We read because we love books. Fact or fiction, we love what they have to offer. Not only do we love the content, we love the positive effects reading has on our brains! Time spent reading means a stronger, healthier brain!
If you love to keep up with new books, or if you follow a series by an author, these websites are great tools to help you stay current and informed! Maybe you will be inspired to read something new, or share your new finds with a book club!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Diabetes Expo on November 5, 2011
On Saturday, November 5, the American Diabetes Association will present a Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh. This event is free to the public and offers health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and experts to offer prevention and management tips.
Visitors to the Expo can choose to follow a "Pathway For Better Health" at the event. Choose what pertains to you: prevention/pre-diabetes, type I, or type II diabetes. Each Pathway has specific workshops and topics related to healthy eating, active living, and motivation, among other things!
This event is located at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on November 5, 2011. Contact Terri Seidman at 412.824.1181 ext. 406 or tseidman(at)diabetes.org for more information.
Visitors to the Expo can choose to follow a "Pathway For Better Health" at the event. Choose what pertains to you: prevention/pre-diabetes, type I, or type II diabetes. Each Pathway has specific workshops and topics related to healthy eating, active living, and motivation, among other things!
This event is located at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on November 5, 2011. Contact Terri Seidman at 412.824.1181 ext. 406 or tseidman(at)diabetes.org for more information.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services Offers Evening Hours
From the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services
Starting in October, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh’s low vision program will have evening appointments available on Tuesdays at our Homestead office, 1800 West Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 412-368-4400.
BVRS’s low vision program provides services to people who have some usable vision. Our specially trained optometrist performs an exam to determine the person’s level of vision, and then prescribes optical aids designed to maximize remaining eyesight. The new hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
MORE ABOUT BVRS
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, a 101-year-old private nonprofit, has been a leader in programs and services for people of all ages who are blind, vision impaired or have other disabilities. We believe in independence through rehabilitation. Our mission is to change the lives of persons with vision loss and other disabilities by fostering independence and individual choice.
We offer comprehensive and personalized computer instruction, employment and vocational services, personal adjustment to blindness and deaf blindness training, independence skill building, in-home instruction, and low vision services for persons with vision loss. BVRS is a United Way Agency of Excellence in Health and Human Services formerly known as Pittsburgh Vision Services of Oakland and Bridgeville, and is accredited by The National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Vision Impairments (NAC).
Contact:
Debra Meyer
dmeyer@PghVis.org
412-368-4400, ext. 2287
Starting in October, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh’s low vision program will have evening appointments available on Tuesdays at our Homestead office, 1800 West Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 412-368-4400.
BVRS’s low vision program provides services to people who have some usable vision. Our specially trained optometrist performs an exam to determine the person’s level of vision, and then prescribes optical aids designed to maximize remaining eyesight. The new hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
MORE ABOUT BVRS
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, a 101-year-old private nonprofit, has been a leader in programs and services for people of all ages who are blind, vision impaired or have other disabilities. We believe in independence through rehabilitation. Our mission is to change the lives of persons with vision loss and other disabilities by fostering independence and individual choice.
We offer comprehensive and personalized computer instruction, employment and vocational services, personal adjustment to blindness and deaf blindness training, independence skill building, in-home instruction, and low vision services for persons with vision loss. BVRS is a United Way Agency of Excellence in Health and Human Services formerly known as Pittsburgh Vision Services of Oakland and Bridgeville, and is accredited by The National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Vision Impairments (NAC).
Contact:
Debra Meyer
dmeyer@PghVis.org
412-368-4400, ext. 2287
Consumer Health Coalition | Recovery and the Transformation of Health Care
From our partners at the Consumer Health Coalition:
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kenneth Thompson as our final guest speaker in Consumer Health Coalition’s Speaker Series. Dr. Thompson will be taking the place of Frederick Frese, PhD, who had to cancel at the last moment.
This final segment of our speaker series is titled "Recovery and the Transformation of Health Care." We hope that you can join us on Tuesday, October 11,2011 to join in the discussion and to hear from this expert.
