Libraries: Your Community Connectors |
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Pennsylvania PBS stations collaborate with libraries throughout the Commonwealth all year long. Libraries offer a variety of programs and events to engage learners of all ages - just like your local Pennsylvania PBS station!
This summer, we are talking with our library partners to learn about their summer programs and events, and how libraries serve as a community connector.The first two libraries we showcase are the Adams County Library System and Bethlehem Area Public Library.
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“Libraries are a great community place. During children programs, moms with kids in the same age group are getting connected and I have seen life-long friendships being formed during story time.”
-Sherry Feeser, Youth Services Coordinator, Adams County Library System in Gettysburg
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The Adams County Library System (ACLS) is the organization that unites 6 libraries to provide local residents with materials and information services for formal and lifelong learning, enrichment and pleasure.
Sherry Feeser is the Youth Services Coordinator for ACLS and has served the library system for 22 years. During our interview with Sherry, she expressed her sincerest belief that libraries are more than just a place for checking out books. Click here to find out more about ACLS's Summer 2021 programs.
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"I think libraries are one of the few remaining places where everyone, regardless of their background, is welcome to come and get together."
-Josh Berk, Executive Director, Bethlehem Area Public Library in the Lehigh Valley
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The Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) provides free and open access to a wide array of materials and information, and is a dedicated community partner. The BAPL serves over 114,000 residents of the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Fountain Hill, and Hanover Township.
During our interview with Josh Berk, the Executive Director of BAPL, he spoke about the unique aspects that the library has to offer other than its great collection of books, and addressed how vital libraries are to local communities.
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Standards-aligned learning and fun all Summer! |
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From June 21 to September 3
Learning at Home shifts to a new time starting June 21: 7am-12pm with programs and activities for Pre-K to 3rd grade students. PBS KIDS programs, including Curious George, Molly of Denali, and Elinor Wonders Why, present lessons in Social and Emotional learning (SEL), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), the Arts, and more. There's a weekly activity schedule that ties learning goals to summer fun!
The fun (and learning!) continues at 1pm with It's Camp!, a 30-minute program produced by PBS39 at Valley Youth House's Camp Fowler, that brings the best parts of camp to your home this summer! There are also weekly guides that correspond with the activities on It's Camp!
It's Camp! also includes American Sign Language (ASL) so students of all abilities can join the fun!
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WITF and WPSU help students get ready for Kindergarten |
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A kindergartner with a STEAM educational activity and their copy of “Señorita Mariposa”, received through WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program. |
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Through its Explore in the Classroom program, WITF, the PBS and NPR member station in Central Pennsylvania, has provided over 1,000 kindergartners with educational kits that include three books, interactive lesson plans and four STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities. These materials were distributed to 16 schools in York City, Lancaster, and Harrisburg school districts this year.
WITF's EITC program is designed to enhance literacy and STEAM learning for young students enrolled in underserved school districts. Since 2016, WITF estimates it has distributed over 13,000 brand-new books to partnered school districts.
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Shelly Wright, Janine Maines, and Albert Kline from Skills of Central PA, Altoona Area School District (AASD)Superintendent Dr. Charles Prijatel, State Senator Judy Ward (R-30th), State Representative Lou Schmitt (R-79th), WPSU Education Manager Sarah Hamilton, AASD State and Federal program Director Haley Fleegle, and Jennifer Neely from WPSU's Board of Representatives at the Altoona Area School District Learning Express Preschool (AASD).
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Since April, WPSU has provided 6,800 Family Grab and Go Kits throughout the 24 county-area served by WPSU, with funding provided by the PA Department of Education:
- 1,800 students in grades 3-5 received Stress Relief Bags in April
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Pennsylvania PBS stations recognized by Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters |
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The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters held a virtual event on June 18 to celebrate "outstanding achievement in broadcast television and radio". Congratulations to the Pennsylvania PBS stations recognized for outstanding work in a variety of categories!
Click below to see the list of award-winning programs!
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Pennsylvania PBS - Who We Are
Pennsylvania PBS (PA PBS) is the collective name for seven public media organizations located throughout the Commonwealth.
Our Vision
Inspired and empowered by its partners, Pennsylvania PBS will be a keystone in the civic, educational and cultural fabric of the Commonwealth.
Our Mission
To leverage, unify and amplify the education mission and collective impact of the 7 Pennsylvania PBS stations in the lives of all Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania PBS reaches over 12.4 million Pennsylvanians in large, diverse, rural and under-served communities.
Our Partners
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