Category: Press Release

Public Libraries Reopening with Limited Services 

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  • As Lancaster County moves to Yellow, some public libraries will reopen with limited services. Most county public libraries will start lending print materials, CDs, and DVDs.
  • The health and safety of patrons and staff are of highest importance to the public libraries in Lancaster County, therefore not all services will be available. Contact your local library to find out what services they will offer.
  • A few of our Lancaster County public libraries will remain closed at this time, until we can better safely accommodate the public and staff in those spaces.

Public libraries in Lancaster County will reopen with limited services as the County moves from Red to Yellow. The health and safety of patrons and staff are of highest importance, therefore not all services will be immediately available when libraries reopen, consistent with recommendations from the PA Office of Commonwealth Libraries. For example, the difficult decision has been made to cancel all holds requests for all library patrons of Lancaster County’s public libraries. Due to the limitations of the library database software, there was no easy way to fulfill patron holds while allowing for the safe and timely handling of library materials. Other services, like public use computers and in-person programming, will be available again once they can be provided safely and within CDC guidelines.

Strict procedures for the safe handling and quarantining of returned library items will be in place before print materials, CDs, and DVDs can be checked out to the public again. Many libraries will use a curbside delivery or pickup system to convey items to their patrons while maintaining recommended social distancing. The public is encouraged to contact their local library to find out what services will be available in their area.

Our libraries have remained open for business online throughout the stay-at-home order by expanding access to library cards, bolstering digital content, and offering virtual programming, but we are eager to get back to lending paper books and providing other in-person services. “We have missed our patrons as much as they’ve missed us. We’re eager to resume a lot of our physical, public-facing services, but we need to do it in a way that is safe and trustworthy,” says Karla Trout, Library System Executive Director. “It’s a new world for all of us, but we’re adapting to continue meeting the needs of our community.”

 

Visit https://lancasterlibraries.org for a list of public libraries in Lancaster and how to contact your local library, and check social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram for ongoing updates.

The Manheim Township Public Library to open their “Children’s Discovery Patio”!

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Manheim Township Public Library

Public is invited to attend!

The Manheim Township Public Library will hold a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of their new “Children’s Discovery Patio”.  The public is invited to attend the event that will take place on June 22 at 12:00 noon at the Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Donor representatives for the new resource will assist in officiating the grand opening.  The generosity of the following donors is appreciated: Lois Morgan, Luci Steele, The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, Manheim Township Lions Club, Four Seasons Gardening Club, and Dallas Data Systems.

The addition of a fence along the patio outside the Children’s Library make it an ideal location for a Children’s Discovery Patio.  This is a space for families to explore nature through hands-on activities.  The Children’s Discovery Patio will have various equipment and materials that allow children to explore and learn about their natural surroundings.  There is a sorting table where children learn to sort items based on size, shape, or color, for example.  Additionally, the library will include a picnic table and places for parents to sit and watch their children.

Library Director Joyce Sands, who is very enthusiastic about the project, states, “To make our library even more exciting for the children, we want to offer programs and learning opportunities not only inside the library – but outside too!”

Youth librarians are developing “Discovery Boxes and Nature Explorer Bags” with learning materials that can be brought out to the patio to support children’s learning.  The boxes will contain books about nature and other programming supplies.  The bags are for the children and will contain a small magnifying glass, a bug jar, bird and insect identification books, etc. to support children’s learning about nature.

Finally, there are plans to offer some story hours outdoors in the Children’s Discovery Patio in the summer and fall.  The Library has a naturalist on staff in the Library’s Youth Services Department who will be presenting these children’s programs.

Those planning to attend, please RSVP to Bonnie Young, 717-560-6441 ext. 320 or byoung@mtpl.info.

 

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Lancaster County’s Public Libraries and the Bookmobile to launch 2019 Summer Reading Program!

