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
West Allegheny | Fall 2017 | icmags. com 21