KITTANNING -- Libraries just aren't what they used to be -- they're better.
Anyone who holds a library card for Kittanning, Ford City, Apollo or Worthington can have access to the "Power Library," said Amanda Powell, head librarian of the Kittanning Library. Moreover, some libraries offer out-of-the-ordinary services, such as obtaining dog licenses or passports.
Powell said the Power Library may be used by anyone with Internet service and holding a membership card from one of the four libraries in Armstrong County.
"With the Power Library you may access 'Ask Here PA' to chat with a reference librarian." Powell said. "Reference librarians are located all across the United States, or you may check any of the 3,018 public libraries in Pennsylvania to see if they have a book or reference work not available locally. There are more than 15 million book titles in the system. If we do not have the book you want in Armstrong County, it can be borrowed from a library that does have it. If available, it will be sent to one of our local libraries for patrons to check out."
Powell said information on almost any subject is available but some people may have a difficult time finding it or knowing exactly where to look. Reference librarians use their research expertise to help patrons find the answers or materials they need. She said that library members can use library computers to find anything from automobiles for sale or jobs, write letters or play games.
Anita Bowser of Ford City Library said that librarians and library assistants are willing to help people learn basic computer skills and to navigate the Internet. She said libraries also hold classes for people to learn various skills.
"We've had an on-going series of composting classes offered by the Master Gardeners and the County Extension Office" she said. "Gardeners can learn composting skills and everyone attending receives a free composting bin. We also hold computer classes here from time to time. And for entertainment, once a week we show free movies."
Movies in DVD or VHS format may be rented from any of the Armstrong County libraries.
"At Ford City we have movies of every genre," Bowser said. "We even have some 'R' rated movies and they are quite popular."
Bowser said Ford City Library has an active outreach program and this summer, the library staff will hold children's programs in Ford City playgrounds twice a week.
At the Kittanning library, Powell hopes to resume an early evening "game night" activity for teens.
"On Game Nights teens can come in and set up four or five different game systems such as X-Box, or Play Station 2, or they can play different Internet computer games.
"They can play as individuals or in team competition," Powell added. "It's a very popular program. Each night we had 20 to 30 young people come in to play. However, we've had to temporarily suspend it due to lack of funding. Presently we are raising funds to resume Game Night by selling Miller Hoagie Shop coupons for $4.25 each. We hope to reopen Game Night by the end of summer."
Barb Janssen of the Apollo Memorial Library said the library offers services not normally in the scope of most libraries. Apollo library patrons may buy Armstrong County dog licenses and the library also offers a certified passport service.
"A library should be a place for community services," Jannsen said. "That's what we had in mind when we decided to sell the dog licenses. We're in the southern part of the county and with the price of gas people don't like to drive 20 or so miles to buy a dog license.
"We're also a certified passport agency. We had to take special training to do this, but it's one more opportunity for us to serve the local community. People sometimes ask if we're going to start selling fishing licenses or maybe marriage licenses. I tell them 'not yet,' but who knows, maybe that's next."
Jannsen said the Apollo library has books on tape that are popular not only with visually handicapped people, but also drivers.
'We have a number of people in the area who commute to Pittsburgh for work," she said. "Our books on tape are very popular with commuters. It's a nice way to pass the time while on a long drive."
Timi Kost is in charge of the Worthington Library. Although a smaller library, Worthington carries about 14,000 items and offers the same basic library services as Kittanning, Ford City or Apollo. Kost said if the library does not have a book that is carried by another library, it can be sent to Worthington at no cost. She said obtaining a book from another library may take several days to a week.
Additionally, the Worthington Library has a preschool Story Time program for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers for several weeks every spring and fall. Kost said the library is obtaining additional preschool educational materials. The library will participate in the Summer Reading Program which runs from the end of June through July.
On a final note, Bowser said librarians and their staff are on hand to answer questions.
"We get asked all sorts of questions," Bowser said. "People even call to ask how to spell words. Sometimes people are hesitant about asking questions. I tell them to never be inhibited about asking questions or asking for help in finding information or how to research a subject. That's why we're here. When people ask us for help, we know we're helping the community."
For more information about the libraries of Armstrong County and about the Power Library, visit their Web site.
