Category: News Release

May 4th is FREE Comic Book Day and local public libraries benefit!

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FREE Comic Book Day - First Saturday in May each year. This year the celebration is on May 4, 2019

Saturday, May 4, 2019

The Comic Store in Lancaster is hosting a day of FREE comic books at their McGovern Avenue location on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm compliments of the store owner, Joe Miller.

The Vader’s Fifth 501 Legion Garrison Carida was such a huge hit last year that they are returning this year with even more Star Wars characters! We expect a whole plethora of cosplay characters to be visiting our store and parking lot, including Batman, Batgirl, and Steampunk Wonder Woman. Make plans now to visit our store May 4th!!

As always, each customer receives one free comic book. For each additional copy we request that a donation of 50 cents be collected at the register. All of the donated money will be used to buy graphic novels and books for the Lancaster County Public libraries.

Last year The Comic Store collected over $1300.00 for the local libraries.  Four years ago, The Comic Store won the National Award of Best Charity from Diamond Comic Distributors for its efforts in sponsoring this fund-raiser.

Lancaster County’s Public libraries will also have comic books to give away (while supplies last).  Teens and tweens at public libraries in Lancaster County have received free comic books since 2005.

Ed Miller, Special Services Manager in charge of Bookmobile services countywide is very enthusiastic about this annual Comic Book Day promotion. He sees the value that graphic novels hold for teens, “For some of the teenagers that we see, graphic novels are the only literature that they will look at — and yes, comic books can be serious literature. We are extremely grateful for the assistance that Joe Miller gives to support library outreach to teens!”

The Comic Store Logo

The Comic Store
28 McGovern Ave.
Lancaster, Pa. 17602
(717) 397-8737
Cell (717) 808-5207

 

For more information about The Comic Store, visit:
https://www.comicstorepa.com/press-free-comic-book-day-2019

For information about the public libraries in Lancaster County, visit:
https://lancasterlibraries.org/find-a-library/

 

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The Library System’s Annual Meeting takes to the screen this year!

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"The Public" - A Film written, and directed by Emilio Estevez.

The Public, an American film written and directed by Emilio Estevez

The Library System of Lancaster County is pleased to announce this year’s Annual Meeting will be held at the Penn Cinema, 541 Airport Road, Lititz, PA on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00 pm.   This year’s program will feature the screening of the film, The Public, an American film written and directed by Emilio Estevez. The film, which made its national debut on April 5th, addresses an important issue that impacts public libraries: how to deal with the homeless populations in communities throughout the country.

Light refreshments will be served at 6:00 pm followed by brief announcements at 6:30 pm that will include short recognition of service award honorees. The special screening of the film, The Public, will begin at 7:00 pm. The event is open to the public, so anyone interested in seeing this compelling film, is encouraged to attend!   Seating is limited, thus registration is required. Please RSVP by Friday, April 12th.   Tickets are required for admission. To get your ticket, go to https://tinyurl.com/LSLC2019

Penn Ketchum, President and co-owner of Penn Cinema, appreciates the value that libraries bring to the community. He was very enthusiastic when approached with the idea of launching the film at our Annual Meeting. Penn Cinema will be showing the film for a full week starting Friday, April 12th through April 18th.  Standard admission rates will apply to the general public for all shows screened that week.

About the film…

Emilio Estevez also stars in the film along with an ensemble cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Jena Malone, Christian Slater, Gabrielle Union, Taylor Schilling, Jacob Vargas, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Jeffrey Wright. For more information about the film, visit https://tinyurl.com/The-Public-Film

Program Schedule
6:00pm – Refreshments
6:30pm – Brief Remarks
7:00 pm – Screening of the film

Election and Installation of Board Members

Votes for the Library System’s Board officers for 2019 will take place at the business-meeting portion of the event. The 2019 board members include Christina Diehl, Jeanne Grimsley, Rich Frerichs, Dale Hamby, G. Kenneth Kohlmaier, Elizabeth Ann Flaherty, and Shel O. Lundquist.

This event and film screening were sponsored by:



Library System of Lancaster County logo

Penn Cinema Theater Logo

 

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Libraries = Strong Communities: Celebrate National Library Week!

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National Library Week: April 7-13, 2019 Logo

Lancaster County Public Libraries are celebrating National Library Week!

The Public Libraries of Lancaster County join libraries throughout Pennsylvania and the country in celebrating all that libraries have to offer as part of the National Library Celebration. The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners delivered a proclamation at their April 3rd meeting announcing that Lancaster County Public Libraries will be celebrating National Library Week from April 7 – 13, 2019.  The annual celebration highlights the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

Lancaster County Board of Commissioners Procalim National Library Week: April 7-13, 2019
Public Library Directors gather as Lancaster County’s Board of Commissioners deliver 2019 National Library Week Proclamation.

