The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) American Girl® Doll Lending Library begin in 2015 with 10 libraries and a handful of donated dolls. Since then, the program has grown to include 100 dolls at more than 15 libraries, circulating thousands of times (collection total) countywide. The program provides all children with access to a cost-prohibitive toy, while also engaging readers in quality literature and sparking an interest in local history.
The Lending Library is housed at seventeen libraries across the county; however, children can check out the doll kits from any library in the county. Each doll kit contains the doll with accompanying outfit; a doll bed, pillow, and blanket; a corresponding book; hairbrush; journal; letter to the child; and a letter to the parent/guardian. The kit also contains a brochure, prepared especially for this project by the Heinz History Center, describing what Pittsburgh was like in the doll’s time. The Lending Library is not affiliated with the American Girl® brand.
The Lending Library was created with dolls that were either donated or purchased through monetary donations. The program’s success prompted the need to repair and replace the dolls and kits. ACLA welcomes donations of new or gently used American Girl® dolls, clothing, and books to help build kits. If you do not have a doll but are still interested in donating, funding is needed for carrying cases, maintenance, and administrative costs, as well as ensuring a wide diversity of new dolls. Donations of any amount are accepted. Click here to donate and include American Girl® Doll Lending Library in the comments. For more information or to arrange a doll donation, please contact Carrie Lane, ACLA Youth Services Coordinator (lanec@einetwork.net).
This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield features the American Girl® Doll Lending Library. To watch the full segment, click here. The book for this month’s segment is Slugfest, a tween novel set at summer school. Limited copies of the book are available, so if interested complete this survey after watching the segment. Check ACLA Youth Services on Facebook for book discussion questions regarding this book.
Learn more about book vending machines by following ACLA Youth Services on Facebook.