Kenneth S. Thompson MD is a public service psychiatrist who has focused his career on community/population health and improving psychiatric services. He is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Until recently he was the Medical Director of the Center for Mental Health Services in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the US Department of Health and Human Services, where he provided expert psychiatric consultation to public policy formation and implementation. In particular he has been engaged nationally in improving mental health care, developing and implementing recovery oriented services and evidence based service, integrating primary care and behavioral health services and creating a population health approach to mental health. He has also had a leading role in developing SAMHSA's initiatives in global health. He now serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Recovery Innovations, a non-profit behavioral health services provider that focuses on leading the development of recovery oriented services.
Session Will Be Held At:
Carlow College—Antonian Theatre
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Free Parking Available in Lot C
Single Sessions $20
Free to Carlow Students with valid college ID
To register for the session, please call Leslie Bachurski at 412-456-1877 ext. 200 VISA and MasterCard accepted.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kenneth Thompson as our final guest speaker in Consumer Health Coalition’s Speaker Series. Dr. Thompson will be taking the place of Frederick Frese, PhD, who had to cancel at the last moment.
This final segment of our speaker series is titled "Recovery and the Transformation of Health Care." We hope that you can join us on Tuesday, October 11,2011 to join in the discussion and to hear from this expert.
Kenneth S. Thompson MD is a public service psychiatrist who has focused his career on community/population health and improving psychiatric services. He is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Until recently he was the Medical Director of the Center for Mental Health Services in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the US Department of Health and Human Services, where he provided expert psychiatric consultation to public policy formation and implementation. In particular he has been engaged nationally in improving mental health care, developing and implementing recovery oriented services and evidence based service, integrating primary care and behavioral health services and creating a population health approach to mental health. He has also had a leading role in developing SAMHSA's initiatives in global health. He now serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Recovery Innovations, a non-profit behavioral health services provider that focuses on leading the development of recovery oriented services.
Session Will Be Held At:
Carlow College—Antonian Theatre
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Free Parking Available in Lot C
Single Sessions $20
Free to Carlow Students with valid college ID
To register for the session, please call Leslie Bachurski at 412-456-1877 ext. 200 VISA and MasterCard accepted.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival.
The Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival is a one day event that provides
information to residents across our region on ways to integrate green
and sustainable practices into their
everyday lives. To date, nearly 60 exhibitors and vendors have
registered for the festival. The festival will feature a special
children’s area where Reuse-a-palooza, a program designed by Creative
Reuse Pittsburgh, will provide hands-on exploratory activities
focusing on creative reuse of materials.
For a full highlight of the festival and the printable
flyer for display and sharing in the library, visit the In
Our Community feature from the ACLA website.
Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival
September 24
11 am – 5 pm
Hartwood Amphitheater – Middle Road
September 24
11 am – 5 pm
Hartwood Amphitheater – Middle Road
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Respite Resource Fair & Community Forum | Monday, September 26, 2011
This Respite Resource Fair & Community Forum may be of interest to your community.
Monday, September 26, 2011
6:00 – 8:00 PM
UCP/CLASS
4638 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)
RSVP by Phone: 412-683-7100, Ext. 4230 or Toll Free: 1-888-954-2424
Or Email: acrc@ucpclass.org
6:00 – 8:00 PM
UCP/CLASS
4638 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)
RSVP by Phone: 412-683-7100, Ext. 4230 or Toll Free: 1-888-954-2424
Or Email: acrc@ucpclass.org
Caregivers, family members (including children and adults with special needs), service providers, funders and individuals interested in respite care are encouraged to attend. Click here for the flyer.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Pittsburgh Social Security Office to Begin Closing at 3:30pm Daily
An update from Social Security:
Congressional Budget Cuts Force Reduced Public Hours
Effective August 15, 2011, the Pittsburgh Social Security office will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday.
While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face service with the visiting public without incurring the cost of overtime. Congress provided Social Security with nearly $1 billion less than the President requested for the budget this fiscal year, which makes it impossible for the agency to provide the amount of overtime needed to handle service to the public as we have in the past.
Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office. For example, anyone wishing to apply for benefits, sign up for direct deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter or inform us of a change of address or telephone number may do so at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Self-neglect a big abuse issue for county's aging
This June article may be of interest particularly when looking at what role libraries can and do play in providing resources and referrals to reduce self-neglect and senior abuse. What are your thoughts?
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11166/1153747-455.stm
Writing the Last Chapter
From our partners at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation:
Join WQED Multimedia for a special series of community conversations featuring our locally produced documentary, The Last Chapter, and expert discussion panels. We’ll discuss how individuals can take control of the conversation around end-of-life planning and care.
In The Last Chapter, WQED takes viewers inside the hospital, hospice, homes, and lives of palliative and hospice care recipients and providers. Medical, ethical, practical, and spiritual issues are explored from several perspectives as we discover how patients seeking palliative and hospice care can take an active role in their own end-of-life planning, make decisions about their treatment, and communicate their needs to caregivers.
Each community conversation will consist of a screening of The Last Chapter, an expert panel discussion that explores issues surrounding end-of-life planning and care, and a Q&A period. Each session will have a different focus:
Registration: These sessions are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVP online using the links above. You may also contact outreach@wqed.org for more information.
Parking: Limited free parking is available in the WQED staff and visitor parking lots after 5:00 pm, with additional free overflow parking available in the Carnegie Mellon parking lot located at Forbes and Morewood Avenues (after 5:00 pm).
Join the Conversation: Can’t make it to the in-person sessions? You can still join us live online during the panel discussions to ask your questions. You may also submit your questions for our panelists beforehand by emailing outreach@wqed.org.
The Last Chapter is sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. For more information about The Last Chapter or to watch the documentary online visit WQED Multimedia.
Join WQED Multimedia for a special series of community conversations featuring our locally produced documentary, The Last Chapter, and expert discussion panels. We’ll discuss how individuals can take control of the conversation around end-of-life planning and care.
In The Last Chapter, WQED takes viewers inside the hospital, hospice, homes, and lives of palliative and hospice care recipients and providers. Medical, ethical, practical, and spiritual issues are explored from several perspectives as we discover how patients seeking palliative and hospice care can take an active role in their own end-of-life planning, make decisions about their treatment, and communicate their needs to caregivers.
Each community conversation will consist of a screening of The Last Chapter, an expert panel discussion that explores issues surrounding end-of-life planning and care, and a Q&A period. Each session will have a different focus:
- Writing the Last Chapter: Controlling Your Narrative
Thursday, July 28, 2011 – 6:30 pm
Understand how individuals can take control of the conversation around end-of-life care and planning.
RSVP online. - Writing the Last Chapter: Talking about Dying…and Living
Thursday, August, 25, 2011 – 6:30 pm
Learn how individuals can share their goals and desires related to end-of-life planning with others.
RSVP online. - Writing the Last Chapter: Decisions with Your Team of Professionals
Thursday, September 15, 2011 – 6:30 pm
Explore how individuals can manage their conversations about end-of-life planning and care with professionals, and who you should put on your "team” of confidants and advisors.
RSVP online.
Registration: These sessions are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVP online using the links above. You may also contact outreach@wqed.org for more information.
Parking: Limited free parking is available in the WQED staff and visitor parking lots after 5:00 pm, with additional free overflow parking available in the Carnegie Mellon parking lot located at Forbes and Morewood Avenues (after 5:00 pm).
Join the Conversation: Can’t make it to the in-person sessions? You can still join us live online during the panel discussions to ask your questions. You may also submit your questions for our panelists beforehand by emailing outreach@wqed.org.
The Last Chapter is sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. For more information about The Last Chapter or to watch the documentary online visit WQED Multimedia.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Allegheny County Department of Human Services | Resource Guides
There are a number of helpful resource guides on the DHS website including the updated Community Referral Packet from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services may be of interest to your library as a reference tool.
The guide is made to be used by social/human services professionals to assist in identifying resources, both within the DHS system and throughout the community, for the individuals they serve.
