New year, new librarian, new children’s programs at library in Carnegie
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It is a new year full of possibilities and potential!
Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall has been a pillar of our community since 1901. Even with over a century of activity in the space, we still find ways to make each year a little different than the one before.
My name is Samantha Varela, or “Miss Sam” to our younger patrons. I was delighted to join the team here at the Carnegie Carnegie in November as the children’s librarian. In my short tenure, I have been thrilled to meet so many wonderful patrons of our space!
My predecessor, JoLynne Dougherty, set the bar very high for my role here. Having created such a wonderful community in the library, JoLynne laid a strong foundation our children’s department for success. Every day at the library is a new adventure for me.
As we begin 2023, I wanted to take some time to share about some very exciting programs coming up for children and teens.
I am excited to expand our storytimes available for families. Just a year ago, we had only two Storytimes a week. Now, every day we are open, we have a storytime available!
Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. are our Baby and Toddler Storytimes. For our preschool-age patrons (and kids of all ages), we have Preschool Storytime at 12:15 p.m. on Mondays and 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. These storytimes are a great opportunity for our youngest learners to hear stories, sing songs, do special crafts and play in the library! While storytimes are always fun, they also provide key skills in language arts, concentration and social skills.
That is just the start of the fun to be had at the library. Lego Club is back! Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m., children of all ages are welcomed to join us as we build a different project each week. We work together to see what amazing creations we can build with only our imagination and Legos.
Read to a Dog is back at the Carnegie Carnegie! Ginny the therapy dog is excited to visit the library on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. Ginny loves books, but, as a dog, Ginny can’t read. For those just learning to read, this provides a stress-free environment to practice the new skills, building confidence in early literacy. Readers can call us at 412-276-3456 to sign up for time slot to read to Ginny!
I am thrilled to announce a special collaboration with the ACFL&MH resident theater company Stage 62!
Stage 62 will be performing “Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical” in our Music Hall from Feb. 11-19. Before the cast takes to the stage, they would love to share actress Julianne Moore’s children’s book that inspired the musical! Join the cast from Stage 62 at a special storytime in our Studio on Saturday, Feb. 4. Families and children of all ages are welcomed to join!
Planning these programs has been fun, but not nearly as fun as sharing them with you will be! 2023 will be a year of new adventures for the library, and for me, as I grow into my role here. I am looking forward to seeing you at these events and the many more that are sure to follow this year.