By Tara Bailey
-DID YOU KNOW-
→ Did you know libraries can be the cornerstone of a community? Some consider libraries as just places to borrow books free of cost. While that is true, libraries offer more than just easily accessible reading material.
Samuel Siskind, a University of Pittsburgh graduate with a master’s degree in library and information science, believes a local library is the focal point of a community.
“The atmosphere of a library has the perfect balance of quiet and liveliness,” said Siskind.
“That helps when connecting people to information. Libraries are much more than books. Libraries are the biggest partners in education and biggest supporters of technological advancement.”
From summer reading programs to computer classes, adult literacy programs and employment services, the local library is a community hub for educational advancement.
In the western suburbs of Pittsburgh, such as Sheraden, Sto-Rox, Crafton, Robinson and Coraopolis, local libraries add substance to their neighborhoods.
Sheraden branch of the Carnegie Library→ Did you know the Sheraden branch of the Carnegie Library has served the adjacent neighborhoods of Chartiers City, Crafton Heights, Esplen, and Fairywood since 1981?
Sheraden CLP is a second home for many and a safe place for children to learn, grow, and congregate amongst friends. The services provided by the library play an integral part in shaping the lives of community members by providing free access to wi-fi, public computers, and low-cost printing fees. Operational hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; 720 Sherwood Ave.
→ Did you know the Crafton Public Library originated from the local Woman’s Club and Girl Scouts door-to-door book collection in the 1930s? More than 90 years later, Crafton Public Library thrives and is now offering classes in yoga, hosts knitting and crochet clubs, and offers a plethora of free activities for children, teens and adults. Residents can find a full listing of programs at craftonpubliclibrary.com. Operational hours are Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 140 Bradford Ave.
Robinson Township Library→ Did you know the Robinson Township Library posts monthly job openings on its website? Robinson Township Library aids its residents with employment and with mental and physical well-being. Every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. the RTL hosts a healthy lifestyle program called “Wise Walk” for all ages. “Sit and Knit” is another lifestyle program for needleworkers of all ages to learn new or improve techniques. Attendees meet every Thursday virtually at 2 p.m. on Zoom. Along with virtual concerts and online teen game nights, RTL provides traditional services of book lending, computer access and literary programs. Operational hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 1000 Church Hill Road.
Sto-Rox Public Library→ Did you know the Sto-Rox Public Library has expansive programming for children, teens and adults? Finding summer jobs for teenagers is one worry for parents the Sto-Rox Library is trying to ease. Teens can apply for summer jobs in-person or over the phone at The Father Ryan Art Center/Sto-Rox Public Library. Free coding and app design classes are also available for youth. These courses provide children new tools and encourage reading, innovation and exploration. Developing virtual artist exhibitions and cooking classes offer convenient creative outlets even during COVID-19. The Sto-Rox Public Library prioritizes being fully accessible to the community and reaffirming the area’s rich focus on revitalization. Operational hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.; 420 Chartiers Ave.
→ Did you know the Coraopolis Memorial Library has a summer book sale running through Friday, June 11? This bargain book bonanza has paperbacks priced at 50 cents and hardcovers at $1. DVD movies are $1 each or six for $5. These reasonable prices ensure the residents of Coraopolis will have the opportunity to read books from the New York Times Best Seller list to classical literature. Operational hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 601 School Street.