Topics in this guide include the following:
- Child Care
- Crisis Hotlines
- Early Intervention
- Employment
- Entitlements
- Family Support Centers
- Fathers/Men’s Resources
- Financial Help
- Food
- Furniture / Household Items
- Grandparents Raising Children
- HIV/AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Housing
- Identification
- Legal
- Legal Services – Children’s Court
- Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disability
- Mentoring
- Parenting Education
- Pregnancy – Support / Counseling/Residential
- Service Coordination Units
- Sexual Minorities
- Telephone and Message Help - Communications
- Utility Assistance
- Veteran Services
- Violence Prevention and Help for people who are Incarcerated, Ex-offenders and their Families
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Last Chapter | WQED Local Documentary Premiere
The Jewish Healthcare Foundation and WQED are proud to announce the premiere of The Last Chapter on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV.
For more information visit Caregiver Champions, an initiative of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF), supports family and informal caregivers by helping them to better care for themselves, reduce stress and gain access to important caregiving information and resources.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Patricia Dobler Poetry Award
Carlow University presents The Patricia Dobler Poetry Award
This contest is open to women writers over the age of 40 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, currently living in the U.S., who have not published a full-length book of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction (chapbooks excluded). Current Carlow students or employees are not eligible.
Submission guidelines:
All entries will receive a copy of Voices from the Attic.
Send entries to:
The Patricia Dobler Poetry Award
Jan Beatty, Director of Creative Writing
Carlow University
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
The winner will receive the Patricia Dobler Poetry Award, in the form of round-trip travel and lodging as a participating guest of Carlow's MFA residency in Pittsburgh, PA, January 3-13, 2012. The winner will also receive a copy of Voices from the Attic, and a reading at Carlow University with judge Denise Duhamel.
For more information, please contact Ellie Wymard, PhD, at 412-578-6346.
This contest is open to women writers over the age of 40 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, currently living in the U.S., who have not published a full-length book of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction (chapbooks excluded). Current Carlow students or employees are not eligible.
Submission guidelines:
- Each poem must be unpublished, up to 75 lines per poem
- Up to two poems, of any style, per submission
- Submissions must be postmarked by or before September 1, 2011
- Submissions received after September 8, 2011 will not be accepted, regardless of postmark date
- Winner will be notified by September 20, 2011
- Cover sheet with name, address, phone number, email, and titles of poem(s)
- Check/money order for $20, made payable to Carlow University
- Clearly addressed, standard letter sized self-addressed, stamped envelope for notification
All entries will receive a copy of Voices from the Attic.
Send entries to:
The Patricia Dobler Poetry Award
Jan Beatty, Director of Creative Writing
Carlow University
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
The winner will receive the Patricia Dobler Poetry Award, in the form of round-trip travel and lodging as a participating guest of Carlow's MFA residency in Pittsburgh, PA, January 3-13, 2012. The winner will also receive a copy of Voices from the Attic, and a reading at Carlow University with judge Denise Duhamel.
For more information, please contact Ellie Wymard, PhD, at 412-578-6346.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Generations and their Gadgets
A Pew Internet study describes the use of various gadgets across the generations. Not surprisingly, Millenials and Generation Xers are the biggest users of most of the items. A significant number of adults over 65 are own cell phones, desktop computers, or laptops. E-book reader and tablet ownership is low for all the age groups. Visit here to see the whole summary.
Protective Services Persentation
A presentation on Protective Services (PS) will be featured at the annual public hearing conducted by the Advisory Council of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging (DHS/AAA) on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., in the Gold Room (4th floor) of the Allegheny County Courthouse (436 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh).
In addition to supporting the independence of older adults, the DHS/AAA investigates reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation of older adults, takes steps to reduce the risk of harm to them and works actively to promote prevention strategies in communities. The AAA’s PS unit currently investigates about 1,500 reports of need annually, and is one of the most active units in the state.
The presentation will cover the special challenges faced by PS investigators, how to identify elder abuse, common characteristics of victims, case studies, and local and national trends in the field. The presentation will provide valuable information to individuals and groups interested in developing greater public awareness and prevention of elder abuse in their communities, including municipal service personnel (police, EMS , etc.), health and human services professionals, clergy, caregivers of older adults, and public services groups, among others.
