IN West Allegheny Fall 2017 | Page 22

Western Allegheny Community Library Wins Two Pennsylvania Library Association Best Practice Awards T WACL is one of only three libraries in the county to win statewide recognition. he Western Allegheny Community Library was one of just three in the county recognized by the Pennsylvania Library Association for best practices by winning not one, but two awards for its programming. The awards were announced in May by the Best Practices Committee, and Western Allegheny Community Library, Millvale Community Library and Robinson Township Library all were recognized for their outstanding efforts in children’s programming. WACL earned the Best Practice Award for Display and Design for its “Teen Recommendation Cards,” a fun and easy way for teens to leave their mark on the library and get involved. The cards are dry erase and placed around the teen department for teens to pick a favorite read and tell others about it. Recommendations are not just for books but board and video games as well. The Teen Recommendation Cards are a way for the teens to get involved more at the library. 20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Allegheny Western Allegheny Community Library also earned the Best Practice Award for Infant/Toddler Programming for “Building Blocks,” which helps caregivers and babies experience the joys of reading together. Reading, talking, playing and singing are crucial to a child’s growth and development, and are the reason behind the Building Blocks program. Packs include a black and white board book, activity guide, book list, a reusable bag and tips on the importance of reading. Amanda Kirby, Director at Western Allegheny Community Library, said the libraries will receive their awards formally during a ceremony breakfast at a state conference in October, and the programs will serve as templates to be shared with association members across the state. “We’ll get an award to hang at the library and we’ll have the opportunity to talk about our particular programs,” Kirby added. “Libraries are encouraged to reach out to each other to share some