Category: Events

Friends of the Library

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

Do you love the library? Have you attended a program or visited the library and felt grateful? The perfect way to say thank you is by getting involved with the Friends of the Library.

The Friends of the Library is a non-profit group of volunteers dedicated to imagining and creating ways to fundraise for the library. Across America, Friends of the Library groups make it possible for libraries to survive by fostering community support and devoting energy to raising funds. Where there is a strong library, there is almost certainly a strong Friends group.

For several years, Rostraver Library was without a Friends group. This put a strain on our community presence, programs, staff, and operations. To our great excitement, a group of volunteers came together to reestablish the Friends group in the fall of 2022.

Their first fundraiser, a bake sale celebrating Pi Day (March 14), was a great success!

Once a month, the Friends of the Library meet to discuss ideas and work on their current projects. Dates and times of these meetings vary, so check our events calendar to find details about the upcoming meeting. All ages and backgrounds are welcome as each member offers different talents and perspectives to the group. If you are interested in lending a hand, fill out this brief form to be included in communications.

The Friends are busy with an upcoming trivia night fundraiser that will support Rostraver Library and our branch, Smithton Library! This event will be held at Smithton Fire Hall on October 22 from 1-3PM. Pariticipants can register individually ($10) or as a team of 6 members($50). We hope to see you there!

Bringing You a Virtual Library

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

These past few weeks have been a scramble to make decisions and adapt resources. As a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, our physical location is closed until further notice. Thankfully, the digital library world is taking some time to shine. Besides the physical items available in our building, we have access to an abundance of eBooks, audiobooks, databases, and other digital resources. Our goal in this time is to share those with you so you can continue learning and enjoying.

Our new website page At Home Resource Collection is an archive of all the websites and activities we have been sharing on our Facebook page. Artists and organizations have showed astounding generosity and support through the materials they have chosen to freely share.

We at Rostraver Library have also been trying to provide you with remote programs. Check out what we’ve tried so far:

Thursday Storytime and Crafts

Each Thursday, Miss Kelly will alternative between Storytime and demonstrating a craft. The supplies for the craft will be posted ahead of time so you can follow along with prepared materials. Tune in at 10:30AM!

Crafts:

April 9th – Easter Gnome Sock Bunny

April 23rd – Bottle Cap Flower

Storytime:

April 16th

April 30th

Dance Around the World

Dance Around the World has moved to Facebook Live!

So far, we’ve virtually explored Irish Step Dancing and Tap. Miss Laura gives a little bit of history on the dances, demonstrates steps, and puts together a combination to get you moving at home! Dance Around the World occurs monthly, so stay tuned for the next dance in May.

Growing with Gardens

Our garden club has started, and you can find all the videos in our Growing with Gardens Facebook playlist.

Start the series by making your own Garden Journal. After that, move on to learn about seedlings, plant seeds, and listen to the birds.

Don’t forget to stay caught up with our updates on how the plants are growing. Along the way, make crafts, hear stories, and do experiments! This uncertain time may prevent us from working on the library garden together, but it provides the perfect opportunity to get outside, start a garden, or observe plants indoors at home.

Virtual LEGO Club

Do you miss our monthly LEGO club meetings? Try out an online version through our Facebook page.

A weekly LEGO challenge will be posted on Facebook to inspire your creations! If you send us a picture of you and/or your child’s creation, we will share it in our LEGO Club album.

This is open to ALL ages, and we welcome building supplies other than LEGOs! Just like our monthly LEGO club meetings, the goal is to encourage creativity, ingenuity, and fun.

 

We will continue adding to our existing programs and thinking of new ways to maintain our community of learning, growing, and connecting. Please share any feedback and ideas with us. If you’d like to see us try something virtually, let us know in the comments!

We miss interacting with all of you, and we are grateful that we can still reach some of you through social media. Thank you for your ongoing support.

If you would like to see this level of programming continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.

Keep up with our services and events by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Tech Nights

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

On the fourth Monday of each month, we invite kids of all ages to explore technology and robotics. Our year-round tech nights provide a space for kids to exercise their imaginations while advancing their engineering, critical thinking, and STEM skills.

Through the Westmoreland Library Network, we have access to many technology kits. We choose one kit to feature each month, and a full rotation of the kits lasts over a year. This way, kids can expect a relatively fresh experience each session.