The main purpose of the hearing is to solicit comments on the 2011-2012 Area Plan and Budget Prospectus. Persons wishing to make comments may register in advance by calling the DHS/AAA at 412-350-4083 to schedule a time slot; a maximum of five minutes is allotted to each speaker. Following the scheduled speakers, additional (unscheduled) speakers may provide comments, as time permits.
The hearing is also an opportunity for older adults, caregivers and other interested individuals to ask questions and offer comments about aging services in general. All oral and written comments will be recorded in the proceedings of the hearing and sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Written comments will be accepted before, at or after the hearing. All written comments must be received no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, either by e-mailing them to the above contact, or mailing them to Allegheny County Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging, Attention: Planning Section, 441 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Senior Spaces
AARP recently issued an article discussing changes libraries are making in order to attract older adult patrons. The goal was to provide interactive programming and an opportunity to connect with others. The article includes many examples of programs, including technology workshops, board and video games, and craft clubs. The full article can be found here.
This page features a list of 25 Ways to serve older adults, written by the librarian behind the senior space movement, Allen Kleinman.
For more information about the original Senior Space project at Old Bridge Public Library in Old Bridge, New Jersey, visit the links provided on this page.
This page features a list of 25 Ways to serve older adults, written by the librarian behind the senior space movement, Allen Kleinman.
For more information about the original Senior Space project at Old Bridge Public Library in Old Bridge, New Jersey, visit the links provided on this page.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Library Night at PNC Park
Library Night at PNC Park will be Tuesday, July 19, 2011 beginning at 7:05 pm. Forms are available on the Southwest Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association website. Complete 2011 Library Night to order tickets. Complete 2011 Pirate On-Field Event Entry to be entered into a drawing to participate in pre-game and during game activities.
Essay: Seniors have a lot to give
This essay by 16-year-old McKenzie Fritz was written during this fall's Allegheny Intermediate Unit gifted and talented journalistic writing and reporting apprenticeship and published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Read the essay here.
Legal Presentations For Older Adults
Are you curious about…
Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, or Credit Card Issues
Dates and Locations
May 9 from 10:30-11:30 Penn Hills Senior Center
(412) 244-3400
Morrow School, 147 Jefferson Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235
May 12 from 10:30-11:30
Plum Senior Center
(412) 795-2330
499 Center-New Texas Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
May 13 from 11:00-12:00
Greenfield Senior Center
(412) 422-6551
745 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
May 23 from 1:00-2:00
New Image Center/Sharpsburg
(412) 781-1175 ext. 2107
209 – 13th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
May 26 10:00-11:00
Century III Mall Senior Center
(412) 216-3169
2nd Floor (next to Dicks Sporting Goods)
Clairton Road, West Mifflin, PA 15123
May 27 from 10:00-11:00
Seton Center/Brookline
(412) 344-4777
1900 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
June 1 from 10:30-11:30
West Deer Senior Center
(724) 443-8220
4834 Route 910, Allison Park, PA 15101
Friday, April 22, 2011
Age-Related Vision Challenges | Saturday, May 7
This upcoming event of the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh may be of interest to older adults and caregivers in your communities.
Age-Related Vision Challenges
Blindness Awareness Day for Seniors and their families
Saturday, May 7, 2011
9:30 a.m.—noon
Radisson Hotel, Green Tree
101 Radisson Drive
off the Parkway West Green Tree exit
Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.; no charge / free parking.
This Blindness Awareness Day focuses on age-related vision loss with presentations by these specialists, who will discuss what the diseases are; the symptoms; what treatments are available, and where you can go for help.
Dr. Louis Lobes – Macular Degeneration
Dr. Marshall Stafford – Cataracts and Glaucoma
There will be ample time for your questions for the specialists. The event also will include demonstrations of low-vision aids aimed at helping those who are losing their vision learn to improve and enjoy their lives.
