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!
As we move into 2023, we are excited to busy oursevles with helping patrons, planning programs, and finding new ways to serve the community. The summer reading theme this year is called All Together Now – a fitting phrase to describe the relationship between libraries and their communities. Our staff and volunteers come together to best meet the needs of those who use our services. In return, donations made by the community make it possible for us to maintain those services.
In 2022, we were grateful to recieve support from our wonderful patrons and local organizations. Our garden club, summer concerts, Halloween family night, Christmas family night, and much more would not have been possible without funding from outside donors. In 2023, we look forward to working together to bring joy, learning, creativity, and growth. Here are a few ways that you can support us in the new year:
Friends of the Library
We are thrilled that our Friends of the Library group has recently reformed! Fundraising is key to our continued maintenance and growth. If you have ideas or want to lend a hand, stop in to the meeting on Monday, January 16th at 6:30 or fill out this form.
Sponsor an event: $200
With your sponsorship, we can hold events such Harry Potter day, mini golf at the library, craft night, seasonal events, and much more. With a donation of $200, we are able to ensure a day of exciting activities and experiences for kids of all ages and their families.
Sponsor Beanstack: $500
By funding our yearly fee for Beanstack, you are ensuring that patrons of all ages have access to yearly reading challenges and enrichment. Beanstack is an app that allows patrons to log the hours that they read, share book reviews, learn about different subjects, connect with the library, and participate in fun activities and games. We also use Beanstack for all of our Summer Reading logging, registration, activities, and prize drawings. Challenges range from encouraging kids to read 1,000 books before kindergarten to learning about Native American heritage month. Never heard of Beanstack? Check it out!
Book Decal Donation: $250, $500, $1000
If you donate $250, $500, or $1,000 to the library, your name or the name you are donating in honor of will be added to one of the book decals that line our indoor glass windows. Next time you visit the library, take a look at the windows behind the circulation desk to see the book decals.
Shopping with Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon, did you know that you could be earning money for the library? Make sure to use our Amazon Smile link before you make a purchase and 0.5% will be donated to the library.
Amazon Wish List
We created an Amazon wish list and a book wish list to let you know exactly what we need at the library! Library staff has been known to break into song and dance when a wish list package arrives.
Depending on the time of year and level of need, volunteering could look like pulling weeds around the building, dusting the shelves, shelving books, helping with program prep, organizing the book sale room, helping at the circulation desk, and more. Email us at rostraver@wlnonline.org, call us (724-379-5511), or stop in to see how you can help.
At Rostraver Library, we care deeply about helping each patron as best we can and cultivating a spirit of growth and creativity in the surrounding area. Your support will help us move forward with our efforts. We can’t wait for a new year at the library with all of you!
Have you been searching for a new hobby? Is there a craft you would like to learn more about, but you can’t find classes in your area? Look no further than your library card!
Open the Libby app, and locate the “Extras” section on the homepage. Open Craftsy, follow the prompts, and start browsing the incredible array of classes.
Try out a few fall craft projects just in time for Thanksgiving. An instructor will demonstrate flowers in fall tablescape, chalkboard wall hanging, fall flavors party platter, faux-marbled pumpkins, and more.
It’s time to plan that garden you’ve been dreaming of! Not only is there an entire collection of gardening instruction videos, but you can also head over to the woodworking section to find out how to build a raised-bed garden.
In the writing collection, you will discover classes on calligraphy, creative writing, publishing, and even job searching.
There’s something for all ages! Builders of all ages will have a blast testing five paper airplane designs under the instruction of John Collins, a 2012 Guinness World Record holder for longest paper airplane flight. The kids video section also includes classes on baking, sewing, drawing, animation, and much more!
We hope that you take the opportunity to explore Crafsty’s 1,500+ classes that you can access for free. The topics extend far beyond painting and sewing to include life skills, STEM, fitness, and interior design. With winter approaching, it’s the perfect time to dive into a new skill (all within the comfort of your own home)!
The children’s room at our library is home to colorful toys, timeless stories, and the many excited voices of our young patrons. Whether you are looking for a change of scenery to spend time with your little one(s), thousands of educational resources, or dynamic programs to enjoy, the children’s room can provide opportunities for you and your child to grow, imagine, and learn.
Walking into the children’s room, you will see a circle of movable seats aside from our children’s tables. These, along with other seats scattered throughout the room, provide ample room for parents to relax during events or normal visits to the library.
Display shelf
You might also notice our shelf of displays to the left of the sitting area. This space is devoted to teaching young patrons quick facts, exposing them to books they may not have noticed, or reaching out to reluctant readers.
Right now, we are featuring a nonfiction display, an author birthday display, and a holiday display. Many of our displays are interactive, so give them a closer look on your next visit!
Board Books
Turn to the left to find our collection of board books. These sturdy, simply worded books are ideal for babies and toddlers to explore without worry of damage, confusion, or boredom.
