of these great programs , and we ’ ve incorporated previous winners into our repertoire , so it really does help everyone .”
Some of the programs take years to develop and cultivate , Kirby notes , adding that the Building Blocks program was just such a case .
“ Building Blocks started in January of 2015 , as a caregiver package — several pages of different early literacy information . Our library focuses on six early learning areas , including singing , playing , reading and talking ,” she explains . “ Our Children ’ s staff developed a curriculum around them and the kits had information , songs , rhymes and board books for every child included in a bag . The program began through a sponsorship by the Oakdale Masonic Lodge , and was so successful we incorporated it into our annual budget . Since its inception , we ’ ve had several hundred babies sign up for it .”
Robinson Township Library earned the Best Practice Award for School-Age Programming for its “ Passport Pals ,” which provides elementaryaged children with an opportunity to explore other countries and cultures by promoting a sense of inclusion and respect for others outside of the United States . Each month , children “ travel ” to another country and explore . Children receive their own passport , world map , country fact sheet , recommended book list , and country-specific bookmark and participate in a variety of activities .
Millvale Community Library earned the Honorable Mention for Family Programming for its “ Small Fry Friday ,” a suite of programs
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Libraries are encouraged to reach out to each other to share some of these great programs , and we ’ ve incorporated previous winners into our repertoire , so it really does help everyone .
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for children and families held from 10 a . m . to 2 p . m . every Friday . Comprised of Storytime , MiniMakers and Free Play , Small Fry Friday collectively responds to the following goals : building early literacy skills and supporting the healthy development of children in Millvale ; promoting hands-on maker education to reinforce concepts and cement learning ; and reinforcing social literacy in a relaxed , drop-in environment that supports exploration .
Since 2004 , the Best Practices Committee has recognized Pennsylvania libraries for their exceptional services to youth ( birth to 18 ) with the Best Practice Award . Such programs support learning and literacy , effective in reaching intended goals , cost-efficient , ageappropriate , easily replicated , favorably received and innovative . Community collaboration and promotion or recognition of PA Forward is a plus as well . Winners will receive the awards at the annual Pennsylvania Library Association Conference , which will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Green Tree in October .
The Allegheny County Library Association ( ACLA ) is a system of 46 independent public libraries with more than 70 locations that work together , share resources and cooperate to better serve county residents . These libraries are community connectors , providing opportunities for personal and professional development through access to content and experiences for all ages . ACLA libraries support education and exploration while developing early literacy skills , school readiness and lifelong learning . n
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