September 2020
 
*Closed Monday, September 7
 
in observance of Labor Day.
In this Issue
September 2020
New Overdrive Partnerships
Professional Resource Center - PRC
Children's Programs
Genealogy Programs
Tweens and Teens Programs
The Spirit of Fall Festival and Community Scarecrow Contest
eResources
UPDATED HOURS (Beginning September 8th)
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday : 10AM-4PM
  • Tuesday and Thursday : 10AM-6PM
  • Saturday: 9AM-12PM
  • Sundays: Closed
HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The well-being of our community and staff is always our top priority.
 
What we're doing to keep you safe:
  • Offering contactless holds pickup.
  • Maintaining 6 feet of distance between each other.
  • Wearing face coverings while inside the library.
  • Following cleaning and disinfecting protocols put out by the CDC.
  • All toys have been temporarily removed from the children's area.
What we're asking you to do:
  • Do not enter the library if you currently have or recently had a fever, cough, shortness or breath, or are feeling unwell.
  • Keep your hands clean. Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the library.
  • Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others.
  • Wear a face covering while inside the library.
  • Follow all directional signs and floor markings.
LIMITED COMPUTER USE
In order to comply with social distancing guidelines our staff cannot currently assist individuals in a side-by-side/one-on-one manner. This means we are still available to answer questions at the reference desk, but we are not able to stand beside our visitors in order to teach the basics of how to use a computer or assist in the navigation of the internet or websites at this time. We look forward to being able to offer this assistance again in the future when it is possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 
 
Call 724-287-1715 to schedule an appointment. Patrons are limited to one hour per day. Appointments are limited and are made on a first come, first serve basis. Appointments can be made up to two weeks in advance.
 
Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Go to the second floor Reference Desk where a staff member will assign you to a specific computer. Bring your library card or your photo ID. 
 
You must wear a mask at all times. Room capacity limits will be enforced. The computer keyboard, mouse and nearby surfaces are cleaned between each use.
 
Genealogy Department Hours
The Weir Room is currently open to the public by reservation Mondays from 10-4, Thursdays from 12-6, and one Saturday a month from 9-12. Scheduled Saturdays are September 12, October 10, and November 14.
 
This schedule allows us to quarantine used research materials and microfilm.
 
Please schedule your research visit by calling 724-287-1715 or emailing mhewitt@bcfls.org.
 
We are also still filling all research requests by mail, phone, or email - get in touch with your questions! Genealogy staff is available Monday-Friday to help.
 
RETURNING ITEMS AND DUE DATES
Our book drops are now open 24/7 for you to return your checked out library items.
  • Returned items will be quarantined for 3 days before getting checked in.
New Overdrive Partnerships
The New Castle Library District has partnered with the Erie Public Library and Crawford County Federated Library System, allowing readers to access a much greater selection of ebooks and audiobooks.
 
To access the collections of the partnering libraries, look for "partner libraries" links on the LAMB OverDrive Website, in the Libby app, or in the classic OverDrive app.  
 
You can sign in to the partner collections with your existing library card, and any items you check out will appear on your existing digital bookshelf. The number of items you can check out, the length of loan, and the number of holds you can place are based on the guidelines for the library from which you are borrowing the item.  
 
Thanks to OverDrive and the partner libraries (Erie Public Library and the Crawford County Federated Library System) for making this partnership possible! 
 
Professional Resource Center - PRC
What is the Professional Resource Center (PRC)?

The PRC is a set of tools to help job seekers, educators, business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members who want to help Butler grow.
 
What kind of tools are in the PRC?
 
It currently includes links to free training and digital skills lessons, educational curricula, and many other resources. We have even recorded videos that give an overview of different resources and how to use them. We will continue adding new tools, services, and programs in the future. 
 
Where can I find the PRC?
 
We have a special area on our website! You can find it at https://www.butlerlibrary.info/prc
You can also email baplreference@bcfls.org for more information.
 
This program is presented in collaboration with Grow with Google, and is made possible by funding from the American Library Association (ALA) and Public Library Association (PLA)
 
Children's Programs
Online Toddler Storytime
Tuesday, September 22, 10:30 AM
Facebook

Toddler Storytime is full of stories, songs, and fun for children birth to age 3 and their caregivers. Each week, we share songs, rhymes, and stories around a theme. It is a great opportunity for our youngest patrons to improve their literacy skills.
S.T.E.M. Smackdown Bookclub
Wednesday, September 23, 4:00 PM
Zoom
Kids in grades K-3 are invited to join our new online STEM Smackdown Book Club! For each session, we will meet on Zoom to discuss a different book from the STEM Smackdown series, available on Hoopla, and complete a STEM activity.

Our first session will be Wednesday, September 23 at 4 pm, when we will discuss the book "Who Invented the Airplane", by Karen Latchana Kennedy.  Students should check the book out on Hoopla and have it read before the session. Beginning Monday, September 21, students can also pick up the corresponding activity pack here at the library. 

For more information, or to get the Zoom link, contact Ms. Tiffany, tharkleroad@bcfls.org.
Online Preschool Storytime
Thursday, September 24, 10:30 AM
Facebook

Preschool Storytime is a program for 3 to 5 year olds and their caregivers. Each week, we will work on emerging literacy skills through songs, rhymes, and stories focused on a theme. Preschool Storytime is a great opportunity for our young library patrons to improve their literacy skills.
Genealogy Programs
Family History Fridays
Fridays, September 11th and 25th, 1:30 pm
Facebook & YouTube

A new genealogy lesson will premiere on Facebook and Youtube.

