Flenniken Public Library

102 E. George Street / Carmichaels, PA / 15320
Website: www.flenniken.org / Main Number: 724-966-5263

Flenniken Public Library provides equal access to information and programming for the entire community. It offers opportunities for intellectual, economic, and social growth with a special emphasis on literacy skills.

The Library provides free educational resources and entertainment opportunities to Greene County residents of all ages. This is made possible by making diverse resources available in a variety of formats. By participating in the WAGGIN Library Network, card holders may borrow from a collection of over 800,000 items including books, DVDs, magazines, audio books, music CDs, puppets, and more. The library also has digital resources that are available 24/7 including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, streaming and downloadable music, and access to over 25 databases covering topics such as health, business, career training, genealogy, even college prep!

The weekly early literacy classes for toddlers and preschoolers teach young children (and parents) the benefits of reading together and prepare kids for kindergarten. The Greene County Reading Competition and Book Club tie-in promotes reading among all grade-school levels. The Library supports Teen Education through STEM training, college and career workshops, and more. Computer and Technology classes are open to all ages and special seminars catering to adults take place at the library as well as a local senior center each month. A community garden provides not only learning opportunities when it comes to gardening, but also free produce available to everyone. For flexibility, the Library also offers Gale Courses, 6-week online classes comparable to community college courses—FREE with a library card.

During summer months, the educational programs are expanded to help prevent the loss of reading-level skills while also promoting the Library as a “Third Place” (outside of home and school) where children can thrive during school break. Flenniken also provides nutritional lunches to children under 18 as part of the Greene County Summer Food Program and vegetables harvested from the community garden.  In 2018, the library provided programs for more than 250 individual children. Over the course of 6 weeks, attendance at library programs almost topped 1,500. The number of Children’s books borrowed during this short period is triple that of other months.  The Library is for EVERYONE. Working with local schools to market the summer reading program to those students and their families who might benefit most is a primary goal for 2019.
 
SUCCESS STORY
  Gale Courses  Expert Instructors - Engaging Environment! Public libraries can now meet the needs of their onsite and online library users by providing Gale Courses, an instructor-lead online educational program designed to provide quality personal, professional, and career development. Hundreds of online courses focused on educational and career development, along with personal enrichment - e.g., business development, writing skills, learning a language, and all levels of computer/technology offerings.  Gale Courses are available through the Flenniken website for patrons to access at home or in the library and paid for by WAGGIN at the district level.   Examples of patron success stories are:

• A local executive and his family took the Speed Spanish courses when his job took him to Central America.
• A community member took all three levels of the Veterinarian Tech programs and is now seeking employment in the field.
• A patron took the medical transcriptionist classes and found employment.

Upcoming Events
December 12 - Operation Warm
Operation Warm is made possible through grants from the EQT Foundation and WQED Pittsburgh.  Operation Warm provides free winter coats to children.  The event takes place on Saturday, December 12th from 1-3 pm at the library.  In addition to a free coat, kids will receive a free book and goodie bag.  This event is first come, first serve.  COVID-19 protocols will be in place, so please wear your mask and practice social distancing!  For more information call the library at 724-966-5263.  No registration is needed.
 
Beanstack - On-going
Check out Flenniken's new app called Beanstack.  Beanstack can be accessed on your computer or through the mobile app on any device.  There are many reading challenges available to participate in.  During the summer, all ages can participate in the summer reading challenge.  Currently they have the 10 to Try, Read Woke, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and the GCLS Reading Challenge.  More challenges are added throughout the year.  Participating is easy.  Create your account, log your books, and enter to win! 
 
Be sure to follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flennikenlibrary for Story Time with Ms. Noma and Take and Make Crafts with Grace.
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For more information, visit Flenniken Public Library website or give them a call at 724-966-5263.