South Fayette Township Library receives national grant

South Fayette Township Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.

According to a news release, the competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library hold a One Book, One Community program this summer.

One Book, One Community is a community-wide reading program designed to promote the value of reading and lifelong learning and to facilitate a discussion about an issue facing the community.

“We are so proud to be chosen,” said Sarah Grebinoski, the library’s adult programming coordinator. “I have been wanting to organize a One Book program for years. It is going to be so much fun!”

While the final selection of the title will be determined by a community-wide vote in June, all the suggested titles will touch on some aspect of the toll the pandemic has taken on South Fayette.

“Issues of isolation and disruption have become a stark reality for our community members personally and professionally. One Book, One Community will give the community a chance to connect with each other and share experiences,” said library director Ben Hornfeck.

The library will host several conversations and programs related to the chosen title. Some will be online, but they are hoping to have some in-person opportunities as well. As part of the grant, Grebinoski took an online course in how to lead conversations, which is currently a skill vital to library work.