Catalog refresh and summer programming kick off at the Mary S. Biesecker Library
Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 S. Rosina Ave., Somerset, is announcing a catalog refresh, a brand new library card, and its lineup for summer 2024 programming.
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The library is now fine-free, has automatic renewals, and offers improved notifications via email and text messages. To take full advantage of the refreshed catalog and access new digital resources online, the library encourages patrons to stop by the library to update an existing card or apply for a new one, said Christopher Saunders, communications assistant.
The new library card allows patrons to check out physical materials within the library and access digital resources including e-books, digital audiobooks, online magazines and free streaming movies.
"Mary S. Biesecker Public Library is making catalog easier for patrons to use and for us to use," Saunders said. "Because the new catalog system automatically renews books, it is a lot easier fine-free system. No more overdue fees. It was a pretty big process. It took JoAnn Critchfield and me the better part of three months to re-catalog the system. It was a lot of work for us here."
"This year marks the 111th year of the library operating in Somerset. We've spent the past several years investing in several projects to bring the library up to modern standards," said Morgan Simmons, library IT and facilities coordinator. "The catalog upgrade is one of the final pieces in making sure that the library best serves our community."
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Summer Reading program kicks off
In June, the Biesecker Library begins its in-person Summer Reading program for 2024. This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” encouraging children, teens and adults to enjoy the adventures that patrons can experience by reading a book.
"We're hosting two special visitors: an employee from Laurel Hill State Park at the July 2nd story event, to celebrate Smokey the Bear's 80th birthday, along with Chopper from the Johnstown Tomahawks on July 9th as part of the Tomahawks' 'When You Read, You Score' summer reading initiative," director Lee Ann Schrock said.
Sign up at the library by phone at 814-445-4011, or by using the form at maryslibrary.com for programs that include:
A weekly story event for toddler/preschool and kindergarten through first-grade children meets at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. This event will run for five weeks, June 11, 18, 25 and July 2 and 9.
The Budding Gardeners program returns at 10 a.m. Thursdays in June (6, 13, 20 and 27). Experts from the Penn State Master Gardeners of Somerset County teach the fun and fundamentals of gardening to children grades K-5. The SFSP Youth Cafe will also offer free lunches afterward to anyone who attends. The event is free but participants are asked to sign up as soon as possible as space is limited.
Children in grades 2-5 are invited to take part in the second- through fifth-grade Summer Reading Program from June 11 until July 9. This year, children can register at the library and pick up a bingo card to track their reading. Complete the card and return it to the library to win a free book.
Teen Summer Reading is also offered from June 11 through July 9 for children in grades 6-12. Teens can read at least one age-appropriate book and fill out a teen book review. Book reviews returned to the library make teens eligible to earn a free book to keep.
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For those who are unable to join the library in person, sign up for online summer reading through Beanstack at https://maryslibrary.beanstack.org from June 1 through July 31 to track reading, complete activities, and win online badges.
Whether patrons join in-person or online, the Mary S. Biesecker Public Library hopes you’ll take advantage of its new catalog features and programs this summer on a shared quest to pursue new adventures.
"We've spent so much time updating our facilities, it only makes sense to keep our primary goal – providing free and accessible library services to the community – up-to-date as well," Simmons said.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Mary S. Biesecker library kicking off summer activities in June