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Bethel Park Public Library to expand free student library card access to elementary grades; countywide program includes 15 districts
Summary
Library director said the third-year program currently provides full physical library cards to grades 7–12 and will expand to K–5 and grade 6 when a new elementary center opens in fall 2026; the countywide initiative covers 15 school districts.
Christine, director of the Bethel Park Public Library, told the council the library has submitted data for new student library cards for grades 7 through 12 as part of a countywide student library card initiative.
"We provide opportunities to explore, learn, create, and connect," Christine said, describing the program now in its third year for grades 7–12. She said the program will be expanded to include grades K–5 immediately and then grade 6 when the new elementary center opens in the fall of 2026. Christine said the initiative is countywide across Allegheny County and includes 15 school districts and their corresponding local public libraries.
Christine also thanked community members for recent library fundraising and events. She reported the library's Bourbon, Bean and Vino plus Chili Cook-Off drew 15 chili cooks, five beverage vendors and 165 attendees; the event generated a net income of just under $2,700 that will be divided equally among the four organizations that comprise the Bethel Park "Fantastic 4" charity: the Community Foundation, the Education Foundation, the Historical Society and the Library. She noted the library will be closed Monday, Feb. 17, for Presidents' Day and reopen Tuesday at 10 a.m.
The director delivered the library update during the regular council meeting; no formal vote was recorded on the report.
