A Word from Our CEO, Amy Anderson: Year One in Review
I can hardly believe that it has already been a year since I started my work here at ACLA. I knew before I began that it would be a challenging year of learning a new job, in a new community, with all new faces and expectations. While this year has not always been easy, I […]
Caregiver backpacks provide support for library patrons caring for loved ones
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated each November, is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Caring for a loved one who is elderly or dependent on assistance is an important responsibility, but it can often feel overwhelming. Your local library is here to help! Allegheny County libraries have partnered with the […]
A Word from Our CEO, Amy Anderson: Libraries Are Transforming Our Communities
The libraries of Allegheny County have always worked hard to serve in ways that build their communities and make them stronger. The services they provide not only work to educate and entertain but to also inspire and unite. All our libraries have found ways to meet the needs of their communities and we could not […]
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 […]
A Word from Our CEO, Amy Anderson: Strong Commitment
The Allegheny County Library Association has always maintained a strong commitment to the county’s public libraries. From the organization’s inception in response to the need for cooperation among libraries at the county level to the work we do today to promote shared services and opportunities, ACLA has always been and will always be committed to […]
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 […]