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A Universe of Stories--The 2019 Summer Reading theme

Public Libraries of Lancaster County and the Bookmobile present this year’s Summer Reading Program “A Universe of Stories”.   The 2019 countywide reading program begins June 1 and will run until August 10, 2019.   It is open to young people, infants through young adult. Reading Program components include four reading levels: Read Aloud (birth-4 years), Elementary (ages 5-9), Tween (ages 10-12) and the Teen level (ages 13-19).   Library events include science and engineering experiments, shows about Charles Lindbergh, 50th Anniversary of the Apollo launch, youth book clubs, live animals, mini-chef activities, music and the arts.

Summer Fitness Quest LogoNew this year!   Summer Fitness Quest

It’s a Get Outside physical activity program to support and encourage a healthy lifestyle of youth and family members. Beginning Sat. June 1, 2019, Libraries will have Summer Fitness Quest Booklets to extend the learning, and instill young children (ages 5-9) with an appreciation for the outdoors. The program supports free opportunities for children and adults to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Lancaster County parks, trails, and Conservancy Nature Preserves. Locations of these outdoor places are divided into 5 areas: Central, Southern, Eastern, Northern, and Western.

The Summer Fitness Quest instructions are that youth visit at least five (any combination of) parks, trails, or preserve locations listed in the Booklet. While visiting they’re encouraged to try healthy yoga poses, and stay nutritionally fueled! Children, youth, and adults will benefit with a healthy “nature prescription” of being outdoors and moving around!

Partners in the program include Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Giant Food Stores, Lancaster County Conservation District, Lancaster County Conservancy, and Lancaster Recreation Commission.

The Summer Reading Program supports Pennsylvania Academic Standards & PA Early Learning Standards. Educational studies have shown that a public library’s  Summer Reading Program has positive effects on students in that voluntary reading correlates with high levels of reading achievement, increased comprehension, and prevents a student’s academic ‘summer slide’.

For more information, call your local public library or visit our website,
http://lancasterlibraries.org/library-services/youth/summer-reading-program/

All programs are free of charge.

In 2018, 25,999 youth of all ages participated in the countywide reading program. 15,467 youth completed the program. 42,431 children and parents attended the 1,736 offered summer learning events. 1,849 new library cards were issued to youth aged 5-19.

2019 Summer Entertainment & Educational Events at Local Public Libraries

Rocking Reptiles with Jesse Rothacker – an interactive animal show featuring Jesse Rothacker and his lovable lizards, turtles, alligators, and snakes. School-age children and grownups at this show will explore the amazing and mysterious universe of reptiles, including opportunities to volunteer in the show, touch real animal artifacts, and win cool prizes. Their armor, invisibility and legless locomotion can make reptiles seem a lot like extra-terrestrials. Come to the show and discover how these curious creatures have a very important mission here on planet Earth! (First program is June 2)

 

CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health – Hank the Health Hero is a champion of healthy choices who inspires Lancaster children to adopt healthy habits.  Hank the Health Hero will present two different programs: Story Time with Hank – Food! and Hank’s Sense-sational Story Time! (First program is June 4)

 

Phredd- Ukulele One Man Band – Phredd’s performance includes interaction, singing, hand-motions, and creative play that inspire imagination, creativity and positive encouragement. Enjoy ukulele strumming, harmonica wailing, suitcase drum kicking, quirky singer-songwriter of unmitigated joy performing original tunes about pirates, electric tricycles, monkeys and more. (First program starts June 4)

 

Neill Hartley, presents “The Spirit of Lindbergh” – Neill Hartley is Charles Lindbergh in this one-man show about a thrilling adventure based on Mr. Lindbergh’s historic 1927 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Witness “Lucky Lindy” planning his trip, navigating in the cockpit and finally arriving in Paris, France. Experience firsthand the incredible journey that riveted the world and transformed aviation! (First program is June 13)

 

Pout Pout Fish Costume Character Visits Lancaster County public libraries will welcome “Pout Pout Fish” popular storybook character from picture books by author Deborah Diesen and illustrator, Dan Hanna. (First program is June 15)

 

That Fabulous Franklin – First Stages presents a delightful program full of wit and wisdom of Ben Franklin, an American icon. Two actors recreate important moments in Ben’s story. They also bring to life some of the characters that Ben created in his writings, like Poor Richard Saunders and Silence Dogood. There is great fun for audiences of all ages in this sparkling program. (First program is June 17)

 

Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation – Enjoy and explore any of these programs at one or more of the local libraries: Lunar Lunacy (First program starts June 18); 13 Moons on a Turtle’s Back (First program starts June 20); There’s No Place Like Space (First program starts June 26); Creating Constellations (First program starts July 2); Planet Power (First program starts July 3); Space on Earth (First program starts July 9); Let’s take the Moon for a Walk (First program starts July 16); Programs run from June 18 through August 6.

