Photo: His face aglow with paint, young Josiah is in caring and gifted hands this summer as mom Letitia McBride, Library Manager Nyia Morrison (right) and library afternoon leader Danielle Townsend describe the varied programs for kids and youth at the Paschalville Branch at its open house, June 4.
To promote its extensive summer program for children and youth, the Paschalville Branch Library at Woodland Avenue and 70th Street held an open house for Southwest families on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 4. Branch manager for the past 3 years, Nyia Morrison indicated that the library was responding to the concern that students, some with literacy levels already below grade level, were at risk of summer learning loss, known as “summer slide.”
A smiling Josiah, a neighborhood youngster, voiced the sentiments of all the children, “I’m excited! I’d like to come to the library every day. They help me do my letters and have lots of books for me to read!”
Morrison, who graduated in Library Science at Clarion University, was kept busy passing out grilled hotdogs and water ice. Hopefully, the good turnout today will stimulate young people to participate in our programs,” she indicated. “We know that once they get here they’ll enjoy themselves!”
For the past four years, After School Leader Danielle Townsend has worked with children throughout the school year, helping them with homework and introducing them to age-appropriate reading materials. “This is a wonderful library for kids,” she stressed. “The sunny open areas and large tables give plenty of space for us to engage them in activities like the LEAP program that stimulate reading and enrich their learning experience!”
Morrison also reminded residents of the extensive resources available to adults, especially those seeking new employment or better jobs. The Job Center at Paschalville is under the direction of Omelio Alexander who provides expert guidance on internet connections with prospective employers and employment service agencies.
Paschalville Branch can be reached by phone at 215-685-2662. Its schedule and program descriptions can be viewed online at https://libwww.freelibrary.org/locations/paschalville-library
