that will carry the library into the future, and allow more programs and initiatives to take place – which will further solidify the Frank Sarris Public Library’ s place in the community.
Building Strong and Vibrant Communities – Your Local Library Matters
ONGOING EVENTS
Lego Club: Mondays at 5 pm The Lego Club is your( kindergarten- middle school) child’ s chance to collaborate with other Master Builders on their own designs or special building challenges. Family Night: Tuesdays at 6:30 pm( June 21 through August 9) Family Night, an evening Story Hour for all ages, offers themes, stories, games, and activities to share. Please check our website for information about the weekly theme. Obstacle Course( through June 15): Wednesdays at 4:30 pm Are your 1st through 4th graders tired of staying indoors? Sign them up for this activity, and give them the chance to run an indoor obstacle course! Each session is limited to 30 children – sign up for one or both. A fee of $ 1 per child each session is required. Popcorn & a Movie: Saturdays at noon Join us each week in the teen lounge and enjoy some free hot, buttered popcorn while taking in a movie on the big screen. Check our website or Facebook page for titles. Of Dice and Men – Role Playing Games: Saturdays at 2 pm The library hosts weekly tabletop gaming sessions and we play a variety of games, most notably Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu. Teens and adults are welcome and newcomers are encouraged to come an hour early to set up characters for play. Teen Advisory Board Students in grades 7- 12 meet each month to plan, organize and lead activities that will engage and benefit library patrons and members of the community. Planned activities can be fun, educational or service related and
58 58 724.942.0940 TO TO ADVERTISE | | Canon-Mac