This year’s theme, Libraries = Strong Communities, illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our communities, providing critical resources, programs and expertise. Our libraries are more than book repositories! They also provide a public space where the public, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. Elected officials, small business owners, students, and the public at large depend upon libraries and the resources they offer to meet the needs of their communities. By providing resources such as eBooks and technology courses, English as a Second Language (ESL) materials, job development programs or safe spaces, libraries and librarians are leading in their communities.

For more information, visit www.lancasterlibraries.org to find out about the exciting events that Lancaster County’s Public Libraries have to offer!

Mark your calendar for these national happenings!

 

  • Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. #nlwd19

 

  • Wednesday, April 10: National Bookmobile Day, a day to recognize the contributions of our nation’s bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make high-quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities. #BookmobileDay2019 To find out more about the Library System’s Bookmobile services, visit: https://lancasterlibraries.org/bookmobile/

 

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Manheim Township Public Library to host Swing Era Soirée!

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Manheim Township Public Library to host Swing Era Soirée!

Manheim Township Public Library to host Swing Era Soirée!

Manheim Township Public Library is pleased to host a Swing Era Soirée on Saturday, April 27 from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
The spring event, which is a fundraiser benefitting the Library, will be held at The Barn at Stoner Commons, 605 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA.

Come dressed as your favorite swing era literary or movie character!

Guests will enjoy a festive evening of live music, swing dance, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and FUN in a 30s & 40s nightclub atmosphere.  There will also be a cash bar and silent auction to add to the festivities.  Proceeds will benefit the Manheim Township Public Library.  Buy your tickets today!

Tickets are $100 per person.  To purchase tickets by credit card, go to www.mtpl.info/soiree or purchase tickets by cash or check, payable to The Manheim Township Public Library Foundation, at the Library.  Deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, April 21.  Contact Bonnie Young 717-560-6441 ext. 320.

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The Library System was chosen as a participating organization in Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s 11th Annual Designathon!

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Designathon 2019 Logo

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design Logo

                                            www.pcad.edu/designathon2019

 

 

The Library System was chosen to participate in Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s 11th annual Designathon, that was held on February 22 and 23, 2019.  During the Designathon’s 24 hours, teams of students and faculty and alumni mentors created all-new pieces for ten non-profits.  Learn more at www.pcad.edu/designathon2019

The design project chosen by the Library System was the graphics for the Be READy Rover new van that delivers early literacy services to daycare providers throughout Lancaster County.

Here is the PCAD Design Team:

Designathon Team

[Left to Right] Joe Montfort, faculty member; Jerico Tulaya, Sophomore, Graphic Design; Kevin Foss, Junior, Graphic Design;
Shelby Young, Senior, Illustration; Mary Benson, Early Literacy Outreach Specialist;
Mary Ann Heltshe-Steinhauer, LSLC PR/Community Relations Manager

The Be READy Rover is a bookmobile dedicated to the promotion of reading readiness in young children, lending books, educational toys, materials, and activities, as well as providing training in early literacy practices, to HOME CHILDCARE PROVIDERS. The monthly visits are FREE, and include storytime and access to all library resources.

SAIL: Systems Aligned In Learning United Way of Lancaster County LogoThe Be READy Rover is a new service provided by the Library System of Lancaster County, in conjunction with S.A.I.L. (Systems Aligned In Learning), a Collective Impact Partnership powered by United Way of Lancaster County.  SAIL is made up of Luthercare for Kids, the Library System of Lancaster County, COBYS Family Services and Lancaster General Hospital.

 

About Pennsylvania College of Art & Design

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design is central Pennsylvania’s only non-profit professional art college offering BFA degrees, certificates, credentials, and curricula that enable students of all ages to pursue art as their life’s work. PCA&D is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD).

PCA&D also offers credit and noncredit classes, studios and workshops for adults and youth, a professional gallery that features works by regionally- and nationally-acclaimed artists, and artist and author talks, receptions, and community-based activities with visiting artists. For more information, contact PCA&D, PO Box 59, 204 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17608. (717) 396-1032, (800) 689-0379. www.pcad.edu

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Library System welcomes Karla Trout as new Executive Director

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Karla Trout, Library System Executive DirectorThe Board of Directors of the Library System is pleased to announce the appointment of Karla Trout as the Library System’s Executive Director effective immediately.  Trout takes the place of Bonnie Young who retired in December 31, 2018.

