Library LINK Newsletter
January/February 2022                                         Volume 18, Issue 6
PROGRAMMING NOTE:

Out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of all in mind, we've made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person programs for children and teens for the month of January. The situation is being monitored closely and a decision on February programming will be announced late in January.
 
Adult programs will continue as scheduled, but masks will be mandated for all those attending.
 
All other library services will continue normally.
 
STRATEGICALLY PLANNING THE LIBRARY'S FUTURE
 
There's a lot more to running a library than just buying books, offering storytimes, and assisting people on computers. While those are some of the core services that we offer, we also have to plan for the future in order to further our mission to strengthen our community by serving as a hub for information, inspiration, and enrichment.
 
Hence, the library's 5-Year Strategic Plan.
 
Planned over a 6-month period during the height of a global pandemic and adopted in May of 2021, our new plan challenges our library board and trustees to continue to grow and evolve on a variety of levels. Less than 6-months into the new plan, we've already successfully completed some  of our objectives. Most notably, we've hired a Director of Development & Communications. This big step will help us to achieve a number of the objectives we've set for ourselves. Take a look at our plan and see what we hope to achieve for our community over the next few years!
 
 
FEATURED PROGRAM: ADULTS
 
In addition to its ongoing book clubs, CPL offers a wide variety of programs for adults. Visit our Events Calendar for a complete list of programs and to register.
 
Thriving in a Digital World
presented by local author
Christina Avallone
 Tuesday, January 18 @ 6:00pm

Local author Christina Avallone will join us to discuss her book Thriving in a Digital World. Gain valuable insight into how to balance technology with everyday living for you and your family.
Please register to attend.
 
 
 
Financial Aid 101
for Parents & Teens
Tuesday, February 1 @ 6:30pm
 
This presentation provides an early understanding of the financial decisions students need to make concerning higher education. Wendy Dunlap of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will discuss higher education costs, the types of financial aid available, and
how to apply for it.
Please register to attend.
 
 FEATURED PROGRAMS: TEENS 
 
DiversiTeen
Monday, January 5 from 6-7pm (meeting virtually)
Monday, February 2 from 6-7pm
 
This new club is about exploring diversity in our community as well as in Teen Fiction. We will read and respectfully discuss books selected to inspire change, embrace diversity, and promote inclusivity. Help promote diversity and compete in our DiversiTeen Reading Challenge for some fun prizes.
Registration preferred, but not required. For teens in grades 6th-12th.
 
FEATURED PROGRAMS: CHILDREN
 
There's always a lot happening in CPL's Children's Department. In addition to storytimes and recurring programs like Tail Waggin' Tutors and Drop-in STEAM we have the occasional special event like the one featured here. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar to see everything that's happening!

 
Are you ready to start your child off on the road to reading? Join our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge! 
 
To register, go to the Children's Program Page on our website and click the link at the top. Log your books through Beanstack and stop by the library at each 100-mark milestone to add your child's name to our display.
 
Read any book to your newborn, infant or toddler to work towards the goal of 1000 books. Your child will earn stickers, coloring sheets and lots of praise from librarians along their reading journey.
 
Program launches January 1, 2022
 
 
THE FORGE: MAKERSPACE NEWS & EVENTS
 
     
 Schedule an Appointment to work in The Forge
 
Did you know that you can schedule an appointment time to work in the The Forge? This is the perfect oportunity to work on that craft project you've been meaning to finish, try out the embroidery machine, or learn how to design a file for laser engraving. There are so many possibilities! Appointments are free and open to anyone aged 12 and older. You can register for an appointment by visiting our Events Calendar.
 
 
Introduction to 3D Design & 3D Printing
Monday, January 24 from 6-7:30pm
 
Interested in learning about 3D design so you can use our 3D printers? Join expert maker and Cranberry resident Alan Bachmann for an orientation to Tinkercad, 3D Builder, and PrusaSlicer. Learn how to use this software to create models for 3D printing.
 
This program has a $5 fee, payable by cash or check at the door. 
 
IMPORTANT: Please come prepared with a Windows laptop and mouse. 
If you are able prior to the program, please:
1. Create a tinkercad.com account
2. Download 3D Builder
3. Download PrusaSlicer  
 
Disclaimer(s): Mask Required
The Library is mandating masks for all adults and children 2 years of age and older during all library programs and storytimes.
 
 
This program is open to those 18+.
Registration is required and space is limited.
 
 
 
FOCUS ON ONLINE RESOURCES
 

Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered to library card holders that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebook, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone -- and even your TV! Titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later.
 
We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips 24/7.
 
The best part ... it's free to use courtesy of the Butler County Federated Library System!
 
 
Looking for more?
Visit the Electronic Resources section on our website!
 
 
SUPPORT CRANBERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY
 
2021-22 Annual Giving Campaign
 
Ask any one of the library staff why they work in the library and they're likely to tell you it's because they like helping people. It's why we're here! That and for the stories, of course. Here's just one story of how we've made a difference in our community:
 
Diane was at her wits' end. She had been searching for books about hearing-impaired children for her three hearing-impaired children, and she couldn’t find any anywhere. That’s where we came in. Our children’s librarian found a series with a hearing-impaired character, making Diane’s day and giving her sons the representation they deserve.
 
Diane told us: "When I think of how many kids and parents could read these books and understand a little bit more because our librarian took the time to care, it makes me emotional." 
 
Support from our donors make stories like these possible. If you haven't already donated to our annual campaign, consider making a donation today!
Cranberry Public Library
2525 Rochester Road, Suite 300
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066
(724) 776-9100
www.cranberrylibrary.org