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BRINGING THE LIBRARY T O YOU !
and that ’ s a good thing ! As access to digital content and online resources continues to expand , public libraries are evolving into community hubs and centers of lifelong learning . They are outreach and literacy centers , bringing the Library to you !
Jennifer Gladden Pearson , the newly appointed executive director of Tuscaloosa Public Library ( TPL ), has already begun bringing the Library to the Tuscaloosa community in new and exciting ways . With over twenty years of experience at TPL , Pearson most recently helped expand children ’ s programming initiatives in Northport , led a successful campaign to end overdue fines for late materials , and initiated automatic renewals for checked-out items in an effort to assist local residents . Last year she began a partnership with Tuscaloosa City Schools to develop an interlibrary loan program , giving school librarians and students access to TPL ’ s september / october 2022Public libraries aren ’ t what they used to be — extensive book collection .
In keeping with Pearson ’ s commitment to outreach , TPL ’ s creative and flexible staff are finding new ways to bring the Library ’ s resources and programs to the community through partnerships with schools , camps , extended day programs , retirement centers , and special needs facilities . Stay tuned as TPL takes several of the following programs on the road this fall !
CRAFTING COMMUNITY
A mobile program that brings library services to residents unable to visit a TPL branch location , Crafting Community is a grant-funded , family-centered program that takes place at a different location each month within the Tuscaloosa community . Participants read and discuss a communitythemed story , create a family art project , and share a meal . By providing dinner , the Library can give families valuable time together to read , learn , and grow . In addition , each