MURRYSVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
MURRYSVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Jamie Falo – Director
The Murrysville Community Library is imbued with a rich history of dedication , commitment , and generosity . Our humble beginnings go back to the year 1922 when the Library was founded by the Murrysville Woman ’ s Club . In 1925 , the Library housed 1,200 books , circulated 145 items a month , and was opened five hours per week , 10 months per year . In 2016 , the Library housed 65,000 library materials , circulated approximately 12,000 items per month , and was opened 58.5 hours per week , 12 months per year .
Over the years as time , technology , and the community changed , the Library changed too . As we grow , we continually work to reinvent ourselves to help better and improve the lives of those within our community . We would like to share with you some of our most exceptional and
which included : Cookbook Book Club ; Meet the Author ; Painting on Glass and Canvas ; Creating a Healthy Community , with Blue Zone Basics ; Pictures for Books ; Our Creative Process ; Medicare Program ; Osteoporosis / Osteopenia Class ; and Ice Cream Social , which wrapped up our Adult Summer Reading Club . Building partnerships within the community has helped create even more informative and enjoyable adult programs .
Children ’ s programming is also an essential component of the Library . In 2016 , we introduced STORYTIME Stem-Packs™ in three Summer Reading Club programs . STORYTIME Stem-Packs is a unique product of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Math & Science Collaborative and our 2014- 16 piloting partnership with the Math & Science Collaborative . It represents an
Club , stories , face painting , crafts , and cookies and punch .
These programs and initiatives are still growing ! Next up : “ Build a Better World ” ( Summer Reading Club 2017 theme ) and adult and children programs featuring Solar Eclipse 2017 ( August 21 , 2017 ) which will include new STORYTIME Stem-Packs for children , designed in partnership by the Math & Science Collaborative , with NASA input as well .
Murrysville Community Library Foundation is a mainstay organization of the Library and continues to play a vital role in Library funding . Last year , the Foundation provided over $ 15,000 in funding to support special library projects , library programs , daily operations , and to purchase library materials such as DVDs , e-books , and best-seller and award winning
urrysville MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE NEWS successful stories from last year .
In 2016 , we created a campaign to market OverDrive , our downloadable e-book and e-audiobook collection platform . Library staff offered programs to assist patrons in downloading e-books and e-audiobooks to their personal devices . From these efforts , we saw a spike in e-content circulation from 7,008 in 2015 to 9,340 in 2016 . There are currently over 8,400 items available to borrow through our OverDrive collection . Downloading e-content is quick , convenient , and free ! We have a very knowledgeable and patient staff to work with you one-on-one to meet your technology needs .
Adult programming is an essential component of the Library . In 2016 , we strived to strengthen community by adding more unique adult programs offering the opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds and interests to come together for learning , literacy , and enjoyment . In addition to our popular regular adult programs focusing on active discussions , crafts , and health and fitness , we were able to offer several new programs advanced reading experience for children . Yet , it is still an easy-to-use , just-in-time resource that enables any educator or storyteller to incorporate STEM concepts into preK-4 children ’ s programming . Each STORYTIME Stem-Packs unit consists of one piece of children ’ s literature and accompanying STEM learning activities that directly connect to the theme and main ideas featured in the children ’ s literature , as well as to scholastic Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards in Math & English Language Arts . We take great pride in our strong STEM collaborations , and our leadership in advancing “ informal ” STEM learning for children .
We also take great pride in our year-end , holiday Jingles ‘ n ’ Gingerbread multicultural evening , attended in this , its third year , by 672 adults and children . We enjoyed the evening featuring talented Franklin Regional High School and Middle School student musicians , Bollywood dance performers , food and customs from members of the International Women ’ s books . In addition to the Foundation , the Library receives funding from many different sources , including the Municipality of Murrysville , the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , the Westmoreland County Commissioners , and generous donations from local businesses , civic organizations and individuals . We are sincerely grateful to all who make it possible for the Library to continue its service to the community .
Thank you to the Murrysville Woman ’ s Club for having the insight to establish a community library . We are proud to serve the ever growing changes and needs of the community . Also , thank you for the many ways that you support the Library . Strong community support allows Murrysville Community Library to provide resources and outstanding service that enhances the quality of life for all residents . If you have not been to your Library lately , stop in . Every Westmoreland County resident is eligible for a free Library card , so get yours today ! For more information , visit the Library ’ s website at www . murrysvillelibrary . org or call us at 724.327.1102 .
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