Spread the Word: Everyone Needs a Library Card! |
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We know you’re a library lover. Maybe you check out a steady stack of books, consistently source movies from the library, or bring your little ones to storytime. You’ve experienced firsthand how the library is an amazing place. But here’s the surprising truth: only about 35% of Centre County residents have a library card. That’s right—even though babies can get a card here, most of our neighbors are missing out on all the free resources, fun, and community connection that come with one. This September, during National Library Card Sign-Up Month, let’s change that together. By spreading the word, we can make sure more people in our community unlock everything the library has to offer. Here are a few fun and simple ways to help: - Teachers: Host a library card sign-up day with your students! Have your class apply online and let us know ahead at least 1 week ahead of time at cardhelp@centrecountylibrary.org so we can work with you to process applications quickly.
- Neighbors: Next time you bump into your neighbor while walking the dog or taking out the trash, ask if they have a card. Share your favorite ways the library has helped you, and encourage them to sign up online.
- Coworkers: Check in with your colleagues—do they have library cards? If not, help them discover how the library can save money, spark new ideas, and even make work more enjoyable.
- Students: A library card makes homework and projects so much easier. Spread the word to your classmates—it’s a study hack that’s free!
- Friends: Friends don’t let friends miss out on free books, movies, digital resources, and more. Invite them along on your next library visit.
Getting a library card is easy, free, and life-changing. Let’s make sure more people in Centre County know the secret: the library is for everyone, and it all starts with a card. | | |
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Share your thoughts on Centre County Reads with us! |
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| | Have you participated in Centre County Reads this year or in years past? Please fill out this survey (button below). Your response is important for the continuance and growth of the program! | | |
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Join us virtually or at one of our locations for any of our book clubs! We even have book clubs for book lovers who prefer talking about books in general rather than a specific book. See below for details. Wednesday, September 3rd, 1 PM: Holt Afternoon Book Club. Discuss the novel, Still Life, by Louise Penny with other book lovers at Holt Memorial Library (no registration required). Call the library at 814-342-1987 if you would like to reserve a copy of the book or if you have any questions. Thursday, September 11th, 6 PM: The Centre Hall Mystery Book Club will discuss the novel, The Crossing Places, by Elly Griffiths. There is no need to register, but you may call 814-364-2580 if you have any questions. We always welcome new book club members! Saturday, September 13th, 10 AM: Book Lovers Coffee Hour. Come discuss what you are reading with other book lovers! Please register to attend by clicking the button below and receive a Zoom link via email! | | | Wednesday, September 17th, 6:30 PM: All adults are invited to join us at our monthly virtual book club. This month, we will discuss the novel, Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng. It’s a great time to connect with fellow readers and discover how their responses to the text are different or similar to your own. Whether you’re a regular reader or one who is getting back into the habit, you are welcome. Click the button below to register! | | | Thursday, September 25th, 6 PM: Bellefonte Mystery Book Club. Calling all mystery lovers! Join us to take a deep dive into thrilling whodunnits, puzzling crime novels, and suspense-filled adventures. Whether you're a fan of classic detective stories or modern-day mysteries, there's a place for you! There's no need to register, but feel free to sign up for a text reminder by clicking the button below. This month we will be reading, The Holdout, by Graham Moore. Books are available for check out at the Bellefonte Circulation Desk. | | |
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Join a Nature Centered Book Club! |
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Attend a book club ABOUT nature where the discussions happen IN nature! Led by Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Beth Clark, the Nature Narratives book club reads and discusses 4 books each year, meeting outdoors each time. In addition to discussion, each meeting will include a fun and related outdoor activity! Check out the schedule for the next 4 meetings below: - Saturday, September 20th at 10 AM at Black Moshannon State Park
- Sunday, December 14th at 10 AM at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
- Saturday, March 21st at 10 AM at Penn State Arboretum
- Saturday, June 13th at 10 AM at Bellefonte Community Children's Garden
You may follow the book club for updates through their group on Facebook or refer any questions you may have about the club to NatureNarrativesBookClub@gmail.com. Do you want to borrow a copy of the book for the next meeting? Request one of our copies or request it through Interlibrary Loan! Just note in the comment section of your request that it’s for the Nature Narratives Book Club. |
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LEGO Hour Returns This Month! |
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LEGO Hour is starting again at the Bellefonte and Centre Hall libraries this month! Children and their families are invited to drop in at the library on Thursdays from 3 to 4 to play with LEGOs, Duplos, and other building supplies! Creations will be displayed at the library afterwards. There's no need to register, just drop in. |
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Events for Adults & Teens at the Bellefonte Library |
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Have you always wanted to learn how to play the classic game Mahjong? Now's your chance! Let Bellefonte community members and Mahjong enthusiasts Chris Milliken and John Hartranft teach you how to play and how to win in 3 easy lessons. Lessons will occur in the Bellefonte Library Community Room at the following dates and times: Monday, September 8th at 5:30 PM Thursday, September 11th at 5:30 PM Monday, September 15th at 5:30 PM The first two sessions will focus on game play and the last one will be focused on winning hands. You'll achieve the best results by attending all three lessons, but attendance at all three is not required. This event is intended for adults and teens. Click the link button below to register: | | |
