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Library + Rotary = Perfect Example of Partnership
How this collaboration broke attendance records , boosted awareness and supported a local small business
Greensburg Hempfield Area Library ( GHAL ) teamed up with the Rotary Club of Westmoreland ( ROW ) in March to bring to library patrons the world-renowned Bigfoot and UFO investigator , and local author , Stan Gordon , demonstrating how much more effective and beneficial efforts can be when organizations work together .
Stan Gordon presentations at the library always have been well-attended and often requested , with the number of registrations typically ranging from 20 to 35 ; however , this past March , Gordon ’ s program drew record-breaking interest and attendance for the library .
“ We were shocked and thrilled ,” said Library Director Jamie Falo . “ We knew they [ ROW ] would help us reach a new group of potential attendees , but we didn ’ t expect the overwhelming interest .”
Within hours of posts hitting social media announcing Gordon ’ s program at the library , the attendance limit had to be raised from 50 to 75 and finally 100 within the next week . The wait list had to be cut off at 25 , but Falo has no doubt that list would have reached more than 50 too . “ Thank goodness we have the upstairs activity room now that can accommodate larger groups like this .”
The library pays for many of the programs that are offered to the public for free . As funds become more and more limited , GHAL has been challenged in coming up with new ways of finding the funding needed to continue its mission and offering programs and services at no cost .
From the start , Falo recognized that the collaboration between GHAL and ROW was a recipe for success and she was not disappointed , as the registrations for Gordon ’ s program came pouring in . ROW is known for unique events that have generated more than $ 250,000 since its inception , which was given back to the local community in the form of donations , grants , projects and other services .
“ Partnerships like this are going to become the life blood of nonprofits by tapping into a larger volunteer pool and sharing resources to achieve mutually beneficial results ,” said Falo . GHAL wanted to reach new potential patrons and expose them to all the library ’ s resources ,
materials and services . ROW had similar awareness goals for finding new potential members interested in community service , and wanted to help with funding for library programs . Together , they shared their followers in a non-intrusive way , funded a non-traditional program , and also helped another business gain some exposure .
“ Like many other clubs and organizations , the COVID-19 pandemic decimated our membership . We spent the past year or so restructuring and developing a new strategic plan ,” said ROW President Aaron Tuscan . “ When we heard about the opportunity to sponsor the Stan Gordon program , we knew it aligned with our goals and would allow us to share our mission and vision with a large group of people — some of whom may share our desire to improve our community and give back .”
The sponsorship allowed the library to fund the program and provide attendees custom Bigfoot- and UFO-themed sugar cookies created by My Mom ’ s Cookie Company . Briana Koeser , co-owner , opened the cookie company in 2018 and battled through the pandemic to survive not only the early years of a new business but also the unprecedented shutdown . “ I think I can speak for the Rotary [ ROW ] and the library when I say we prioritize supporting local small businesses whenever possible ,” said Falo .
If this collaborative relationship sounds like something from which your organization could benefit , please contact Falo at 724.837.5620 or jamie . falo @ WLNonline . org about becoming a program sponsor . Sponsorships range from $ 250 to $ 500 . To learn more about ROW , follow its social media activity on Facebook and Instagram @ RotaryofWestmoreland or go to RotaryofWestmoreland . org .
Adventure-Filled Summer Awaits Library Goers of All Ages
Prepare for an amazing summer filled with adventure at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library ( GHAL ) and Youngwood Area Public Library ( YAPL ) with programs and activities for all ages — art exhibitions , book clubs , author visits , infant massage , story times , robotics , sewing , kindergarten prep , gardening , and much more !
“ Adventure Begins at Your Library ” this summer with the kickoff of the next reading challenge , designed to appeal to all age groups and combat what ’ s known as “ the summer slide .” Learning loss that happens during the summer months can be slowed by keeping brains and bodies active , and there ’ s no better way to make it fun than GHAL ’ s annual Summer Reading Challenge .
Everyone of all ages ( yes , even grownups !) can join the Summer Reading Challenge using the library ’ s free Beanstack app . The app helps keep track of time spent reading to earn virtual badges and raffle tickets to win prizes . Complete activities to earn more badges and more chances to win . Youth who complete the challenge will be
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