Although the Atglen Public Library is closed due to the state mandate, patrons of all ages may still enjoy online programming being offered on http://www.facebook.com/AtglenPublicLibrary.
Youngsters can listen to story times offered weekly by Ms. Maureen by visiting the Facebook page and clicking on Videos. "Maureen Fox has been recording them and posting them on Fridays," said Robbyn Kehoe, library director.
Also offered in the Videos section are read-alouds by Olivia Schaffer and Music Time LIVE! presented by Ms. Ashley and Mr. Roger from Radcliff Music Studio.
A highlight of the Facebook page recently has been Kehoe's weekly posts about local history covering areas such as Atglen and West Fallowfield and West Sadsbury townships. "On Saturdays we are featuring a local history discussion on Facebook," said Kehoe. "We present photos and some history, but the interaction from the community brings it to life."
For the first post, Kehoe provided a history of Irwin's Tavern, which in the 1970s became Spring Grove Dairy. The post also features photos of the old tavern and the Spring Grove Dairy milk house, among others. "I prepared that first post, and it reached 2,000 people; it was our biggest thing ever," Kehoe noted. "It had a lot of shares and comments and a lot of reactions. People know Spring Grove Dairy, but they didn't know anything else."
Kehoe, who describes herself as a "research nerd," also posted early maps of the area for another discussion, as well as information about local buildings, including the Hess House.
Kehoe said that the stay-at-home order has provided her time to research local history and to share it with area residents. "As it turns out, this is the perfect format for it," she stated. "I can drop some pictures and (share) facts, and it does seem to serve the need right now."
Kehoe hopes that once the library reopens, the online discussions may lead to a series of local history programs offered in person. "Atglen Borough's comprehensive plan calls for the formation of a historical commission," she said, noting that she contributed historical information that was included in the plan. "It would be great if (the library's history discussions) turned into a monthly history club, which is different than a historical society or commission. So, (the online history discussion) does have broader implications."
For more information about library programs and services, readers may contact Kehoe at rkehoe@ccls.org.
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