The announcement follows a national search by the LSLC Board of Directors. Christina Diehl, LSLC Board President, is optimistic that they have made the best choice, “While it’s hard to say goodbye to Bonnie Young, we are beyond excited to welcome Karla Trout to LSLC knowing that she possesses the ingenuity, experience, and tenacity to continue the progress we have been making.  The Board foresees her being not only an asset to the county library system, but to the Lancaster community as a whole.”

Prior to joining the post as Executive Director of the Library System, she served as the executive director of the Adams County Library System, in Gettysburg. She began her library career in 2001 as President and CEO of Palmyra Public Library in Palmyra, Lebanon County. Before becoming a librarian, Karla worked in non-profit management in the health care industry, in information technology, and as a business process redesign consultant. She holds an AA in Business Administration from Harrisburg Area Community College and a BS in Management from York College of Pennsylvania.  She earned her Master of Science in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she was the Outstanding Graduate Student in 2005.

Trout also advocates actively in support of librarians and libraries through her work with the Pennsylvania Library Association and by co-chairing the Pennsylvania effort for the American Library Association’s National Library Legislative Day, held annually in Washington, DC.

She has a passion for creating functional, welcoming library spaces in a sustainable environment. As a participant in the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Planning and Design of Public Libraries course, and is a US Green Building Council LEED Green Associate, she has designed and built two libraries. She has also qualified as a Green Advantage Certified Associate, a certification usually reserved for construction tradespeople.

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Library System Executive Director announces retirement

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Photo of Bonnie YoungThe Board of Directors of the Library System announced that Bonnie Young, Executive Director, will retire from her post on December 31, 2018.   Young has served as Executive Director since January 2016 and has provided leadership for the library system staff and operations during the past three years.

During her tenure as Director, Young achieved breakthrough results with her fundraising efforts in support of Bookmobile services and the Be READy Rover early literacy program*.  Shortly after taking the post, she was able to bring a spirit of collaboration among the public libraries and the Library System staff.   She skillfully streamlined the operation of the organization that has best served the public libraries in Lancaster County since her arrival in 2016.

Young worked closely with the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners in representing the public libraries in the county. Commissioner Dennis Stuckey expressed gratitude for her leadership by stating, “Bonnie Young has had a significantly positive impact on the Library System of Lancaster County and its member libraries. Her calm and collaborative approach to leadership was extremely effective in solving problems, building coalitions, and strengthening relationships between organizations and individuals. She is a friend and dedicated professional to many of us and we all wish her well as she retires from the Library System of Lancaster County organization.”

Library System Board member and past President, Diane Tannehill, has high praise for Young’s term as leader of the organization. “Since Bonnie has taken the helm as Executive Director of the Library System, she has focused on implementing the system’s strategic plan and streamlined processes while inspiring the library system staff with enthusiasm and passion for libraries. Her experience and expertise has created an organization marked with efficiency.”

Young had served as Head of Public Libraries and Professional Development for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries from 2004-2014. She has led public libraries across the state by developing and implementing strategies for improving library service, especially in the areas of professional development, programming, marketing, technology and trustee leadership training.

Prior to her position at Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Young served as Director of the Lititz Public Library (2000-2004) and Director of the Adamstown Area Library (1989-2000). She received a BA from Millersville University and her Masters in Library Science from Clarion University in 2001.

*Be READy Rover—In conjunction with S.A.I.L (Systems Aligned In Learning) a Collective Impact Partnership with United Way of Lancaster County.

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Royer’s Annual Book Drive Collects New Children’s Books for Public Libraries

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royers_cmyk

ROYER’S ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE COLLECTS MORE THAN 800 NEW CHILDREN’S TITLES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES 
Nearly 19,000 in event’s 13-year history

Renee Christiansen and Jill Williams at Royer’s Flowers & Gifts’ From left, Renee Christiansen, youth services manager, Library System of Lancaster County, and Jill Williams, store manager of Royer’s Flowers & Gifts’ Lancaster West store. The books were collected at Royer’s Lancaster West, Lancaster North, Ephrata and Columbia stores.

 Royer’s Flowers & Gifts’ annual book drive over 800 new children’s titles for public libraries in the seven counties where the company operates.  Bouquets for Books, which ran Oct. 28-Nov. 10, has yielded nearly 19,000 books in its 13-year history.

Anyone who donated a new children’s book was eligible to receive a free bouquet. Here are the libraries and the number of books presented to them this year:

  • Berks County Public Libraries: 94
  • Cumberland County Library System: 58
  • Dauphin County Library System: 142
  • Franklin County Library System: 39
  • Lebanon County Libraries: 91
  • Library System of Lancaster County: 266
  • York County Library System: 163

Based in Lebanon, Royer’s (royers.com) has 15 stores in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Sister company Stephenson’s Flowers & Gifts has one store in Harrisburg.

