Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in steel, becoming the world’s richest man in 1901 (Standiford 13). He did not hold on tightly to his wealth, however, but was a proponent of philanthropy, as detailed in an article he wrote called “The Gospel of Wealth.” He believed that the rich should give back to their communities and to those less wealthy in order to improve their lives and society as a whole. Due to his efforts, he is said to have “established the precedent of corporate philanthropy” which exists to this day (Standiford 13). One way in which Carnegie gave back was through libraries; he funded around 2,800 public libraries across the world by the end of his life (Standiford 13). Education, he believed, was crucial in life and he wanted everyone to have access to it.
Years later, many of Carnegie’s libraries still stand. One such library, the main branch of the Carnegie Library system in Pittsburgh (CLP-Main), continues to implement Carnegie's’ vision to provide resources to the community. While the vision remains the same, the resources provided have evolved to meet the needs of the community. One example of a way CLP-Main assists the community is in offering resources to parents or guardians and their children. CLP-Main Children’s Department is dedicated not only to engaging children in the library but in assisting parents in developing literacy skills in their children.
History of Children’s Sections
The first Carnegie Library established in Pittsburgh was built in Lawrenceville in 1898. Among its many features was the first children’s room in a library (Lowry). Since then, children's rooms have become staples in many libraries around the world. CLP-Main has a large children’s section equipped with books, games, and Children’s Specialists who are trained to assist children and their parents in using different resources.
Technology-Based Learning
One area Children’s Specialists are especially focused on is technology-based learning. Recognizing that children are now growing up surrounded by technology, Carnegie Library began the “Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Children’s Technology Pilot” in May 2013 to study the best ways in which to engage children with technology which could help them develop literacy skills (Rachel). As a result of this program, iPads with apps directed towards children are available at every branch of the Carnegie Library and Children’s Specialists are always eager to suggest ways in which parents can best use the iPads and other technology to develop literacy skills in their children (Technology for Kids). CLP also posts blog posts on their website written by librarians who work at CLP. Many of the posts are directed towards parents of young children and suggest helpful apps for developing literacy skills, and tips for engaging children in reading. Many blog posts give specific children’s book suggestions, such as books about divorce or books about grief, which can help a child adapt to a difficult situation.
Children's Specialists are always eager to suggest ways in which parents can best use technology to develop literacy skills in their children.
Storytime
The Carnegie Library not only provides a physical space for children, but hosts many events and programs designed to interest children and connect them at an early age with the library and all it has to offer. In 1899, the Carnegie Library-West End Branch began having storytelling for children nine years and older and found that “after a few months a change was seen in the children’s reading” (Hardendorff, Jeanne). Storytelling spread to other libraries and continues to this day in the Main Branch of the Carnegie Library, hoping to develop literacy skills before children enter school, and then support their education. Storytimes are targeted towards different age groups, such as infants, or preschoolers, or at times the whole family. They are often centered around a theme, such as animals, and include rhyming and songs, encouraging children and their parents to participate.
Events and Programs
CLP-Main offers more than just storytime for children. Past and recurring events include Lego Club meetups, “Let’s Learn Chinese,” and “Homeschool Hangouts” for homeschooled children. Every summer, the Carnegie Library has a program where children read books to earn prizes. The incentives encourage children to continue learning through the school break. The Library also holds Super Science programs throughout the year. These programs allow children to use magnifying glasses, do experiments, and other science related activities. CLP-Main holds these programs because they encourage children to “explore the world around them, make observations, and work through problems using critical thinking skills.” The Children's Department wants to “foster a love of creativity and lifelong learning in a child-centered learning environment" (Rachel).
One Book, Every Young Child
CLP-Main is also involved in programs spanning beyond Pittsburgh that foster a love for reading in children. For example, One Book, Every Young Child supports and advocates for early literacy development in preschoolers ages 3 to 6 through giving books to children and holding readings in schools and libraries. They do not just hand out books but also encourage parents to read with their children and discuss the book (Erin). CLP’s dedication to the children who come to the children’s section is seen in their support for programs like One Book, Every Young Child.
A Place to Explore and Learn
As CLP-Main demonstrates, a library can be a place for fun, exploration, and learning for young children, as well as their parents. A short story by Ray Bradbury titled, “Exchange” illustrates the effect a library and caring librarian can have on a young child. In this story, a young man returns to the library where he spent so much time as a young child. The librarian who helped him find books as a child is now an elderly lady, but she recognizes him and remembers his voracious appetite for books. He used to call her “Mrs. God” and imagine the library as “whole world” where she could take him to any number of countries he had never visited. This story is a sweet example of the sanctuary a library can be, and the magic it can hold for young children.
Works Cited
Erin. “One Book, Every Young Child.” Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 11 Apr. 2016, www.carnegielibrary.org/one-book-every-young-child/.
Hardendorff, Jeanne. “Storytelling and the Story Hour.” IDEALS @ Illinois, Graduate School of Library and Information Science. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1 Jan. 1963.
Lowry, Patricia. “Carnegie's Library Legacy.” Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, 4 Oct. 2010, phlf.org/2010/10/04/carnegies-library-legacy/.
Rachel. “All Hands on Tech: Exploring Technology in Kids Library Programming.” Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 26 Oct. 2015, www.carnegielibrary.org/all-hands-on-tech-exploring-technology-in-kids-library-programming/.
Rachel. “Super Science: Marshmallow Bridges, Gooey Chemistry, Fizzing Rockets and More!” Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 24 Oct. 2016, www.carnegielibrary.org/super-science/.
Standiford, Les. Meet You in Hell Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, and the Bitter Partnership That Transformed America. Broadway Books, 2006.
“Technology for Kids.” Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, www.carnegielibrary.org/kids-teens/parents-and-educators/technology-for-kids/.