IN Penn Hills Winter 2019 | Page 6

WHAT’S NEWS IN PENN HILLS 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 (CLP) supports the mission of learning and growing through our 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. 4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com 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 all of the 73 locations, Allegheny County libraries have a single card library 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. Our brick-and-mortar buildings and e-based resources will continue to evolve and respond to the needs of our residents. We encourage learners of all ages to take some time to visit their local library and see all it has to offer.