 

North Museum’s Mission to the Moon – Join the North Museum of Nature and Science and get ready for some lunar explorations. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the historic mission that landed the first astronauts on the moon through hands-on experiences. Explore the moon’s surface in preparation to designing a lunar lander! (First program is June 24)

 

The PRINCESS of Dutch Wonderland Hear Ye, Hear Ye! We are extending an invitation to all Princesses, Princes, Lords and Ladies to attend a royal reading story times! (Ages 3+) (First event is July 9)

Local Sponsor Support
In addition to the Library System’s support, this year’s literacy-minded Summer Reading Program Sponsors include: Auntie Anne’s Inc., Barnyard Kingdom at Country Barn, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café; Bounce Kraze, Cain’s Lanes, The Castle Roller Skating, Clearview Lanes, The Comic Store, Comics and Paperbacks Plus, Dutch Wonderland ~ Family Entertainment Park, Isaac’s Restaurants, Lancaster Barnstormers, Lancaster Cupcake, Lancaster Ice Rink, Laserdome, Leisure Bowling & Golf Center, Magic and Wonder Show, M&T Bank, , McDonald’s Restaurants, Refreshing Mountain Ziplines, Rita’s Ices, Rocky Spring Entertainment Center, Scratch Bakes, Sequential Arts Too, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Strasburg Rail Road Company, Stoudt Advisors, Sugar Whipped Bakery, and Water’s Edge Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Shop.

Please contact library listed to register for program. For a listing of local libraries, visit www.lancasterlibraries.org

To find out more about the Summer Reading Program visit:
http://lancasterlibraries.org/library-services/youth/summer-reading-program/

Printed event booklets are available for pick up at your local library or bookmobile. Contact your local public library for more information about these summertime happenings! Visit our website at www.lancasterlibraries.org and click on “Your Local Library” for a complete listing of Public Libraries in Lancaster County. The countywide public library summer reading program is supported in part by the Library System of Lancaster County.

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Lititz Public Library Announces New Director!

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Lititz Public Library Logo black and white

The Lititz Public Library is pleased to announce that Ryan McCrory will be taking over the library director position recently vacated by the retiring Susan Tennant. Ryan comes to us from the Boone Area Library in Birdsboro, PA, where he served as library director. Ryan comes to us with almost 20 years of library experience. Most of Ryan’s library career has been with the Seattle Public Library. Ryan has worked in the library field in many different capacities, from circulation desk duties, to program planning, to assistant manager and directorship. Ryan has worked in both public and academic libraries. Before moving into the library field, Ryan taught history at the college level.

Ryan McCrory, New Director of The Littiz Public LIbraryOriginally from Alabama, Ryan received his BA in History from Athens State College and his MA in History from the University of Alabama. Ryan will receive his Master of Information Science from Drexel University in June of 2020. Ryan currently lives in Pottstown, PA, but is looking to relocate to Lancaster County. He really enjoys the Lititz area and loves that the town is walkable. Ryan enjoys playing online video games with his 13 year old son. He also enjoys various sports, genealogy research and is a reader of non-fiction and James Lee Burke mysteries.

Ryan began his love of libraries back in elementary school when he helped his school librarian to shelve books. He has been a library user and enthusiast his entire life. He believe that libraries offer “free and equal access to information” for everyone. He feels that libraries serve the function of “democratizing information”. Ryan loves libraries because they are “always evolving” and “provide access to new technologies” for the community they serve. Ryan will begin his career with the Lititz Public Library on Monday, April 29th. Ryan wants to let the community know that he has an open door policy and encourages the community to stop by the library to say hello. Please help us to welcome him to our library and our community.

 

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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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.