Libraries are no longer just about books; these facilities are now very much community hubs.
And this summer, facilities across McKean County will become a place where young people can grab a healthy bite to eat.
The Seneca Library District is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded initiative operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered in Pennsylvania by the state Department of Education.
“Gosh, we’re super excited. We actually tried this a few years ago to become a site,” said SW Smith Memorial Library director Mary Grace Collier-Kisler. “It’s really needed here in our library service area.”
The Port Allegany library will be the first to launch the program in McKean County this year. It will run from May 30 to Aug. 18, Monday through Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. The program is open to everyone 18 years old and younger
For the Port Allegany library, she said she is estimating 100 individuals taking part. She called the effort vital, adding that many local children receive free breakfasts and lunches during the school year, Collier-Kisler said. This will provide them with a free healthy snack in the summer.
Youth do not have to sign up for the program.
And, Collier-Kisler said, “Youth do not have to live in the library’s service area or attend either of the school districts we serve (Port Allegany School District and Otto-Eldred School District).”
In Bradford, library executive director Lacey Love said she is expecting 15 to 20 children to participate each day. At that site, the program will run for six weeks, starting the week of June 20 and ending the week of July 25, being held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.
“We had thought about doing the summer snack program in the past, but it always seemed to be pretty complicated,” Love said. “Our district library stepped in this year to help coordinate for each of the libraries, so it was an easy decision.”
The concept of offering food is not new for the Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport or the Mount Jewett Memorial Library.
In Mount Jewett, the children’s movie program will start June 13 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Previously youngsters received popcorn but now will be able to enjoy more snacks, said Mount Jewett Memorial Library director Debbie Deane. Healthy snacks will also be offered during the library’s summer reading program in July.
“Hamlin Memorial Library averages around 75 children for our 8-week program. We read, play games and have various craft projects and programs,” said Lori Rounsville, library director at Hamlin Memorial Library. “Our purpose in participating in the snack program is to provide a uniform, healthy snack for the children while encouraging them to love their library.”
The program is slated to start June 14, beginning at 10 a.m. She said she is happy to be providing healthy snacks this year.
The Seneca Library District includes libraries in McKean, Elk, Cameron, Forest and Warren counties. Collier-Kisler said she is hoping that someday meals will be able to be served as the program evolves across the county.