Walk a bit further and you will see our juvenile DVD and juvenile audio book collection. Beside this display is a door to our patio and a stack of bean bags where patrons can relax and enjoy their book finds.
To the right of this area is our juvenile nonfiction collection that also includes biographies. We work to provide books for young readers on a wide variety of up-to-date subjects. This section is organized under the Dewey Decimal System, and guardians and children can learn how to navigate it through the nonfiction display. Our biographies are organized by the last name of the person the book is written about. The library staff is also happy to help you find the books and subjects you are looking for.
Nonfiction and biographies
Juvenile Fiction
The next section is juvenile fiction where more advanced young readers can find many levels of chapter books. The table in this area provides a great place for reading, studying, or coloring (ask us at the front desk for a selection of coloring books and pencils).
The largest collection in this room is the easy readers, or picture books. These span three walls and give readers of all ages short stories and beautiful illustrations that leave a lasting impact.
Our new books are displayed on the ledge of our large windows
The puppet stand and bins of toys are favorites among young patrons
The beginning reader books and holiday books are on the right wall. These shelves also hold toys, puzzles, puppets, games, and coloring books for the kids to enjoy on their library visit.
All of our collections are constantly updated and organized to provide award-winning books, new releases, resources on important topics, and favorite stories. If we don’t have the book you are looking for on our shelves, we can check its availability at other libraries and order it for you.
Our children’s programs include story times, family nights, author birthday parties, dance programs, garden days, and much more. Check our events page and social media to view upcoming events.
If you would like to see this level of services continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.
Are you looking for a change of scenery to work on homework, paperwork, job assignments, and other projects? The library offers several work areas for you to relax and focus on your tasks.
This section of the virtual library tour makes quite a few stops since we prioritize space for patrons of all ages to learn and work comfortably. Our main location set aside for silent work time is the quiet room. Closed off from the rest of the library, the quiet room holds a recliner, small stand, and large table with four chairs. With the door closed, this room provides a peaceful, well-lit work space for one or multiple people.
This quiet room is available on a first-come, first-served basis. As long as you have a library card, you are welcome to use this space. However, if other patrons are waiting to use the room, we ask you to honor a 3-hour time limit.
The quiet room is available first come, first served.
The same policy applies to the PA Room. This space is another option if the quiet room is unavailable. However, the PA Room contains books that may need to be accessed by patrons and/or staff during your session. The SMART Board is also kept in this room. If you are interested in using this technology, please refer to our policy here.
The PA room has a new long table with room for at least eight people.
Aside from these rooms, there are many tables available throughout the library. A recent addition is our two dry-erase top tables. Whether you are studying in a group, teaching a concept, or brainstorming ideas, these tables provide a convenient canvas for your thoughts. As an added bonus, these tables are equipped with charging ports for your devices.
We provide markers for our dry erase tables.
Our other work spaces include four long wooden tables (seats 4-6), two small circle tables (seats 2), and 2 square tables (seats 3) that are scattered throughout the library. Between all these options, there is almost always a place available for the work you need to do.
The library also provides eight computers for the public to utilize for 90-minute sessions (time extension is available at the front desk unless someone is waiting to use a computer). If you need to print a document, our printing fees are $0.15 per black and white page and $0.25 per color page. With our newly adopted technology called Princh, you can also print from your mobile device or laptop for the same cost.
Both patrons and guests may use the computers.
Whether you need books/resources, a space to focus on group work, a peaceful time to study, or all of the above, Rostraver Library encourages an environment of learning and collaboration. Visit us to try out one of our spaces or take a moment to relax with a book at one of our tables next time you stop in.
If you would like to see this level of services continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.
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.
Inspiring our community to learn, create, connect, and grow.
At Rostraver Public Library, we are always looking for ways to fulfill our mission statement. As an effort to better connect with our patrons, we have added this blog to our website. Here, you can read more about our events, be updated on library news, find book recommendations, and more. You can help us learn how to grow by commenting on the blog posts and giving us feedback about what you want to read about or see happening at the library. We may create the content, but we will act as a community with your help.
Rostraver Library offers a wide range of events, resources, and spaces for the entire community. Whether you are interested in educational programs, crafts, children’s activities, clubs, or movies, our events will offer something to fit your goals and passions. Stop in the library and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to check out all of our resources.
Children’s Room
As summer approaches, the library will be humming with the many programs and, most importantly, wonderful patrons who continuously support the library. Our website Events, Clubs, and Summer Reading Quest pages will be continuously updated with the summer’s activity. Our events calendar on the Home page most clearly organizes the layout of these events and provides a convenient way for patrons to register for some of the events that require registration. As always, call us or stop in the library with questions.
This blog will provide answers to common questions, share news, and allow a more extensive look at what is happening at the library. We hope that readers will be able to better understand our mission and how we constantly aim to help the community learn, create, connect, and grow.
