Martin Library began 2019 as the Library of the Year in Pennsylvania and received a Downtown First Award. It was rewarding to be recognized by both our peers statewide and in our local community.
Children
Our Children’s staff impacted our community through various programs and services. During 2019, families were engaged in 1000 Books before Kindergarten, with the first graduation ceremony held in August. Summer Quest exercised brains and the bodies through fun and free programs. Baby and Toddler, Preschool and Sensory Story Times empowered families to grow with their children.
Teens
With the leadership of Jennifer Johnson, Teen Manager, Martin Library’s Teen Leadership Committee and our Forum staff participated in and led award-winning events this year. The YCL Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) and the PRIDE Dance won awards at the state level for innovation and impact. Recently, the Part of the Story (POTS) program invited the same students who attended YES to reconnect with the author. During this event the students created a community impact billboard, designed to educate the community on the topic of bullying. Red Lion Schools District students created the winning billboard. Be on the lookout for these billboard in your local community.
Adults
As Martin Library enhances our current services, the library will add more opportunities to learn and connect with our neighbors. Popular programs such as Tech Time and Get That Job, a one on one learning opportunities for adults will continue. Martin Library is also piloting a program making Wi-Fi hotspots available to our members. Our staff is currently generating plans to catapult Martin Library into the future with enhanced teen and community gathering spaces. Volunteers will be needed!
As a PaForward Gold Star Library, we will present learning opportunities supporting needed literacies: Basic, Information, Health, Financial, Civic and Social. We will build community connections by inviting artists, poets, authors, engineers, makers, doers, magicians, storytellers and dreamers into our library.
As the Director of Martin Library, I invite you to dream with me and provide those dreams the needed resources to become reality.
Mina C. Edmondson 