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Bookmobile expands services due to greater demand!

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Design located on the New Bookmobile

The Library System is pleased to announce the expansion of their popular Bookmobile service! During the past year, the bookmobile significantly increased their service by adding an additional 8 Head Start stops and 4 stops to other communities: Country Meadows Assisted Living Facility; Woodcrest Villa Retirement Village; Manor Heights (Mountville); and Pleasant Valley Amish Store (Kirkwood). Last year the bookmobile had 51 stops on its monthly schedule. Since the arrival of the new bookmobile in the spring of 2018, the schedule now includes 63 stops to Head Starts, preschools and Senior Communities. That is a 23.5% increase over the previous year, while requests for service from Lancaster County communities is still in high demand.

In addition to the popularity of the new bookmobile, the expansion of services can be credited to a newly-formed partnership between the Library System and The Shalom Project. This partnership resulted in the placement of Kaitlin Abrahams as a new intern on the bookmobile. The Shalom Project is a one year voluntary service experience for recent college graduates. Participants live together in a house in Lancaster city, serve the community through full-time, professional internships, and participate in seminars focused on Christian spiritual formation and personal growth. They cover all of our participants’ living expenses, including housing, transportation, and food.

Kaitlin Abrahams, Intern Since Kaitlin’s arrival, she has developed enthusiasm for the communities that receive Bookmobile service, “Serving the patrons of the Bookmobile has reminded me of how much I love helping people, especially when it’s helping people gain free access to something that has made my life so much better―books!”

Kaitlin Abrahams grew up in Kansas and recently graduated from EMU with a degree in English and Writing Studies. She is interning with the Lancaster Public Library Bookmobile. Kaitlin is looking forward to sharing her love of reading with patrons and becoming acquainted with the Lancaster area.

Public Libraries encourage giving with their Annual Mitten Tree Project!

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Mitten Tree 19th Annual Campaign

Public Libraries throughout Lancaster County will hold their 19th annual Mitten Tree Campaign beginning on Monday, November 19. Librarians from the county’s public libraries, in the spirit of holiday giving, will be collecting new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, earmuffs and umbrellas that will benefit children & families in need living in Lancaster County. Several of the public libraries in Lancaster County will participate in this year’s project. Items will also be collected on the Bookmobile.

Donations may be made from Monday, November 19 – Friday, December 14, 2018.

The Mitten Tree project has been hugely successful during the past eighteen years. Each year the project has netted between 4000-5000 donations, many of which are hand-knitted items!  Distribution of the donations will benefit children and families in churches and service agencies located in local library communities.

Amy M. Campbell, Children & Youth Director of Quality Assurance, said of the project, “Lancaster County Children and Youth is blessed to be in a community that cares about others. The Mitten Tree project reaches many of the families we serve, meeting a need that some may take for granted–warmth. Families come into our office for assistance and are able to leave with hats, gloves and scarfs to fend off the harsh temperatures of winter. All thanks to the generosity of the Mitten Tree Project.”

Individuals interested in participating should bring new, unwrapped mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, umbrellas and earmuffs to any of the public library locations during their hours of operation. Call your local public library at the following locations [see list below].

Mitten Tree Snowman

Lancaster County’s Public Libraries
Participating in the Mitten Tree Project 2018

  • Adamstown Area Library-  3000 North Reading Road Adamstown
  • Columbia Public Library – 24 South 6th Street, Columbia
  • Eastern Lancaster County Library -11 Chestnut Derive, New Holland
  • Elizabethtown Public Library – 10 South Market Street, Elizabethtown
  • Ephrata Public Library – 550 South Reading Road, Ephrata
  • Lancaster Public Library – 125 South Duke Street, Lancaster
  • LPL East – Leola Branch – 46 Hillcrest Road, Leola
  • LPL West – Mountville Branch – 120 College Avenue, Mountville
  • Lititz Public Library – 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz
  • Manheim Community Library – 15 East high Street, Manheim
  • Manheim Township Public Library – 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster
  • Milanof-Schock Library – 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy
  • Moores Memorial Library – 9 West Slokum Avenue, Christiana
  • Pequea Valley Public Library  – 13 Center Street, Intercourse
  • Quarryville Library – 357 Buck Hill Road, Quarryville
  • Salisbury Township Branch Library – 855 Houston Run Drive, Suite 220, Gap

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