The Pottsville Free Public Library was recently nominated and selected to participate in the inaugural Smithsonian Associates Rural Library Program. The cohort is comprised of 16 public libraries from across the nation. This year-long initiative will bring free Smithsonian educational programming and community engagement opportunities to residents of Schuylkill County.
The Pottsville Free Public Library will have the opportunity to work with the Rural Initiative team from the Smithsonian to develop culturally unique programs to enrich people’s lives. The Library will begin offering the programs in September that will be free for the public.
The Rural Library Program is designed to strengthen the vital role rural libraries play in their communities by offering access to Smithsonian content and resources, while supporting community-driven projects such as community reads, storytelling, youth engagement and service-learning activities. “For nearly 180 years, the Smithsonian’s museums, research centers, and the National Zoo have served the country by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing resources. However, many Americans perceive the Smithsonian as simply a destination located in Washington, D. C. The Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative repositions the Institution as a public service available in local collaboration in all communities across the country. Central to this work is supporting organizations who play a trusted role in their community. Public libraries are incredibly important to the civic health of a small town, and we are thrilled to support the Pottsville Free Public Library as a founding member of this program,” said Andy Mink, the Smithsonian’s Director of Rural Initiatives.
The Pottsville Free Public Library is pleased to have been nominated for this program by Megan Beck, a native of Pine Grove and former Library patron. Library patrons, civic leaders and county residents are encouraged to visit the Library’s website (www.pottsvillelibrary.org), the Library’s Facebook page or visit the Library for upcoming programs and events.
The Library is honored to be nominated and selected to be part of this inaugural cohort and looks forward to working with the Smithsonian and the community to provide these programs.
Jean Ann Towle
Executive Director and District Administrator
Pottsville Free Public Library and District Center