Blindness Awareness Day is made possible by The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Pennsylvania Association for the Blind* presented by Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh
1800 West Street, Homestead, PA 15120, 412-368-4400.
www.blindvr.org
*with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Age-Related Vision Challenges
Blindness Awareness Day for Seniors and their families
Saturday, May 7, 2011
9:30 a.m.—noon
Radisson Hotel, Green Tree
101 Radisson Drive
off the Parkway West Green Tree exit
Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.; no charge / free parking.
This Blindness Awareness Day focuses on age-related vision loss with presentations by these specialists, who will discuss what the diseases are; the symptoms; what treatments are available, and where you can go for help.
Dr. Louis Lobes – Macular Degeneration
Dr. Marshall Stafford – Cataracts and Glaucoma
There will be ample time for your questions for the specialists. The event also will include demonstrations of low-vision aids aimed at helping those who are losing their vision learn to improve and enjoy their lives.
Blindness Awareness Day is made possible by The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Pennsylvania Association for the Blind* presented by Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh
1800 West Street, Homestead, PA 15120, 412-368-4400.
www.blindvr.org
*with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books-2010
An entry from the Office for Intellectual Freedom's Blog:
The Office for Intellectual Freedom has released its Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books list of 2010, as part of ALA’s State of America’s Library report during National Library Week.
1. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
3. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
4. Crank, by Ellen Hopkins
5. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
6. Lush, by Natasha Friend
7. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
8. Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich
9. Revolutionary Voices, edited by Amy Sonnie
10. Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
And Tango Makes Three is an award-winning children’s book about the true story of two male Emperor Penguins hatching and parenting a baby chick at New York’s Central Park Zoo. The book has appeared on the ALA’s Top Ten List of Frequently Challenged Books for the past five years and returns to the number one slot after a brief stay at the number two position in 2009 behind Lauren Myracle’s Internet girl series ttyl, ttfn, and l8r g8r. There have been dozens of attempts to remove And Tango Makes Three from school and public library shelves. Those seeking to remove the book have described it as ”unsuited for age group,” and cited “religious viewpoint” and “homosexuality” as reasons for challenging the book.
OIF recorded a total of 348 challenges in 2010. For every challenge reported to OIF, however, we estimate that there are 4 or 5 challenges that go unreported. We continue to monitor challenge situations across the country, providing information and assistance to librarians and teachers facing attempts to remove or restrict materials in schools and libraries. The good news is that, thanks to the dedication of countless individuals, materials do remain accessible to users in a majority of cases. OIF thanks you for your work and commitment to defending the freedom to read! Check out our challenges to library materials page for more information on how to report a challenge and get support from the Office for Intellectual Freedom.
Banned Books Week will be held September 24 through October 1, 2011.
Free Training for Seniors and Caregivers
Below is information from our partners at the Consumer Health Coalition on a FREE training next week for seniors and caregivers.
The training is being done by a national group, “Community Catalyst” and by Consumer Health Coalition. The focus is to educate folks on how to be a better advocate and a self advocate and how to utilize one’s personal story to make it powerful, compelling, and impacting.
Here are details:
WHAT: “Lift Up Your Voice” Advocacy Training for Seniors and Caregivers
WHEN: Tuesday, 26 April and Wednesday, 27 April, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm --- Dinner provided both nights!
WHERE: 4 Allegheny Center, Mezzanine Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 --- on the North Side!
To register, please contact Sally Jo Snyder at (412) 456-1877 x 203 or ssnyder@consumerhealthcoalition.org
The training is being done by a national group, “Community Catalyst” and by Consumer Health Coalition. The focus is to educate folks on how to be a better advocate and a self advocate and how to utilize one’s personal story to make it powerful, compelling, and impacting.
Here are details:
WHAT: “Lift Up Your Voice” Advocacy Training for Seniors and Caregivers
WHEN: Tuesday, 26 April and Wednesday, 27 April, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm --- Dinner provided both nights!
WHERE: 4 Allegheny Center, Mezzanine Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 --- on the North Side!
