South Fayette Township Library Awarded $3,000 for a One Book, One Community Program
South Fayette Township Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.
One Book, One Community is community-wide reading program designed to promote the value of reading and lifelong learning and to facilitate a discussion about an issue facing the community.
While the final selection of the title will be determined by a community-wide vote in June, all the suggested titles will touch on some aspect of the toll the pandemic has taken on South Fayette. “Issues of isolation and disruption have become a stark reality for our community members personally and professionally. One Book, One Community will give the community a chance to connect with each other and share experiences,” said Library Director Ben Hornfeck.
The library will host several conversations and programs related to the chosen title. Some will be online, but they are hoping to have some in-person opportunities as well. As part of the grant, Sarah Grebinoski, Adult Programming Coordinator, took an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today.
Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.