Wissahickon Valley Public Library Branches Evolve into Centers of Learning, Technology, and Fun

The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, whose branches are in Blue Bell and Ambler, is evolving from a space focused on hard-copy books to a hub of learning, resources and fun.

The library design is changing from a hard-copy book-centric model to a model where some of the more outdated shelf books and shelves are removed and replaced with comfortable seating and e-books.  More public programs are added, such as LEGO Club, Yoga & Tai Chi, and dinners with authors at Ambler’s Bridget’s Steakhouse.  More online resources are available, such as Consumer Reports, and language-learning software.   

According to Wissahickon Valley Public Library Director Anne Frank, the library can be a third place away from work and home where patrons can spend their time.

“Coming to the library I brought my ideas and thoughts about where we can go as a library,” said Frank, who has been working on the libraries’ development since she arrived about five years ago.

Frank and her colleagues met with community leaders, patrons, and businesses to help shape their goals for the Ambler and Blue Bell branches.  They decided that their main goals would be for the libraries to function as community centers, and for the libraries to be technology-savvy and leaders in teaching technology to patrons.

Some of the online resources, some of which are accessible outside of the library branches, include school preparation tests like the SAT and GRE, citizenship preparation tests, over 6,980 e-books, the Philadelphia Inquirer Online Historical Archive, Mango languages online language courses, and the Morningstar Investment Research Center.

During their monthly technology drives patrons can come to the library and sign up for a half hour appointment where library staff will teach them how to use certain technologies, such as a smartphone or a NOOK.

There are activities for adults and children, and one of the more popular activities has proven to be Miss Michelle’s Story-Guitar Time, where Children’s Librarian Michelle Miller reads and sings to the children.  About 60 to 80 people participate in the Blue Bell and Ambler activity.  “This is an ideal place for parents to come,” said Miller.  “Moms need a place to come to outside of household chores.”

As for the look and feel of the libraries, Frank and her colleagues have renovated both the Ambler and Blue Bell branches to make them more comfortable for patrons.  At the Ambler branch they removed two tall stacks and added seating to allow patrons to sit and read there.  They added a couch and a patio.  They created more comfortable areas for adults and juveniles at the Blue Bell branch. 

According to Frank, from 2011 to 2012 there has been a 20% increase in events being held at the libraries and a 34% attendance at the events.  There was a 4% increase in circulation and an 8% increase in library visits.  

“The big thing about the library is to see the resources that they have,” said Board of Supervisors Chairperson Joseph Palmer.  “You can do a lot in your home without even going into the library.  I would encourage residents to go to their Website and check it out.”

This year the Wissahickon Valley Public Library branches are participating in the “Geek the Library,” a campaign sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help spread awareness about the need for library funding and the value of libraries to their communities.  

According to Frank, the libraries want to outreach and support the interests of people in their communities.  “Whatever you like, whatever you ‘geek,’ the library supports you,” she said.