To register, please contact Sally Jo Snyder at (412) 456-1877 x 203 or ssnyder@consumerhealthcoalition.org
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Directory of Health Centers and Clinics for the Underinsured or Uninsured
Allegheny County Health Department has recently expanded and updated its directory of local health centers and clinics that serve people with minimal or no health insurance.
Click here to access the directory as a PDF.
Click here to access the directory as a PDF.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Screen-Free Week
Allegheny County Department of Human Services Encourages Kids and Adults to Go Screen-Free April 18-24
PITTSBURGH—The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will join thousands of schools, libraries and community groups nationwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of Americans to turn off televisions, computers and video games from April 18-24 and turn on the world around them. Screen-Free Week is a chance for children to spend more time with friends and family reading, playing, pursuing hobbies and being more physically active. “Screen-
Free Week is a much-needed opportunity to remind children and families of the alternatives to allowing the screen media to dominate our lives,” said Glenna Wilson, DHS Office of Community Services Safe Start coordinator. “We hope this awareness week will encourage everyone to make screen-free time a significant part of their lives so they can rediscover the joys of life disconnected from technology.”
On average, preschool children spend more than four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend more than seven hours a day, including multi-tasking. Excessive screen time is linked to significant problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, sleep disturbances and problems with attention span.
Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff) is coordinated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a national advocacy organization devoted to reducing the impact of commercialism on children. Since the week’s founding in 1994, it has been celebrated by millions of children and their families worldwide.
For more information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/screen-free-week2011.aspx .
For national information, visit http://www.screenfree.org/ .
PITTSBURGH—The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will join thousands of schools, libraries and community groups nationwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of Americans to turn off televisions, computers and video games from April 18-24 and turn on the world around them. Screen-Free Week is a chance for children to spend more time with friends and family reading, playing, pursuing hobbies and being more physically active. “Screen-
Free Week is a much-needed opportunity to remind children and families of the alternatives to allowing the screen media to dominate our lives,” said Glenna Wilson, DHS Office of Community Services Safe Start coordinator. “We hope this awareness week will encourage everyone to make screen-free time a significant part of their lives so they can rediscover the joys of life disconnected from technology.”
On average, preschool children spend more than four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend more than seven hours a day, including multi-tasking. Excessive screen time is linked to significant problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, sleep disturbances and problems with attention span.
Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff) is coordinated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a national advocacy organization devoted to reducing the impact of commercialism on children. Since the week’s founding in 1994, it has been celebrated by millions of children and their families worldwide.
For more information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/screen-free-week2011.aspx .
For national information, visit http://www.screenfree.org/ .
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Steel Valley: A memoir in stories and poems
A special event shared by one of our member libraries, the Carnegie Library of Homestead:
Michael Adams will read from his book Steel Valley and lead a discussion afterwards of life in the Steel Valley during the heyday and decline of the steel industry. He will be joined by Charlee Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, for Thursday’s presentation at the Homestead Library.
Where: Carnegie Library of Homestead
510 E 10th Ave
Munhall PA 15120
When: Thursday, April 14 5 to 6:30PM
This event is free.
Michael Adams grew up in West Mifflin, PA. He has a Master’s degree in planning from the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a planner for the Allegheny County Planning Department in the 1970s. His latest book is Steel Valley (2010 Lummox Press http://www.lummoxpress.com/lummoxpress/indexlp.htm ) . He is the author of five other books and winner of the 2007 Mark Fischer Poetry Prize. He now lives in Lafayette, CO with his wife, Claire.
Charlee Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, has photographed the steel valley from when the mills were standing in the 1980s until they were razed and the Waterfront built. She produced two books, one with Judith Modell Schacter entitled Homestead, A Town Without Steel; and From Mill Town to Mall Town with writers Jane McCafferty and Jim Daniels.
Michael Adams will read from his book Steel Valley and lead a discussion afterwards of life in the Steel Valley during the heyday and decline of the steel industry. He will be joined by Charlee Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, for Thursday’s presentation at the Homestead Library.
Where: Carnegie Library of Homestead
510 E 10th Ave
Munhall PA 15120
When: Thursday, April 14 5 to 6:30PM
This event is free.
