Stop by the library to fill out an application to get a library card. To get a card, the hopeful patron must present a photo identification and at least one proof of residence (a utility bill, a lease agreement, an envelope mailed to yourself). Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. California has joined 20 regional libraries using the One Card Network; as of October 2013 only the WAGGIN library cards are valid (they feature a dog and wagon graphic). Using the WAGGIN card, a patron in good standing enjoys borrowing privileges at all member libraries. This is a project of the Washington County Library System; it includes select libraries in Fayette and Greene Counties. The updated cards are free and each will automatically link to our Overdrive electronic book database. Cards unused for three years automatically expire.
PASSWORD HINT: If you are using the catalog online (perhaps to renew or request an item) you will need to log in to your account. The default password is the last four digits of the phone number you provided when you received your library card. If you changed this default and can't remember your password, simply click on the password reminder link.
NOTE: You may partially sign up for a library card while online; this is so that you can request an item to be sent to a library via ShareIt. You must complete the library card application in person when you visit the library to pick up your item. Bring proof of residence and photo ID, please.
Fast Fact: WAGGIN is an acronym for Washington and Greene Greater Information Network.
SCARLETT'S SUNSHINE - In memory of their young daughter, Scarlett's parents have helped to create a collection of materials to help comfort children and their families who are learning to live with loss. Materials from the Scarlett's Sunshine section in Peters Township Library are available to all, whether or not they live in the township or Washington County. The collection, new in April 2017, already features more than 25 books as well as a Sesame Street-themed DVD/storybook/parent guide kit, "When Families Grieve." Scarlett's parents are asking people to spread sunshine in her memory by doing a random act of kindness then sharing it at "BeTheSunshineForScarlett".
MID-ATLANTIC MOTHERS' MILK BANK - From offices on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh, the "Mid-Atlantic Mothers' Milk Bank" website offers information for bereaved families as well as how-to knowledge about sharing mothers' milk to help babies (and mothers) in crisis. Take your time and browse, there is a wealth of information here and also invitations to meet with others, in person or digitally.
PERIODIC TABLE OF TECHNOLOGY: An instructive list detailing modern uses of boron, vanadium, chromium, gallium and each of the other elements.
JOBS FOR TEENS: Search by state or city to find links to employers and descriptions of those companies. Includes specifics about work permits, labor laws, interviewing tips and resume writing.
BULLYING RESOURCES - A Friend for Lakota: The Incredible True Story of a Wolf Who Braves Bullying, by Jim Dutcher and Jamie Dutcher, is the K-3 winner for 2017's PSLA Young Reader's Choice award. The authors suggest these resources to help discourage bullying: stopbullying.gov; StompOutBullying; and National Geographic Kids on Friends. The annual Young Readers Choice contest features 15 student-nominated titles in each of three age categories. The Pennsylvania School Librarian's Association sponsors the reading challenge.
CRUISE INTO KINDERGARTEN is an early learning program designed by our state librarians. The online site Cruise into Kindergarten offers an online board game, book lists and tips for encouraging your child to become an inquisitive reader. Copies of the brochure (which includes a paper version of the board game) are availabe in our library.
ONE BOOK, LOTS OF FAMILY FUN - The 2020 selections are Freight Train by Donald Crews and Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! by Bob Barner. Freight Train, winner of the 1979 Caldecott Honor Medal, uses color words and rhyming to describe a fascinating train. Bugs features a rhythmic, rhyming text and playful illustrations.
The 2019 selections were Barnyard Banter for our lap listeners and In a Box for preschoolers. Denise Fleming captures all the sounds of farm animals, inviting infants and tiny tots to mimic them. Antoinette Portis's bunny character has found a box that's much more fun than an ordinary box, enticing youngsters to find their own box-that's-more-than-a-box and build something.
My Cousin Momo by Zach OHora was the 2018 One Book choice. The story is about a flying squirrel whose arrival at his cousins' home causes eyebrows to raise, at first. Daniel Finds a Poem, by Micha Archer was the 2017 choice. Pairing carefully chosen words with tissue-paper and oil paint collage, Archer creates a gentle, lyrical world for Daniel and his animal friends to marvel over. The 2016 choice, Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand, continues to engage our young readers. The 2015 selection was David Pizzoli's picture book Number One Sam. Reading aloud is one of the best activities you can do to prepare your child for school.
Make time to read aloud every day, using lots of expression while taking time to enjoy the pictures and asking thought-provoking questions. Before reading the book: Look at the cover, point out the title and author. Ask your child to tell you everything he or she knows about the story's topic. While reading the book: Occasionally run your finger under the words as you read them. Use facial expressions and vary your voice. Ask questions about the story. "What do you think will happen next?" Have your child help you read the repeated phrases. After reading the book: Talk about the emotions and events in the story. Point out characters' expressions in the drawings.
The next step is to stop by your California Information Station to pick up a One Book activity book outlining additional ideas, including games to play, activities to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Skills, and tips on safety and preparing for school. For information about the book and its creator, visit www.paonebook.org.
STOP HUNGER AND LEARN - Every correct answer you give while playing this online brain-building game earns ten grains of rice for the United Nations World Food program. Visit Free Rice.
GREAT SCHOOLS offers ten easy tips for inspiring children to make reading a part of everyday life. Great Schools Website.