Libby allows you to read across devices . Your loans , notes , bookmarks and progress are synced across your devices .
Libby lets you listen in your car . Apple CarPlay , Android Auto or Bluetooth connection is all you need to enjoy eAudiobooks while you drive .
Libby is compatible with Kindle . If you ’ re a Kindle-user , Libby can send your library books to it .
Libby offers you offline access . Download and / or stream eBooks and eAudiobooks for offline reading and listening .
OTHER FEATURES :
• Sleep timer
• Bookmarks
• Note-taking
• Highlighting
• Dictionary
CUSTOM SETTINGS :
• Font size
• Page layout
• Lighting
several great ways to introduce youngsters to reading .
Early Literacy Development
Dolly Parton Imagination Library was launched in October of last year at GHAL and its satellite branch , Youngwood Area Public Library ( YAPL ). This program mails free books monthly to children ages birth to 5 years old and residing in one of seven eligible zip codes in the Greensburg area regardless of household income ( 15672 , 15697 , 15639 , 15616 , 15662 , 15635 and 15633 ). As funding increases , additional zip codes will be added to the service area .
Currently , the program is funded and supported through a variety of local organizations including Rotary of Westmoreland , United Way of Southwest Pennsylvania , the Fred Rogers Center and the Michael J . and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Foundation at the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County at The Pittsburgh Foundation .
Research shows that early exposure to reading and related activities correlates with future educational and professional success . The library enables this early exposure with the Book Picks Service , which is essentially like having a personal librarian . The staff selects age-appropriate titles and resources for individual children based on their likes , activities and preferences . The more connected children feel to the content , the more inclined they will be to engage with it .
Wonderbooks provide a read-along experience in the form of a print book with a ready-to-play audiobook inside . They are one of the most recently added reading materials at GHAL to facilitate early reading in an alternate format .
Launchpad Tablets were added to the library ’ s collection prior to Wonderbooks , and they too provide a unique experience for early reading development . Each tablet is easy to use , secure and pre-loaded with content including interactive learning apps , videos , games and more that provide hours of learning while at play .
Funding for these types of programs and resources is needed to ensure the library can continue to keep up with demand and changing technology . Grants have allowed for program expansion , outreach and even facility improvements at GHAL this year .
Grant Updates ( Not an exhaustive list )
• Last year ’ s grant through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries , Pennsylvania Department of Education , with funds provided from the Keystone Recreation , Park and Conservation Fund enabled upgrades and improvements to the library building , equipment and systems .
• Delmont Public Library and GHAL applied jointly and were recently awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry ’ s Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grant . The nearly $ 40,000 grant will be used to teach children and youth about digital literacy with an emphasis on highdemand STEM careers of the future . The project will include adult engagement but will focus on the long-term needs of children , PreK-2 through teen .
Some examples of STEM-related and early digital literacy resources already in use at the library include Bee Bots , Snap Circuits and AWE Computers , among others .
• One of the most recent program launches was due to a partnership with the Westmoreland Land Trust , which received a grant to introduce a new , fun and educational resource at some of the libraries within the WLN to allow families to explore the great outdoors locally .
Westmoreland Nature Backpacks are special backpacks available to borrow from the library and are filled with things like binoculars , bug catchers , stream nets , ideas for fun activities and other info to help families explore the many trails , parks and nature in Westmoreland County .
• Similar to the backpack funding , several of the adult and children ’ s programs were supported by or in part by The Standard Charitable Foundation and Westmoreland Parks and Recreation . All of the summer gardening programs were funded by the Michael J . and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Foundation .
Renovation reveals stunning architecture .
Children ’ s Department shines with light and color .
Westmoreland Nature Backpacks allow families to explore the parks and trails in Westmoreland County .
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