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Community Corner

Get Carded—Libraries Educate, Entertain and Create Community

Dr. Paula recommends closing out the last week of September by visiting the local library, signing up for a library card and borrowing some books.

My husband and I have always enjoyed using the public libraries in the other cities where we’ve lived.  We found them to be a great resource, but we can’t seem to get our kids motivated to spend time at the local libraries around here.  How can we encourage them to get more involved in the library?

-Jane F.

You’re right about the public libraries. They’re certainly a great resource for just about anything that you need. Sometimes kids don’t realize just what a terrific treasure trove libraries are until they find a specific use for them. It’s similar to the quote, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

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 The best way to get the kids interested in the library is to be interested yourself. Plan a family date to visit the library at least one time during this last week of September.It’s the perfect time to celebrate September.

It just so happens that September is “Library Card Sign-Up Month” and this week is “National Keep Kids Creative Week.” This is a great combination of opportunities for families to make the last week of September a memorable one.

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“Library Card Sign-Up Month” was launched in 1987 by then Secretary of Education, William J. Bennett who said, “Let’s have a national campaign…every child should obtain a library card—and use it.” So let’s consider some of the reasons to visit the library and sign up for a library card.

Education

Consider the library an extension of the school.  t’s a place to conduct research, to obtain help from resident experts and to learn more about topics being studied in school. Students can gather a variety of resources to help them write research papers. Not only are traditional print materials available, but there are many audio and visual materials that can support students’ work.

 Students can use the electronic resources that they might not otherwise have access to. They can use the computers, conduct Internet research and borrow books from libraries across the county right in their own hometown library.

Job seekers use the Pennsylvania Career Link resources for job searches, resume writing and networking with others who may be between jobs or in search of new career options.

History buffs can gather lots of information about local history at the Oakmont Carnegie Library and at the Plum Community Library.  Both serve as centers for their respective historical societies.

The American Library Association says, “Eighty-nine percent of Americans agree that the public library enhances the educational experience. Enrich your children’s education. Did you know that your library card is the most important school supply your child can own? From free access to databases and homework help, to educational programs and activities the library has something for every student. No wonder 90-percent of Americans agree that the library is the place to go for lifelong learning.”

Entertainment

For enjoyable entertainment just for the borrowing, patrons can pick up a DVD, a CD or even some retro videotapes and have an evening’s worth of relaxation and leisure. Not all the books are geared for study and research. There’s nothing better than a good mystery thriller, a science fiction novel or an entertaining biography to pick up and read.

Of course the computers also provide for entertainment in terms of video games, online interactive games and social networking. Libraries are great equalizers. They provide options for those whose options might be limited because of finances or accessibility.

Then, there are the hundreds of programs and events that are offered throughout the year for everyone—toddlers, teens, young adults, adults and seniors. There’s something for everybody at the local library.Get in touch with your creative side and choose a program that forces you to color outside the lines and think outside the box. Bruce Van Patter offers a way to get creative through food art. Borrow a cookbook from your library and get started.

Both Oakmont Carnegie Library and Plum Community Library have a menu of programs that provide patrons with a smorgasbord of educational and recreational opportunities.

Community

Public libraries are community centers and the centers of their communities. They are gathering places where residents convene for conversations, organizational meetings and program participation.

Libraries offer opportunities for volunteers to get involved in community service, make the transition back to work and get acquainted with friends and neighbors. Be a real pal and join the Friends of the Oakmont Library (F.O.O.L.s) to support the programs and services that you enjoy.

Scouts, Cubs and Brownies meet at the library. Tutors and their students study together at the library. People with similar interests share time at the library. All are building community in their own way.

Make the library an essential childhood experience and contribute your own ideas to Bruce Van Patter’s list of things every child should do. Get educated, get entertained, get involved and get carded!

"Access to knowledge is the superb, the supreme act of truly great civilizations. Of all the institutions that purport to do this, free libraries stand virtually alone in accomplishing this." ~ Toni Morrison

Check here for 52 ways to use your library card for each week of the year: http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card/index.cfm

For ways that the whole family can celebrate “National Keep Kids Creative Week” visit: http://www.brucevanpatter.com/familyideas.html

To get your children engaged in an interactive, electronic story telling experience, visit: http://www.storyplace.org/

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