One thing that Librarian Jessica Kiefer highlighted is that the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library is not a “shushing place” but a place for everyone to fall in love with reading. The main goal is to create an environment where each person feels welcomed and comfortable. The library is dedicated to supporting lifelong learning and fostering an admiration of reading in the community.
Most people have a preconceived notion about what a library is, but it is more than just a place to borrow books. It serves as a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of services and programs that provide valuable resources for personal and educational growth. One of the best aspects of the library is that obtaining a library card is free. This ensures that anyone can have access to all there is to offer. Not only are hard copies available, the library also has ebooks, dvds, Hoopla which is a newly offered digital borrowing app and many more.
The top floor of the library is devoted to children and is a wonderland for young readers. Along with children’s books, it is filled with a variety of toys and decorations designed to encourage learning from an early age. There are plenty of books, games, and activities that cater to different age groups and interests. Additionally, a small corner of the children’s floor has a parents’ collection so they are able to enjoy a book while their kids do the same.
The areas of play were recently expanded as very young children learn best through just that. There are many different resources available for kids including launch pads, which are tablets with pre downloaded apps and wonder books that have an audio system built in allowing children to read along as they listen.
In 2023, the library became a family place library with a new program, Play Learn Connect. The sessions have nearly a dozen activity stations allowing kids to socialize with others. This program also provides community resource professionals that propose tips to parents on various early childhood topics.
We are most certainly Thankful for the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, and we encourage the community to take advantage of all it has to offer.
