In Erie’s Vital Signs for 2014, the Times News identified early learning as the “linchpin” for Erie’s long term success. The analysis is right on the mark, but I would even take that one step further.

What is the one characteristic shared by cities all over the world that have been identified as “the best places to live?” Hands-down, it’s that they collectively embrace education and learning—not just for the very young, but for everyone. People who live in the “best places” embrace ideas. Innovation, imagination, curiosity and creativity figure importantly into their lives.

The best places to live in the world—also hands down—have the best libraries. This is not surprising, as the vitality of the public library has always been one of more reliable measures of any region’s quality of life.

This year’s National Library Week runs from April 13 through the 19th, and features the theme “Lives change @ your library.” Continue reading →

Monday, April 21, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Millcreek Branch Library 2088 Interchange Rd. Suite 280 Erie, PA 16565

Do women and men experience travel differently? Do they write about their journeys from different perspectives? Can they explore the same place and have distinctive viewpoints? Barry Gray, a librarian at Baron-Forness Library of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, has researched those questions. Mr. Gray will contrast prominent female “on the road” authors with well-known male travel writers. His presentation is free and open to the public. No reservations are needed.

Come and join us for a presentation given by local author: Ken Springirth on his newest book – Remembering the Pennsylvania Railroad at the Iroquois Branch Library located at 4212 Iroquois Avenue on Saturday, April 26th from 1-2PM. Please call 451-7082 with any questions. No registration required.

This is his 21st book! His program will include an interactive discussion of the book, which is about the history of the world’s largest railroad, which operated from Erie to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Railroad was once noted as the “Standard Railroad of the World”, and it handled more freight and passengers than any other railroad in the United States. He will also give the presentation

Register for April computer classes now! Just $5. Payment must be made in person at the Blasco Library Information desk. Call 451-6927 for more information

April 22, 9:00am – 12:00pm: Intro PC/Internet

April 24, 5:00pm – 7:00pm: Files and Folders

April 29, 9:00am – 12:00pm: Laptops

Classes take place at the Iroquois Avenue Branch Library, 4212 Iroquois Ave.

Tuesday, April 15th: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Tuesday, April 22nd: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Tuesday, April 29th: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Jeff Castle will be teaching these free Qigong classes. Qigong is the practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise and meditation. This event requires preregistration. Please call the Iroquois Branch for more information 451-7082.

Free and open to the public.

Sunday, April 27th – 2:00pm
Gem City Jazz Ensemble

Thursday, May 1st – 7:00pm
Erie Jr. Philharmonic Ensembles

Since April and bunnies seem to go hand-in-hand, I thought I’d lead with a picture from our popular “Rabbits 101” classes, now being held at all outlets of the Erie County Public Library.  Check out this month’s “Update” to get the details!

Other topics of conversation you won’t want to miss—

• Celebrate National Library Week
• Attend a concert
• Learn a new language,
• Take a computer class,
• Learn about the Pennsylvania Railroad,
• Get the scoop on the women behind the “Founding Fathers” (—no, not their wives….)

Best Regards,
Mary

Mary Rennie
Executive Director
Erie County Public Library
160 East Front Street
Erie PA 16507
(814) 451-6952

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