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 | Join Sarah Kania from The Xerces Society for a look at goldenrod (Solidago) and their wild pollinators on Saturday, September 27th at 1 PM. As a late blooming native plant, goldenrods are a keystone species for many pollinators, specifically pollen specialist bees. This talk will discuss the natural history of Pennsylvania wild bees and highlight the importance of goldenrod for wild bee survival. You'll also learn about the diversity of goldenrod. There is no need to register, just drop in. This event is brought to you by the Bellefonte Garden Club. |
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Special Upcoming Children and Family Events in Bellefonte! |
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Once a month family storytime at the Bellefonte Library also resumes this September. Stop by with the whole family on September 13th at 10:30 AM to enjoy stories, rhymes and more with Miss Megan in the children's area. There is no need to register. Babies, toddlers, children, and caregivers are all welcome. |
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 | On Saturday, September 13th from 2 to 3 PM, kids ages 5-13 are invited to create their very own pom-pom axolotls at the library! Supplies will be provided. Since space and supplies are limited, please click the button below to register: | | |
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|  | Everyone is invited to bring in gently used or new puzzles of any size and piece count to the Bellefonte circulation desk between September 15th and 19th for a Puzzle Swap! Please only bring puzzles in their original boxes with all pieces. You will receive a special VIP ticket for early entrance to the swap at 12:30pm on September 20th. VIP ticket holders may take 2 puzzles each in that first half hour. At 1pm, the swap opens to everyone, no donation required. Swap ends at 2:30pm or when all puzzles are gone. Puzzles are available on a first come-first serve basis. |
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Special Upcoming Children and Family Events in Centre Hall! |
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Another Stickerpalooza is coming up at the Centre Hall Area Branch Library on Saturday, September 6th from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. The event is a blast, but also very simple. Bring some stickers to the library, and swap them out for some new ones on the tables in the children's section! We hope you're able to find some new stickers that spark your imagination at the event. |
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 | Join us at the Centre Hall Area Branch Library on Tuesday, September 16th at 10 AM for an informative presentation by Sarah from the Penns Valley Conservation Association. She will be sharing her knowledge on common backyard birds, getting ready for winter birdwatching, feeder options and installation. Limited spaces so register now by clicking the link below! | | |
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|  | LEGO Days are coming back this fall! Children and their families are invited to stop by and play with the Centre Hall Area Branch Library's LEGO collection while the library is open on the following dates: - Saturday, September 27th
- Saturday, October, 18th
- Saturday, November 8th
LEGOs will be available for playing from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. We're excited to see all of the LEGO creations! |
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Special Events Upcoming at the Holt Memorial Library |
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 | Children ages 1-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us after storytime for a special Parent-Child Workshop series throughout September. During these workshops, kids will play together at the library while caregivers speak with and learn from early childhood specialists in the nearby community. This is a unique opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn and bond while making local connections. Please register to attend by calling the library at 814-342-1987. Workshop Dates: - Wednesday, September 10th, 11:15-12 PM
- Wednesday, September 17th, 11:15 AM - 12 PM
- Wednesday, September 24th, 11:15 AM - 12 PM
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|  | Adults and teens are invited to join us for a workshop on Monday, September 15th at 6 PM all about managing money through life transitions. Regardless of whether a life change is planned or unexpected, transitions can have a significant impact on your financial situations. What attendees will learn: - How to assess the financial impact of a transition
- How to identify resources to help navigate through transitions
- How to get back on track after a transition
Please call the library at 814-342-1987 to register as space is limited. |
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 | Adults and teens are invited to play BINGO and win books at the Holt Memorial Library on Saturday, September 20th at 11 AM! Please call the library at 814-342-1987 to register as space and supplies are limited. |
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|  | Starting Aug. 5th the library will be collecting clean and in good shape Halloween costumes for kids to swap. Please bring your unwanted, clean, and in good shape children’s costumes and accessories and place them in our donation box. Children will have a chance to pick a ‘new’ donated costume during our costume swap on Sept. 27th from 10am -12:30pm. |
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Check out these events to support the Holt Memorial Library! |
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 | Do you love the Holt Memorial Library so much that you want to support it with your time? Consider joining the Friends of the Holt Memorial Library for their Thursday, September 4th meeting at 6 PM and learn about how they help the library. New members are always welcome. |
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|  | On Saturday, September 13th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM come browse books for sale downstairs in the book room of the Holt Memorial Library. Buy books and support the library at the Friends of the Holt Memorial Library book sale! A new selection of books is available for every sale. Books with a blue or yellow dot and DVD’s will be $0.25 each. |
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Mission Centre County Library & Historical Museum is a free community destination providing books, information, Internet access, and technology resources to preserve our heritage and promote a lifetime of reading and learning. |
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| Vision Centre County Library & Historical Museum will be an inviting and vital part of our community by providing access to current technology and services to foster education and to enhance our community’s quality of life. |
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| | We are a PA Forward Library PA Forward is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association designed to increase awareness of the vital role libraries play in the well-being of their communities. |
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