The Bradford Area Public Library has exciting news to share with the community. Thanks to a United Way of McKean County grant, the library has launched a new website. “We were striving for a site design that reflected the energy of our patrons, our diverse programs, and the variety of services we offer our community,” reflected Janelle Nolan, BAPL’s Marketing Coordinator. Rebecca Feightner, BAPL’s Executive Director, expressed gratitude to the United Way and the highly motivated team from Firespring, a web design company that specializes in working with small nonprofit organizations.

The new website is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, providing information on library programs, events, and resources to the community. “We wanted to make it as convenient as possible for our patrons to use the library’s online resources. With the new website, they can do everything from the comfort of their own homes,” stated Feightner.

An exciting feature of the website will enable individuals to register themselves for upcoming programs whenever program registrations are necessary. Parties can register two people at a time and will be able to see how many remaining spots are available for a particular event. “This is a beneficial tool, since some programs fill up quickly when monthly emails are sent to subscribers,” Nolan pointed out.

Feightner believes that the new website will facilitate a better connection between the library and its patrons. “The library’s goal is to provide innovative and accessible resources to the Bradford community, and the new website reflects our ongoing efforts,” she noted.

BAPL is pleased to offer a photo gallery that features a variety of individuals who have benefited from and enjoyed various library programs. “We encourage you to take a look and perhaps even recognize many familiar faces,” states Nolan.  “Come join in on the excitement!”  Additionally, community members can support the library by donating safely and conveniently through our website. “Thanks to our Business Manager, Brandie Nichols, we have added PayPal as a payment option for contributions,” reported Feightner.

With this launch, the library recognizes that there may be a few snags, and have expressed their appreciation of everyone’s patience as they continue to edit pages, update content, add new features, and generate a variety of program registration forms.

Additionally, the library anticipates hosting future instructional programs to help patrons reap the benefits of the new website along with the many digital resources that BAPL has to offer, such as Gale Presents Udemy (free online courses on a variety of topics) and Kanopy (free movie streaming platform).

Regarding programs, the library is hosting the Kinzua Fly Fishing School on Saturday, February 3 from 10AM – 3PM.  Local craftsmen will be on hand to demonstrate the art of tying artificial flies and selling hand-crafted fly rods.  The library is recognizing the 40th anniversary of Footloose with a free showing of the movie on Monday, February 12 at 6PM.  Other notable programs include the popular Chair Yoga, taught by Kathleen Wright on Thursday, February 8 at 4:30PM and the return of Michael Morton and his chickens for the local children to enjoy on Saturday, February 24 at 11 AM.

BAPL is also partnering with the Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County to present the program, Keeping Kids Safe on Thursday, February 22 at 6PM.  The presentation will cover:

• Safety planning at home, at school, and in the community
• PA Megan’s Law overview
• Social media safety tips
• Learn more about child abuse prevention opportunities.

A representative from the PA State Police will be available to answer questions.

 The library is also working with LIFE of Northwestern PA (an agency that works to help seniors live at home) to offer a new Craft & Learn Series.  The first session will take place on Thursday, February 22 at 11 AM and will address ‘Coping with Loss.’  Attendees will also create a tied heart wreath.  The program is free and does not require registration.