Thursday, September 1, 2016

The Altadena Library Card – Your Access to Inspiration, Information, Education and Entertainment

Today’s libraries are about more than books. They are creative educational spaces for learners from birth to high school and beyond. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the Altadena Library joins with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to make sure that every student has the most import school supply of all – a free library card.

Librarians provide important resources to families whose children are at the earliest stages of development, by teaching parents and caregivers the components of early literacy which help children develop the basic tools for school readiness. As of 2010, libraries in the United States offered more than 2.3 million children’s programs, which account for nearly two thirds of all library programming.

Older students can access high-speed Internet, digital tools and the opportunity to work with trained professionals on how to use them. Libraries also provide equity of access to digital tools and media, which has become increasingly important in high-poverty areas where students are less likely to have a computer or internet access in the home.

Libraries are also a training ground for students of all ages to expand their knowledge and explore creative pursuits. The development of makerspaces/media labs, are just one way libraries are seeking to meet this demand, ranging from low-tech, hands-on engineering opportunities for children and teens using toys and kits to the incorporation of high-tech tools like 3D printers.

Resources at the Altadena Library are available to anyone who has a library card. “Our Library provides access and programs for students of all ages,” says Altadena Library Director, Mindy Kittay. “For preschool age children we offer Read to Cedar, a program where a child can learn to Love to read by reading to Cedar the collie – a non-judgmental audience, and multiple Storytimes to encourage school readiness. For older children and teens, we offer hands-on STEAM programs such as games to learn coding, computers and 3D printing, sewing and other creative opportunities. For adults, we have guest speakers, ESL and literacy, book clubs, movies, business research and reference and our monthly Second Saturday celebrations with live music, to name just a few. There’s really something for everyone – and it’s all free with a library card.”

Throughout the course of the month, the library will host a number of activities, including special Inspiration Stations [pop-up opportunities to create and explore].

For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit the Altadena Library in person or visit the library online at www.AltadenaLibrary.org.