IN Mt. Lebanon Winter 2019 | Page 11

holiday recipes and will participate in one-on-one instruction of Hebrew Alef- Bet and reading. Apr. 23, 30, and May 7, 14. Cost $40. For more information on any of these programs, go to chabadsh..com, or call 412.344.2424. THE NEW LOVE FOR LIBRARIES Marilyn Jenkins, Executive Director, Allegheny County Library Association Now more than ever, residents are discovering a new love for Allegheny County’s community libraries and their invaluable programs and services. This new love was evident in another successful “Love Your Library” campaign during the month of September. This annual collaboration between ACLA and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh supports the mission of learning and growing through community libraries. The campaign was enhanced by the Jack Buncher Foundation, which has provided prorated matching funds of up to $150,000 each year. These funds are used to secure essential library services, improve facilities and offer educational programs for children and adults. Offering free technology workshops, small business centers and 24/7 virtual access to eBooks and digital materials, libraries are transforming communities. No longer just places for books, libraries are viewed as anchors, centers for academic life and research, and cherished spaces. Allegheny County has a network of libraries with 73 locations, providing books, resources and a range of experiences and opportunities for all members of our community. Children and young parents can access kindergarten readiness and curriculum support classes, while teens can learn to become creators and experimenters. Adults benefit from an array of specialized programs, including parenting and caregiver education, workforce development, computer training, job assistance and small business development support services. Across the network, Allegheny County libraries have a single-card system, provide free access to materials through a shared catalog, jointly offer downloadable books, audios, and videos as well as online databases, and support a diverse calendar of programs. But it isn’t just the resources and programs that patrons love about libraries. Libraries also provide a unique and safe place where one will find curious people from all ages and walks of life, which truly represents the diverse and multi-ethnic population of Allegheny County. Allegheny County’s libraries have continued to thrive and meet the needs of our communities by providing services that people demand in a world where information, technology and forms of delivery are changing rapidly. The brick-and-mortar buildings and e-based resources will continue to evolve and respond to the needs of residents. Learners of all ages are encouraged to take some time to visit their local library and see all it has to offer. SOUTH HILLS WOMEN’S CLUB LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS If you have an interest in joining a fun group of women, give the South Hills Women’s Club membership chair, Sue, a call at 412.257.1057. There are a lot of interesting programs lined up for the winter months, starting on Jan. 3 with a representative from The Frick Pittsburgh speaking about the museum and sharing information about the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago including some ties to Pittsburgh. On Feb. 10, Kelly Stebler, a practitioner of Reiki, will explain and demonstrate the benefits of Reiki for physical, mental and emotional health. March is the group’s annual covered dish dinner. Meetings start at 8 p.m. and are held at Vanadium Woods, 50 Vanadium Road, Bridgeville (15017). ONE-OF-A-KIND CAR DONATION PROGRAM Community Auto, part of The Lighthouse Foundation, is a nonprofit low income car ownership program. It accepts donated cars, repairs and inspects them if necessary, then sells them to qualified working low-income people at discounted prices, as compared to a regular used car dealership. According to the organization, it is the only one of its kind in western Pennsylvania that puts cars back into the hands of families in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The used car sitting in the garage that you didn’t sell because it was a hassle, the car that didn’t get the trade-in value you wanted, or one the kids used for school but is no longer needed would be the perfect car to donate. Your generous donation is the fuel for the program and is tax deductible. Contact Community Auto at communityautolico.org or at 724.538.5081 to find out how to donate your car and give a family a hand toward self-sufficiency. n MT. LEBANON ❘ WINTER 2019 9