Over the past few years, we have also built up our own small collection of technology kits that permanently stay here at the library. These are available for in-house use at any time during our hours, so kids can explore materials in-depth without the time limit of tech nights.

One popular kit is video and animation.

Head towards the Makerspace (also known as the book sale room) to discover what can be created with our materials. The technology kits we have available at all times are:

  • Snap Circuits
  • Bee-Bots
  • Dash & Dot
  • Mazes
  • Simple Machines
  • LEGO

Our Makerspace blog post offers a closer look at all of the resources found in the Makerspace room. The tech kits we keep in this room give kids the option to continue their interest in technology outside of tech nights. This also means that tech night attendees have alternatives to explore if they are uninterested in the tech kit of that month.

Every session is supervised by a staff member who will be able to give an explanation of the technology and help with some questions (we are always learning).

Regardless of age and skill level, kids who participate in tech nights will be able to find something suited for them.

Registration is not required for this program. Please reach out to us with any questions (724-379-5511). We look forward to seeing you!

 

 

 

Check out our full 2020 tech kit schedule:

If you would like to see this level of programming continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.

Thank you for your support.

 

Keep up with our services and events by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Dance Around the World

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

Last week on Saturday, October 12, our Dance Around the World (DATW) program kicked off with the Jazz session. In this 8-month program, participants 6-8 years old enjoy an hour of movement, learning, and creativity based on the featured dance.

At RPL, we offer Tiny Tykes for ages 1-3 and Storytime for ages 3-5 every week. After hearing a few patrons ask for a program for children who are too old for these programs, Dance Around the World was created. Since this program is focused on the kids who are leaving Storytime, it acts as a transition from Storytime to an introductory book club. After every session, participants can choose one or two themed books and take them home. Over the next month, they can explore their book(s) and record any interesting facts or stories on their handouts. They can then share their findings with the group during the first 5-10 minutes of the next DATW session. This way, the kids can practice the listening and communication skills involved in discussion.

Attendees learn a few jazz steps.

Here’s a look at our typical schedule for DATW sessions:

  • Introductions (if there are new attendees)
  • Review and discussion of last month’s dance and books
  • Attendance activity
  • A look at history, geography, fun facts, and videos related to the dance
  • Warmup/Stretching
  • Learning dance steps
  • Dance time
  • Craft/Activity
  • Wrap-up and checking out books

Playing drums to jazz music to learn about beat and improvisation!

Each child receives a folder to hold their name tag, handouts, schedule, and any other materials. Since the program is once a month, the collected materials and review time help the attendees remember what was already covered and compare each dance to the next.

In November, we will focus on Flamenco dancing. Check our events page, calendar, and social media to keep up with the dance of the month. Attendees do not have to attend every program to participate. As long as there is space open, your child can jump in at any time.

The most important thing to remember about this program is that there is no pressure to memorize facts or dance steps. Attendees are not expected to like every dance or find every book that they check out to be interesting. The goal of DATW is to be exposed to different cultures, countries, music, and art. When we worry less about memorization and focus on having fun, learning becomes a favorite activity.

No skill is required to participate – just a willingness to try and have fun!

This program will continue until May. Call the library (724-379-5511), stop in, or register online to reserve your child’s spot.

 

If you would like to see this level of programming continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.

Thank you for your support.

 

Keep up with our services and events by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Reading to the Therapy Dog

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

Last year, the library welcomed a friendly and furry face for a program that dedicated a time and space for students to practice their reading skills. Our “Reading to Man’s Best Friend” program ensured children a safe space to practice reading but also associate reading with a positive environment.

The first therapy dog who helped us with this program was “Nugget,” a sincerely loving golden retriever who made any person – whether they were child, guardian, patron, or employee – feel special and joyful. After many months of visiting Rostraver Library, Nugget sadly passed away. We will always remember his service to the library.

Nugget helped many children feel safe and special while they practiced reading.

The program provided such joy and comfort to the library that we decided to carry on Nugget’s legacy by asking another therapy dog to help us out. Starting two weeks ago on Tuesday, September 17, Ciel the Therapy Dog and his owner, Linda, began visiting from 4:00-5:00pm. Ciel has already become best buds with patrons and staff at the library. He uplifts us every Tuesday with his playfulness and wagging tail!

You may reserve a 5 minute time slot for your child to read to Ciel. Right now, there is plenty of space open, so your child may have extra time with Ciel (unless all of the spots fill up). During the time slot, the child is invited to sit down with Ciel and explore a book. They can either bring a book from home or pick one of our many books (we have all reading levels!).

