Get Carded at

Youngsville Public Library

Starting Monday as a kick-off to National Library Week, all five independent libraries in Warren County — Sheffield, Sugar Grove, Tidioute, Warren, and Youngsville — are coordinating a county-wide “Get Carded at the Library” campaign to encourage all county residents to either update their existing card or become a new card owner.

Any county resident ages 5 and above who has the status of their current card checked, registers as a new card owner or upgrades their card from the old green-bordered library card to the latest library card/key card version will receive a free chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Four winners will be drawn at each of the five libraries. The “Get Carded at the Library” Campaign will run from Monday through Saturday, May 6.

“Many of our county patrons and residents don’t realize that if your library card hasn’t had any activity for three or more years or hasn’t been physically updated in our data base system within the past three years that your library card most likely is no longer in the system,” said Kristy Wallace, Youngsville Public Library director. “In accordance to State Library standards, all libraries are required to purge patron accounts that have been inactive for 3 years and/or purge patron accounts that haven’t been updated for accuracy. This includes patrons who might only have a library card because they prefer accessibility to e-book and e-audio book options over physical materials.”

Because the five libraries share a countywide data base, users do not have to visit their “home library” to have their card updated or to get a new card. Visit any of the five libraries to receive a free raffle chance for the Amazon gift cards. Those participating must bring a photo ID with current address (or proof of current address) just in case their old card in no longer in the system. Parents/guardians who are in the system already may register youth 17 and under for a card. For details contact the nearest home library.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is that all five of us maintain an updated library card database that contains as many warren county residents as possible,” Wallace said. “Even if you only use a library for public computers, free wi-fi, to make copies, or for faxing – it is important to have a library card. Library card accounts help us to track non-traditional library usage too. The number of active, updated library card users can also affect funding for each of the five libraries at the state and local levels. Owning a current library card is important and has a ripple effect countywide.”

The funding implications are one reason the five libraries chose to cooperate on the Get Carded at the Library campaign, Wallace said. Typically efforts to share library services are focused on behind-the-scenes items.

“All five of us work together a lot behind the scenes to offer services to all county residents but for this campaign, we’re being a bit more upfront,” Wallace said. “As a group we pooled some programming resources to cover the Amazon gift cards because increasing and updating patron card holders is of the utmost importance for us and our residents. Plus, we hope that this campaign will encourage ‘soon-to-be-new-card owners’ to at least visit their area library to see what’s new. Many will be surprised by the technology, programming, outreach, free wi-fi, and other features that they’ll find. Rural libraries help to fill community voids and offer services that many couldn’t otherwise afford or have access to. Libraries are so much more than just-books. Your single library card – which is valid at all 5 libraries- will also give you access to a wide range of e-resources that include crafting classes, e-magazine options, self-paced educational courses and self-betterment classes, videos, access to borrowable hot-spots, e-audio, e-books, and many more reliable/vetted databases that we purchase as a county and district on behalf of our warren county patrons!”

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK EVENTS

National Library week is Monday through Saturday, April 29. The Youngsville Public Library will have special events and activities all week for children and adults to celebrate libraries. Events are free to the public.

Youngsville Library hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Library Week activities at the Youngsville Public Library include:

¯ All week long — “Blind date with a Book.” There will be a display near the circulation desk containing various children, youth, and adult books of varying genres. The books will be covered with butcher paper so that patrons cannot see the titles. The challenge is to choose, check out and take a book home to read (without viewing the book ahead of time). Library officials hope readers will find a new favorite author or new genre from their “Blind Date” with a book.

¯ Free Take & Make Crafts will be available for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Children may choose to complete the crafts on-site at the library or take the crafts home. There will be additional on-site craft stations too.

¯ Monday — Family Game Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a various family-style games available to play with at the library. Games will include an oversized (3-foot x 4-foot) Connect Four game, a 3-foot Jenga game, magnetic boards, and other interactive games and manipulatives to explore.

¯ Tuesday — Sensory story time from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for children ages 4 to 11, though all are welcome. No registration is necessary. Stop by and enjoy stories, songs, interactive movement activities, and sensory bin exploration.

¯ Wednesday’s events include a toddler story time from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for children ages 3 to 5, though all are welcome. No registration is necessary. Enjoy a more traditional story time that includes stories and music.

There are also three PA Career Link workshops Wednesday. From noon to 1 p.m. is an open, walk-in question-and-answer session for those interested in job search assistance or who want to explore free training and educational opportunities. From 1 to 2 p.m. there will be a resume writing workshop. From 2 to 3 p.m. there will be a cover letter workshop.

¯ Friday — “Building Block Party Day” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The children’s area will have a large set of sturdy wooden building blocks to spark the imagination as children have the opportunity to build and play. There will also be various animal figures available for children to play with in the building area. Children can have their pictures taken with their creations before to putting items back for the next person to use.

FUNDRAISERS

¯ Ladies’ Money Madness on Saturday, May 6, at the Garland Fire Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m., drawings start at 6 p.m. Enjoy a “ladies night” at the Garland Fire Hall with friends. A $25 ticket includes cash drawings and dinner with dessert. Event is B.Y.O.B. There will be a total of $1,500 in cash prizes as well as door prizes, basket giveaway, money talks tumblers giveaway, outdoor package, flower giveaway, grab bags, 50/50 tickets and pull tabs.

There will be 250 tickets sold and tickets are still available. Tickets are required to attend. There is a $50 package deal as well that includes a $25 ticket dinner/dessert and cash drawings ticket as well as a $35 gift certificate to use towards the side giveaways (a bonus of $10 in free raffle opportunities with the special deal). All proceeds support the Garland Fire Department. For tickets, contact Julie Beers at 814-673-4202. No ticket sales after May 2.

¯ Garland VFD Bingo: Monday, May 1, the Garland Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo. Doors open at 4 p.m., Bingo starts at 6 p.m. A $35 all-you-can-play ticket includes lucky numbers. Lucky numbers 1 are worth $500 while the second number is worth $100. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. All proceeds support Garland Fire Department.