Community Needs the Library Now More Than Ever
Libraries have the ability to foster a love of learning and reading in people at a young age . That love can last a lifetime , but reading isn ’ t the only reason people visit the library .
Greensburg Hempfield Area Library ( GHAL ) asked its patrons to finish the sentence “ If I didn ’ t have this library ...” to learn more about the way the community views and uses its services . The responses were many and varied , but one thing is for certain : Greensburg residents and those from surrounding areas visit the library for enrichment , friendship and respite .
“ I would not have as much knowledge or as many friends ,” shared one patron during a National Library Week program . Another said , “ I found people who feel
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the same way I do about books , so the library is another home for me . If I didn ’ t have it , I would lose a safe place .”
Everyone GHAL spoke to shared their appreciation for the programs and services offered , but they were particularly thankful to the generous supporters after learning it ’ s primarily those donations that help keep the doors open .
“ It ’ s ( The library is ) one of those things I haven ’ t thought much about . It ’ s just always there ,” said a passerby , who wished to remain anonymous .
She was kind enough to spend a few minutes of her busy day to learn about the resources , materials , services and programs the library offers as well as where the money comes from and how it ’ s used . “ I had no idea the library offered all of that … and for free .”
After an hour or so of chatting with other passersby , responses were similar . “ I guess I ’ m guilty of taking it for granted ,” said one man .
Another was shocked to learn how drastically funding to smaller libraries like GHAL has decreased in just the past year — down on average 16.5 % nationwide from local , state , grant and donor sources at libraries that reported decreases .
This , when demand for library services is higher than any other time in the past 10 years . Fortunately , GHAL has fared better than others . Thanks to annual appeals , dedicated supporters , a supportive board and determined staff , the library still is providing the same highquality programs and services it always has .
The Library Has What ?!
If you haven ’ t said it , you ’ ve probably heard it : “ I didn ’ t know the library had that .” When you get your free library card , you unlock thousands of resources that you might not have expected .
• Fine-free borrowing
• Free WiFi access inside and out
• Assistance with online forms
• Programs and events
• Free online courses
• Books , magazines , DVDs
• Audiobooks , eBooks
• Apps for reading and language
• Streaming music and videos
• Online games and activities
• Printing and photocopying ( fees )
• Genealogical resources
Free Online Resources
Just like the library is more than books , its app is more than online reading . GHAL provides the acclaimed Libby app to patrons for free . This app is offered by libraries worldwide and loved by millions of users . It soon will take the place of the Overdrive online reading app , with ghal . org 237 S . Pennsylvania Avenue Greensburg , PA 15601 724.837.5620
Overdrive being phased out completely by early 2023 . Overdrive users are encouraged to make the switch to Libby by the end of summer .
Libby users have access to an online catalog of eBooks and eAudiobooks chosen specifically by GHAL ’ s librarians , but that ’ s not all . The app has free video streaming through IndieFlix and other online learning and entertainment resources like The Great Courses , Craftsy , Quello Concerts and more .
Power Library helps you find trustworthy databases with answers to questions about health care , personal finances and much more .
Gale Courses users get access to lifelong learning opportunities like professional development , technology and personal enrichment .
Pronunciator is used by more than 1,500 libraries and institutions . The app or online browser offers 163 languages with movies , music and more to help users master a new language .
Beanstack is the world ’ s easiest way to keep track of what and how much you ’ ve read . GHAL ’ s Beanstack app motivates people of all ages to read by setting goals , tracking progress , completing challenges , participating in activities , earning virtual badges and earning prizes . It is the driving force behind the library ’ s annual Summer Reading Challenge and Program .
This summer , Beanstackers played the game Greensburg-opoly as part of the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge . Players collected property cards with secret codes from locations in and around Greensburg . As they entered the secret codes , new virtual badges were unlocked and earned them additional raffle tickets to enter into prize drawings .
The fun isn ’ t limited to just summer . Challenges are issued throughout the year including the yearlong challenge to collectively read more than 1 million minutes . It ’ s open to all ages and is one of
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