While they practice reading the book, children often stop to pet or hug the dog. This interaction is so important because a pause in their reading flow is met with a positive, happy response instead of the pressure or correction they might experience in other settings. This is why we always say that the dogs are extremely patient listeners. They enjoy the quiet moments in between words or sentences because they are in no rush and have no expectations.

Ciel is continuing the mission of making reading a comforting and happy experience.

While your child reads, Ciel will listen eagerly and be available for any comfort that the child needs during this sometimes stressful activity. Children can then carry this peaceful experience with them after they leave the library. When they feel anxious or upset about reading challenges, they can remember Ciel’s calm and welcoming presence. Pairing such a positive experience with reading is directly in line with our mission to help the community learn, connect, and grow. We are extremely grateful to Ciel and Linda for their willingness to make this program possible. Because of them, we are able to help children find comfort, excitement, and joy in reading.

Please call 724-379-5511 to reserve a time slot. Ciel wants to make many more friends!

 

If you would like to see this level of programming continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.

Thank you for your support.

 

Keep up on our services and events by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Growing with Gardens 2019 Recap

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

This summer, participants ages 4-12 came to Rostraver Library to learn about all things plants!

Growing with Gardens consisted of 6 sessions split into two groups in order to accommodate ages 4-6 and 7-12. The program kicked off on June 20 with a community planting day when kids planted tomatoes, beans, peppers, cucumbers, herbs, and flowers in Rostraver Library’s patio garden. On this day, they also received and decorated their garden journals which they used throughout the remaining sessions to track plant growth and store other activities. Finally, they decorated craft sticks and rocks and used them to label different plants in the garden.

A few weeks later on July 11, the sessions started back up with Plant Anatomy. After hearing a story and lesson about the parts of a plant, the kids made a flower model and labeled the plant parts. Then, they went out to the garden to start recording plant growth in their garden journals. They filled out the first row of their plant log charts with plant measurements and appearance. They even found a few blossoms on the young plants!

In the next week’s session Plant Growth on July 18, participants learned about the life cycle of plants with various crafts. In addition to monitoring the garden and updating their garden journals, they also had the opportunity to gather plant samples from the garden and study them in microscopes.

The Healthy Eating Activity Day on July 25 got the kids thinking about foods in different ways as they played games, tested foods by rubbing them on white paper, and other interactive activities. This day was a break from the normal routine and a favorite among the participants!

Growing with Gardens started August out with more learning about nutrition. On August 1, the Veggies and Our Bodies session helped to solidify concepts introduced during the last session. The kids enjoyed reading an alphabet book of many different fruits and vegetables and then using those items to fill in healthy foods for every color of the rainbow.

The program came to a close on August 8 with Food Prep and Recipe Books. Everyone helped to put together a small picnic using ingredients that were grown and discussed during the program. After the picnic, they enjoyed a final look at the garden and a few closing activities.

As always, thank you to all who participated in this event and made it possible. We look forward to seeing you in the garden next summer.

For more information about our upcoming events and photos/descriptions of our past events, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Harry Potter Day 2019

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

On Wednesday, July 31st, the world celebrated the birthdays of J.K. Rowling and her treasured character, Harry Potter. The Rostraver Public Library collected and celebrated the energy around this day by throwing our second annual Harry Potter Day. From noon until 6:30pm, patrons of all ages visited Hogwarts (the Children’s Room) and Diagon Alley (the Booksale Room/Makerspace).

Upon entering the library, Harry Potter enthusiasts were sorted into houses and received a house tie, acceptance letter, and ticket to the Hogwarts Express. After this, some chose to explore Diagon Alley first so they could make their own wand and feather quill pen.

Waiting in the Children’s Room was an assortment of classes and activities found at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Before arriving at Hogwarts, participants jumped on the Hogwarts Express and turned in their tickets in order to receive a treat from the Honeydukes Trolley.

Treats on trolley included Acid Pops, Licorice Wands, Pixie Puffs, and Jelly Slugs!

After fueling up, patrons experienced classes such as Potions, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination. They even visited Dumbledore’s Office and the Owlery. At each destination, they collected stamps on the back of their acceptance letters in order to receive a Honeydukes treat bag and prize on the way out.

