Tag: library

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.

Library Tour: Challenge Room/Makerspace

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

At Rostraver Library, we strive to fill our space with opportunities to advance learning, community, and discovery. Sometimes, a standard walk through the library doesn’t offer patrons the full picture of our resources and creative nooks. This post is the first of a series that will shine a spotlight on different sections of the library. First up – the Challenge Room/Makerspace!

This area is located in what patrons commonly know as the Book Sale Room. You can find it by making the first right as you walk into the building. The room is past the bathrooms at the end of the hallway, and it is free to use during library hours. Although this room is packed with different uses and purposes, there is still ample space for exploring the book sale or working on a project.

Walk down the hallway to find the Book Sale/Makerspace/Challenge Room

When you walk in, you may see the shelves crowded with bins and boxes. These are organized and labeled so you can have easy access for your creative project. Some of the supplies include crayons, markers, paint tools, tape, scissors, paper towels, stamps, and more. On the far right shelf, we have various puzzles, mazes, building sets, and activity packs available for in-library use. All of these materials on the wooden shelves are part of the Makerspace and can be used in projects.

Our Makerspace materials

The metal shelves on the right half of the room contain the Challenge Trays and other technology for learning opportunities. Currently, we have four Challenge Trays along with other assorted robotics and materials. The concept behind the Challenge Trays is to develop STEM learning and provide opportunities for children and their families to learn together.

The Simple Machines Challenge Tray

An example of our Challenge Trays is the Simple Machines tray. This green wooden bin contains a reference sheet with learning prompts, resources, and explanation on simple machines. From there, participants can explore the box of activity cards that lay out the different types of simple machines and challenge the learner to build them using the simple machines kit. In addition to these central pieces, there are various machine parts (slinky, clasps, etc.) to foster more building possibilities.

One of the activity cards in the Simple Machines Challenge Tray
There are instructions/reference sheets in each Challenge Tray

Thanks to generous donations, we are able to provide Simple Machines, Builder, Lego, and Paper Craft Challenge Trays. We also offer patrons access to Dash and Dot robots and a Snap Circuit kit. Dash and Dot is geared towards ages 6+ and Snap Circuits are for ages 8+, but ages can vary depending on the participant. This technology must be used within the library and the patrons are responsible for them while in use.

We also have a large mobile white board that offers patrons the opportunity to share what they learned or tested during their time with the Challenge Trays and other activities. This place for feedback is important for developing a sense of community and ongoing discovery, so please offer your comments and results after you’re finished!

As you look around the Challenge Room/Makerspace/Book Sale Room, you can spot more and more ways to stretch your imagination and build learning experiences. This room invites exploration, so carve out some time and delve into this creative space!

Call 724-379-5511 with questions, and check out our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.

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

Energy Audit at the Library

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

Today, Envinity, Inc. of State College visited the library to work on an energy audit. This audit was funded by a grant from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund that Rostraver Library received in March 2019 (you can read the grant press release here).

While at the library, Envinity carried out an initial meeting to discuss the history of the building and how the library got to be where it is now. They evaluated the building’s HVAC, counted lights, and took temperatures throughout the building. The library’s usage in gas and electricity was also evaluated.

Envinity members utilize the PA Room and SMART Board for their meeting.

In approximately 4-6 weeks, Envinity will present suggestions to make our library more sustainable. Using the information collected during today’s visit, they will help us explore different energy options and how those alternatives can be effective for our space.

We are excited as we move forward towards the goal of becoming energy efficient and sustainable. Follow our journey as we share any updates in the coming months.

Welcome to RPL’s Blog

Posted on by Laura Daugherty
Front Entrance

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
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.