Carnegie Free Library offers programs for all ages
In the early 1900无毛视频檚, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was known not only for his success with the Carnegie Steel Company but also for his passion for reading and education.
He established 3,000 public libraries across in the United States and other countries. The thirteenth of those was the Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville.
无毛视频淭he people of Connellsville wrote a letter to Mr. Carnegie, and he agreed to support it. I actually have the original letter framed,无毛视频� said Sharon Martino, the library无毛视频檚 director. 无毛视频淭he only thing that this library doesn无毛视频檛 share with other Carnegie libraries is we don无毛视频檛 get funding from the Carnegie Foundation. We无毛视频檙e a Carnegie Library in name only,无毛视频�
When it opened in 1903, the library offered books, magazines and musical evenings in the second floor auditorium. Today, it offers access to more than a million volumes including magazines, e-books, audio books, music and movies.
No longer a music venue, the second floor of the library is now home to the Connellsville Area Historical Museum in collaboration with the Connellsville Area Historical Society.
In addition to the volumes offered at the library, patrons also have access to computers, a fax machine and a copier. And, said Martino, 无毛视频淲e have microfilm dating back many years for all of our local newspapers, and we offer genealogy research.无毛视频�
Carnegie Free Library also offers a number of free programs. Options for adults include exercise classes and resume building workshops. On Mondays, visitors are welcome to attend classes to learn about food insecurity, nutrition, cooking and budgeting.
Younger patrons can participate in three story hours throughout the week and a popular summer reading program at East Park in Connellsville. This year无毛视频檚 theme was Color My World, Martino said.
无毛视频淲e had a magician come in, the Wild World of Animals come in, the community theater group and others,无毛视频� Martino said. 无毛视频淓veryone makes a craft and reads a story. The last week (of the program) is like a carnival celebration.无毛视频�
As a nonprofit, Martino said they无毛视频檙e always looking for financial support. Patrons can purchase a book in honor of someone.
无毛视频淲e put a book plate inside that book, and we send you a letter saying the book you purchased is in honor or a memorial to whomever you chose,无毛视频� Martino said.
There are other ways the community can support the library too.
无毛视频淪topping by for a visit is always helpful. We want foot traffic. We need volunteers to help plan and serve in these programs we offer,无毛视频� Martino said. 无毛视频�
The library acts as a community gathering place for all ages and as technology advances, Martino said they continue to find new ways to serve patrons.
无毛视频淲e无毛视频檙e an important part of the community because of all the services we offer. We provide a way to learn and grow whether that无毛视频檚 a pottery class we无毛视频檙e offering or it无毛视频檚 simply access to the computer or current news,无毛视频� Martino said.
Residents of Connellsville can receive a free library card at the Carnegie Free Library. Visit https://www.carnegiefreelib.org/home for more information.