The Tyrone-Snyder Public Library has a lot to offer individuals of all ages.
Patrick Baney teaches GED classes at the facility every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. The classes are held in the community room and walk-ins are welcome.
Last Wednesday kicked off preschool story hour for three to five-year-olds. Story hour is held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the community room and includes stories, finger plays, songs, games, crafts and more. The program is run by retired teacher, Liz Traxler, and requires registration. Call 684-1133 for more information or to register.
There is also an evening story time for parents and/or caregivers and children who are unable to attend the morning story hour. Sprouting Readers is held Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning tomorrow night. It is also for three to five-year olds and will last through October 16. Participants will be given tips on how to read with their child. To register, call 684-1133.
This Wednesday, September 26, there is plans for a special teen scrapbooking workshop, led by Mary Jane Rudakewich. Lasting from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., participants should register by calling the library at 684-1133. There is a limit of ten. Equipment will be supplied, participants are just asked to bring along photos and paper.
On September 27 at 6:30 p.m., there is a special presentation for teens. Kathy Henderson of Project Street Smart -Blair County Drug and Alcohol – will have a question and answer program on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C, and more. No registration is required, so come and have questions answered in a confidential manner.
Then on Saturday, September 29, Girl Scout registration will be held in the Community Room from 10 a.m. to noon.
Also on Saturday will be a Teen Advisory Board meeting, which will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Lunch will be provided. The meeting is for anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 interested in helping the Library set up a teen area in the facility. Participants will also be welcome to share ideas for teen programming.
The library has a lot of other programs to offer, along with equipment and facility use.
The computer lab provides an excellent place to retreat when in need of a break. Not just for research anymore, individuals can surf the web, research vacation hot spots and book travel arrangements. Public access computers provide high speed Internet connections, Microsoft Office software and access to the PA Power Library database.
Need to fax information or make a few copies? The library can help. The copy machine and fax services are available for public use.
For those individuals who find family history interesting, the library building boasts a genealogy room, perfect for researching the family tree. The Charles W. Banas, Jr. Tyrone Historical Room is home to historical information about Tyrone. Several local family genealogies can be found in there, along with some local cemetery listings, obituaries, TAHS yearbooks and area maps. The historical room comfortably seats six.
Can’t find the book you’re looking for? Through Interlibrary Loan, the library can help locate books from other libraries that are not available in Tyrone.
Many people may not realize that the Wesley S. Long Community Room, located in the library, is available for use by the public. Located in the rear of the building, the community room can be closed off from the library, allowing events to be held there after the library has closed. With a separate entrance and bathroom access, it’s perfect for organizations or individuals to use for meetings or special events. There is seating for 30 people and a kitchenette for coffee breaks. Also available is a computer projector and screen, television for showing instructional videos, a chalk board and a white board. Access for evening meetings is free to non-profit groups. There is a charge for other groups. Interested individuals may contact the library to make reservations.
“As you can see, the library has so much to offer, but we wouldn’t be able to provide all of these services without your financial support to help offset the operating expenses of the library,” said Library Board President, Susan Hunter.
The library is open Monday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking is available behind the building, off of 10th Street. There is also a handicap entrance off of the rear parking lot. Questions can be directed to the library at 684-1133.
