Whole Person Librarianship: A National Movement
Whole Person Librarianship is an approach drawing from social work concepts, such as cultural humility and person-in-environment, to help librarians become more confident in learning from, interacting with, and serving diverse patrons. Sara Zettervall, MLIS, and Mary Nienow, MSW, started the movement in 2012, and since then dozens of libraries across the country have […]
Celebrating Three Years of Social Work Students in Libraries
In recent years, the role of libraries in our communities has changed significantly. Today’s library-goers visit for any number of reasons: to use a computer, take a tutoring session, attend a story time, join a yoga class, or just to be somewhere safe. Library staff are trusted fixtures in their communities and, as such, […]
Meet ACLA’s Social Work Program Coordinator, Katrina Mink
ACLA is pleased to introduce the newest member of our team: Katrina Mink, BSW/MSW, Social Work Program Coordinator. Katrina directly oversees all aspects of the social work program, including field instruction for students, coordinating with Pitt’s School of Social Work, and providing additional social work services to libraries without a student placement. Katrina has […]
National Library Week 2022
National Library Week (April 3- 9, 2022) is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2022 is “Connect With Your Library.” During the pandemic, library workers continue to exceed their communities’ demands and adapt resources and services to meet their users’ needs […]
Allegheny County libraries launch campaign to diversify leadership boards and committees
In 2021, ACLA launched The Talent Bank – a new online resource to help local libraries to acquire the interest and talents of community members to serve in leadership positions. Many opportunities for library board of trustees and volunteer committee positions exist among ACLA’s 46 public libraries. Through The Talent Bank, ACLA and its member […]
“Love Your Library” campaign raises a record-breaking $1.23 million for Allegheny County Libraries during the month of September
The Jack Buncher Foundation provides match to support literacy and learning During September’s annual Love Your Library campaign, Allegheny County libraries raised a record-breaking $1.23 million in charitable contributions, more than any previous year. Of this amount, almost $772,000, the largest amount of eligible funds ever raised, is eligible for a prorated match from […]
A Word from Our CEO, Amy Anderson
Hello and thank you all so much for the warm welcome I have received so far. I have always wanted to come back to Pittsburgh and I am so excited to be here working with the libraries of Allegheny County. Over the next several months, I want to learn more about the communities throughout […]
Student Library Cards Roll Out in Woodland Hills and West Allegheny School Districts
Studies have shown that the benefits of using a library include better success in school and an increased likelihood of continued use of the library into adulthood. However, not all children are given the opportunity to use the library due to various barriers. The Allegheny County Library Association is proud to announce that two […]
Path to Success: Allegheny County Library Association
Pittsburgh Today Live’s Mikey Hood finds out more about the educational summer programs put on by the Allegheny County Library Association. Learn more about our 2021 Summer Virtual Learning Programs
Our Nature Partners
Prior to the pandemic, the Allegheny County Library Association launched the Nature Explorer Program with the Allegheny County Parks, Allegheny Land Trust and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. While the nature backpacks are not currently circulating, the four organizations have been able to maintain the partnership through 2020 and into 2021 – offering virtual programming, curated […]