View all past videos on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/watch/ButlerAreaPublicLibrary/1085542648459302/ 
or on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa5IpmN0dLORMT2G2oGKAIeDg6LnebLIN.
Genealogy Saturdays
Saturday, Sep 12th, Oct 10th, & Nov 14th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Genealogy Room, 2nd Floor of the Library

Can't visit on Mondays or Thursdays for research? Staff is available 9am-12pm one Saturday a month for extra research help!

Make an appointment with Margaret at mhewitt@bcfls.org or 724-287-1715 to reserve a one-hour research appointment.

Upcoming dates are September 12, October 10, and November 14
Tweens and Teens Programs
YA Gaming Guild
Saturday, September 5, 1:00 PM
Discord

For grades 4 - 12, the YA Gaming Guild is scheduled to meet on Sat., Sept 5 at 1pm through our Discord server. The topic of discussion will be the timing and frequency of future meetings, as well as online gaming platforms that can be utilized for the remainder of the year.

For more information or to register please contact Tristyn at tparker@bcfls.org.
Teen Trivia Hour
Thursday, September 10, 3:30 PM
Google

Teens grades 7 - 12 are invited to answer questions about fandoms, science, history, and more! Teen Trivia Hour will be hosted through Google.

For more information or to register please contact Tristyn at tparker@bcfls.org.
Teen Audiobook Club: Dystopian Fiction
Tuesday, Sept 15th, 29th, & Oct. 13th , 4:00 PM
Discord

Teens grades 7 - 12 can now participate in our first ever teen audiobook club. The first book is "Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi Meetings will take place through Discord every other Tuesday. Audiobooks are available through Hoopla Digital!

For more information or to register please contact Tristyn at tparker@bcfls.org.
Tween Audiobook Club: I Survived series
Thursday, Sept 17th, Oct 1st, & Oct 15th, 4:00 PM
Discord
Tweens grades 4 - 6 can now participate in our first ever tween audiobook club. The first three books are:
 - "I Survived: Hurricane Katrina, 2005"
 - "I Survived: The Children’s Blizzard 1888"
 - "I Survived: The Great Chicago Fire, 1871"

Meetings will take place through Discord every other Thursday. Audiobooks are available through Hoopla Digital!

For more information or to register please contact Tristyn at tparker@bcfls.org.
Tween Karaoke Hour
Tuesday, September 22, 4:00 PM
Zoom

Do you like to get your sing on? Or are you more of a backup dancer? Either way, we have a spot for you! Tweens and teens in grades 4-6 are welcome to join us for an hour of musical fun!

Please contact Tristyn at tparker@bcfls.org to register and for more information.
The Spirit of Fall Festival and Community Scarecrow Contest
The Spirit of Fall Festival
Saturday, September 19 - 10 am to 2 pm
 
Thanks to the generous support of the Butler Fall Festival Board of Directors, the library will be keeping the spirit of Fall Festival alive with an afternoon of socially distanced fun and grab and go activities, including:
 
- Fall Themed Story Walk
- Community Scarecrow Contest
- Adult Grab and Go craft kits
- Tween and Teen Grab and Go craft kits
- Children's Grab and Go activity bags
- Refreshments
 
Community Scarecrow Contest
Saturday, September 19 - 8 am - 9:30 am Scarecrow assembly
1 pm Judging with prizes to follow
 
Individuals, families, and community members are invited to enter the Community Scarecrow Contest, as part of the library's Spirit of Fall Festival program.  Participants must complete and submit a registration form no later than 4pm on Thursday, September 17.
 
Participants may use any materials they wish, and will bring them to the library to assemble their scarecrow between 8 am and 9:30 am on Saturday, September 19. Scarecrows must be free standing and family friendly. All scarecrows will be displayed on library property and judging will be held at 1:00 pm that same day. Prizes will be awarded after judging is completed. 
 
Visit the library for a registration form, or contact Ms. Tiffany for additional information, tharkleroad@bcfls.org
 
Sponsored by the Butler Fall Festival Board of Directors.
 
       
 
eResources 
Ancestry Library Edition                                                      
Butler County card holders still have temporary at-home access to Ancestry Library Edition in September! Use this time of distancing to explore your roots around the world. Please email baplreference@bcfls.org with your name and library card number for the password.

Access Ancestry by going to the Genealogy page of our website: https://www.butlerlibrary.info/genealogy  Then click on the button that says, "Ancestry Library Edition at Home" and enter the password we provide.
 
Obituary and Newspaper Index
Welcome to the Butler Area Public Library Online Newspaper Database--an index to over 476,000 newspaper articles published in Butler County newspapers from 1818-2019. This collection is primarily obituaries and death notices, but you will also find citations for marriage license, divorces, accidents, court notices, and more. (Click on the resources name to access.)
 
Flipster 
Online magazines for you to borrow and read on your digital devices. (Click on the resources name to access.)
 
Freading
eBooks for you to borrow and read on your digital devices. These books cannot be read through you Kindle app. (Click on the resources name to access.)
 
Hoopla (New eResource!!!)
Let's make some noise for the new app with the funny name. Now you can download up to 4 items per month - current movies and lots more - with your library card, from the convenience and safety of your home. (Click on the resources name to access.)
 
Mango Languages
Time to learn a new language. Check out this great resource. (Click on the resources name to access.)
 
OverDrive
eBooks and audiobooks galore. Many formatted for both Kindle and other devices. (Click on the resources name to access.)
 
Also, click on the link below to check out the library's
"How To" video series on YouTube. You can watch step-by-step
walk-throughs on how to access these eResources.
 
Library's YouTube Channel
 
 
Butler Area Public Library
218 N. McKean St.
Butler, Pennsylvania 16001
(724) 287-1715
www.butlerlibrary.info