Michael Adams grew up in West Mifflin, PA. He has a Master’s degree in planning from the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a planner for the Allegheny County Planning Department in the 1970s. His latest book is Steel Valley (2010 Lummox Press http://www.lummoxpress.com/lummoxpress/indexlp.htm ) . He is the author of five other books and winner of the 2007 Mark Fischer Poetry Prize. He now lives in Lafayette, CO with his wife, Claire.
Charlee Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, has photographed the steel valley from when the mills were standing in the 1980s until they were razed and the Waterfront built. She produced two books, one with Judith Modell Schacter entitled Homestead, A Town Without Steel; and From Mill Town to Mall Town with writers Jane McCafferty and Jim Daniels.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Alan Paul, author of BIG IN CHINA: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming a Star in Beijing
From our partners at Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront:
Visits Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront
Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm
Homestead, PA, March 10, 2011 – Suburban dad and Allderdice High School graduate, Alan Paul was supposed to be moving to China for his wife’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Instead, he ended up with an incredible adventure of his own, founding and fronting Woodie Alan, a Chinese blues band, that would be named “Beijing’s Best Band” and becoming a national touring sensation. He also became an award-winning columnist, as he sought to capture the exciting vibrancy of his new home in the capital of the world’s largest and most rapidly developing nation.
In BIG IN CHINA: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming A Rock Star in Beijing, Paul recounts these life-changing years playing music and raising three American children in Beijing. Thought provoking and passionate, BIG IN CHINA is an entertaining account of one man’s personal journey and transformation.
Join Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront as we welcome Alan Paul for a discussion and signing of BIG IN CHINA Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm.
For additional information on these and other Barnes & Noble events at the Waterfront, contact Nancy Heron, Community Relations Manager, at 412-462-4798.
Visits Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront
Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm
Homestead, PA, March 10, 2011 – Suburban dad and Allderdice High School graduate, Alan Paul was supposed to be moving to China for his wife’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Instead, he ended up with an incredible adventure of his own, founding and fronting Woodie Alan, a Chinese blues band, that would be named “Beijing’s Best Band” and becoming a national touring sensation. He also became an award-winning columnist, as he sought to capture the exciting vibrancy of his new home in the capital of the world’s largest and most rapidly developing nation.
In BIG IN CHINA: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming A Rock Star in Beijing, Paul recounts these life-changing years playing music and raising three American children in Beijing. Thought provoking and passionate, BIG IN CHINA is an entertaining account of one man’s personal journey and transformation.
Join Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront as we welcome Alan Paul for a discussion and signing of BIG IN CHINA Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm.
For additional information on these and other Barnes & Noble events at the Waterfront, contact Nancy Heron, Community Relations Manager, at 412-462-4798.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Life's Journey to a Better End Conference - Friday, April 1
Journey to a Better End Conference, presented by the Better End Committee and Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging will host their annual conference on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Hospital Council of Western Pa in Warrendale.
This conference is designed to help professionals and individuals understand how to start the conversation about End of Life, what constitutes the continuum of End of Life Care and what tools are needed to provide individuals to make informed decisions about this care.
For more information click here.
This conference is designed to help professionals and individuals understand how to start the conversation about End of Life, what constitutes the continuum of End of Life Care and what tools are needed to provide individuals to make informed decisions about this care.
For more information click here.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Book Club Night @ Drue Heinz Lectures - Monday, March 21
From our partners at Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures:
Yann Martel, Man Booker Prize-winning author of LIFE OF PI, will appear at the Drue Heinz Lectures on Monday, March 21, 2011, 7:30 pm, at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. This lecture is Book Club Night with a raffle on site in the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer. Enter your Club to win FREE BOOKS by one of next season’s featured authors! Also, as always there will be an audience Q&A and a book signing with the author. Tickets starting at $15.
Tickets are available at 412-622-8866, www.pittsburghlectures.org, or at the Carnegie Music Hall box office the night of the event.
The last Drue Heinz lecture with Stacy Schiff, author of CLEOPATRA: A LIFE, will be at the Lectures on Monday, April 4.
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