The months of preparation for this day were well worth it as attendees of all ages posed for photobooth pictures, made dragon eggs, and took advantage of activities where they could express their passion for the wizarding world and the characters of this timeless story. Some patrons were thrilled to discover that Hogwarts was awaiting them on what they believed to be an ordinary visit to the library. Others arrived promptly at Noon in anticipation of the fun that awaited them.

The success and joy of this day was made possible by the many patrons who support us and the volunteers who devoted their Wednesday to bringing Harry Potter’s world to life at the library. See you all next year!

“Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”― J.K. Rowling

For more photos from the Harry Potter day and information on upcoming events, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I Love My Library 724

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

“‘When in doubt, go to the library.’”

-J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Library-goers know the instant tranquility and excitement of walking through the doors of a library. They go through the happy routine of greeting new books added to the collection, seeing classic favorites lined on the shelves, and learning about new events. We all know the comfort of returning home with a stack of books, movies, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, and other library resources to explore.

Every day, we talk with people who love Rostraver Library and all libraries. We understand what is like to believe in the purpose of libraries, and we love to share moments with patrons who show enthusiasm for the people, materials, and goals of libraries.

So, how can you express this excitement? There are many ways to support the library, and every effort allows the library to operate and serve the community. However, this month brings a creative and unique way to show how much you love your library.

Westmoreland County libraries will be celebrating I Love My Library 724 on Wednesday, July 24th. When you stop in the library on that day, there will be a photo op set up that will give you a chance to win a star named after you! Three winners will be chosen at random. To enter in the contest, you simply:

  1. Visit the library!
  2. Look at the bottom of your most recent check-out receipt. If you don’t have one saved, you can check something out to see your updated number. 
  3. Write your “Lifetime savings” number on a mini white board provided at the library. 
  4. Take your picture (or have someone take it) holding the white board and a (optional) hashtag sign. We will have a background prepared for the photo opportunity. 
  5. Post the picture on Facebook and tag the Westmoreland Library Network Facebook page.

After those steps, you will be entered in the drawing! 

Staff member Laura demonstrates with her library savings number.

The photo op will only last for one day on Wednesday, July 24th, so make sure to mark your calendar. We look forward to seeing you and discovering how much you’ve saved using the library. After the contest is over, pay attention to your receipts and watch your savings grow. It’s just one more reason to be excited about visiting the library!

#ilovemylibrary724 #alldayeveryday #westmorelandlibrarynetwork

2019 Summer Reading Quest

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

The start of the Summer Reading Quest (SRQ) at Rostraver Public Library is only a week away on June 14! This year, the SRQ theme is “A Universe of Stories.” That means that aliens, space ships, astronauts, and rockets will be moving into our library in the next week to help us understand that reading is out of this world!

This year’s SRQ offers 13 dynamic programs for many ages. Refer to the SRQ page on our website or the handout given during registration to check the day, time, and age group of each program. Each program has differing details regarding registration, age groups, times, and days.

A standard registration done in-person at the library is required from participants, regardless of the number of events attended. Only five of the events require individual registration. Please note that the “There’s No Place Like Space” Teddy Bear Workshop is FULL. Due to the cost and space requirements, some of the programs have a limit on the number of attendees.

In the month of June, there will be three programs for all ages! We will start with a kickoff on Friday, June 14th where attendees can receive balloon art to take home. On Friday, June 21, all ages are welcome to enjoy a performance of “The True Story of the Cow that Jumped Over the Moon” by Stage Right. A week later on Friday, June 28, the Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling will help us understand the dangers of space junk and compare it with the problems that litter causes here on Earth. All three of these programs will start at 10:30am! No registration outside of the initial SRQ Registration is required for these individual events.

In addition to all of the events involved in the SRQ, we have three levels of reading activity sheets available for children ages 2-teens. When you register for SRQ at the library, you will receive ONE sheet per child to keep throughout the summer. The child will receive a stamp(s) from us at the library for the reading activities they complete each week. In exchange for the completed activities, they will be given tickets that they can fill out for a chance to win one of our many prizes shown in our display case. The deadline for these sheets is August 2nd.

We are excited to see you at this year’s SRQ as we blast off to discover the adventures of space. There is a galaxy full of possibilities within the pages of a book!

Check back on the blog for July’s SRQ events and a recap of June’s fun.

Please contact us with any questions: 724-379-5511, r.library@comcast.net, social media, or visit us in-person.