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In 2024, the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) placed a strong focus on developing and growing programs that benefit all of Allegheny County residents. ACLA member libraries are the heart of every thriving community in Allegheny County and are unique institutions that stand as a testament to the power of knowledge, connection, and shared human experience. Far from being only a place for books, today%u2019s libraries are dynamic, essential hubs, embodying the theme %u201cServing Every Community, Supporting Every Story.%u201d They are open spaces, freely accessible to all, providing vital resources and fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can learn, grow, and find their place.Libraries serve as crucial pillars of educational equity. For lifelong learners, they provide workshops, lectures, and resources on everything from career development to personal enrichment. They are safe havens for children, fostering a love of reading from an early age through vibrant story times and engaging programs, laying the groundwork for future academic success and critical thinking. For students, they offer invaluable access to research materials and quiet study spaces, bridging the digital divide with free internet access and computer workstations.In 2024, thanks to a generous allocation from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), Allegheny County libraries received brand new staff and patron computers at no charge to the libraries. This gift, which brought the highest quality computers to all libraries, helped our libraries to serve each of their communities to the highest standards of technology. Every community deserves to have access to the technology tools they need to succeed, and this allocation of funds to acquire these computers will benefit our communities for years to come. Beyond education, libraries are vital engines of community support. They offer a lifeline for vulnerable populations, providing access to social services information, job search assistance, and even mental health resources. ACLA%u2019s Community Support Services helps our communities gain access to the help they need through our Social Workers in Libraries Program. This program, which brings social work students into the library setting, helps our communities to not only get the assistance they need to enrich the lives of its citizens, but also brings together community resources that can benefit all. ACLA libraries are places of refuge during times of crisis, offering warmth, light, and connectivity when other services may be disrupted. For new immigrants, libraries are often the first point of contact for understanding local resources, practicing language skills, and finding a sense of belonging in a new land. Our communities are stronger when libraries exist, and Allegheny County libraries are bringing this level of dedication to service every day. ACLA understands the importance of making sure that our libraries support every story. Allegheny County libraries are champions of intellectual freedom, offering a diverse range of perspectives and ideas without censorship, allowing individuals to explore, question, and form their own informed opinions. They provide a platform for local authors and artists, preserving community histories and narratives for future generations. ACLA encourages all of our member libraries to highlight the beautiful diversity of Allegheny County and to give everyone the opportunity to share their stories so that we all have the chance to learn and grow from each other. In an increasingly fragmented world, libraries stand as unifying forces. They are places where barriers dissolve, where digital divides are bridged, and where the rich tapestry of human experience is not only preserved but actively celebrated. ACLA is proud to serve our communities and will forever encourage everyone to share their stories, in the hopes that by doing so, we can build a stronger Allegheny County that can benefit from our libraries for generations to come. 2024 IMPACT REPORTAmy AndersonCEO Allegheny County Library Association