UPCOMING PROGRAMS
The Greensburg Hempfield Area Library will be offering the following programs . Please note , some programs are virtual and some are in person .
Advance registration is required for most programs . Please register online at ghal . org using the Event Calendar or by calling 724.837.5620 .
Greensburg Hempfield Area Library Embraces New Year , New Look , New Services with Full Lineup of Programs — Many Are … New
Renovations are complete at Greensburg Hempfield Area Library ( GHAL ). Much of the beautiful 110-year-old architecture has been restored to its original splendor as well as critical improvements made to the mechanical , electrical and plumbing , structure , roof , life safety systems , lighting , carpeting and restrooms , improving accessibility and reducing energy consumption .
The renovation project was supported , in part , through a grant with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and Department of Education as well as funds provided from the Keystone Recreation , Park and Conservation Fund . The project team included Raimondo Construction Co ., Inc ., Desmone Architects , CT Projects and WNA Engineering , Inc .
Not to be outdone by the new appearance , fresh programs and materials have been added to GHAL ’ s variety of free public services . Dolly Parton ’ s Imagination Library was launched at both GHAL and Youngwood Area Public Library ( YAPL ) to provide free books monthly to children ages birth to 5 years old , residing in specific zip codes within the county ( 15672 , 15697 , 15639 , 15616 , 15662 , 15635 , 15633 ). Eligible families incur zero cost for this program and can register at imaginationlibrary . com / check-availability /. Additional zip codes will be added as funding increases .
Rotary of Westmoreland , in partnership with GHAL and YAPL , United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania , the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College and the
Michael J . Kakos and Amiee Rusinko Kakos Foundation at the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County , funded this project .
Additionally , registration opens soon for the March 1 “ Party in Storybook Forest ” event — a brand-new program for children ages 3 through 11 years old that celebrates all stories and books . This one-day program includes games , crafts , activities and a walk-through of the library ’ s magical storybook forest . Space is limited , so families are encouraged to check the GHAL website often and register early .
Also , new everyday assets were introduced into circulation this month by way of the innovative read-along resource known as “ Wonderbook .” These print books come with a ready-to-play audiobook inside to encourage kids to read aloud and can be reserved and borrowed at the main GHAL location .
“ As technology progresses and the needs of this area change , the library continues to find ways to support and integrate the latest programs and services for our patrons to enjoy for free , all while furthering our mission ‘ to enrich the community by promoting literacy and fostering lifelong learning ,’” said GHAL Director Jamie Falo .
New Year , New Reading Challenges at GHAL
If one of your resolutions for 2022 was to read more ( and even if it wasn ’ t ), GHAL ’ s Beanstack program makes it easy and rewarding for the entire family to track reading time using GHAL ’ s website , ghal . beanstack . org , or the free Beanstack app . Participants can enroll in the “ New Horizons All Year Reading Challenge ,” and GHAL holds seasonal reading challenges with prizes . The Spring challenge will begin at the end of February .
Readers , especially children , are encouraged to keep reading by earning virtual badges and
becoming eligible for prizes as they log their time .
“ This program is an excellent way for parents and caregivers to prepare their children for success in school and beyond by encouraging reading . Research has shown that more reading time equals better reading , which leads to success in school and life ,” said Jessica Kiefer , Head Children ’ s Librarian at GHAL .
Save the Dates : Summer Programs and Events
Tuesday , May 31
GHAL has the solution to the age-old dilemma of how to occupy young ones ’ time during summer vacation . Count on GHAL for free family fun all summer long with the library ’ s “ Oceans of Possibilities ” themed summer reading program . Engaging activities , relevant reading lists , prizes and other theme-specific materials make GHAL ’ s summer reading program one of the most popular . Registration for summer programs begins Tuesday , May 31 , at ghal . org or by calling 724.837.5620 .
Saturday , May 14 , 2 p . m .
Ken Serfass returns to GHAL portraying former President Ulysses S . Grant .
Used Book Sale Returns Monday , May 2 , 10 a . m . to 4 p . m . Tuesday , May 3 , 10 a . m . to 4 p . m . Wednesday , May 4 , 10 a . m . to 4 p . m .
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