Mars Area Public Library

Mars, Pennsylvania

Branded plastic bags help keep library materials organized

For more than 70 years, Mars Area Public Library has helped inform, educate and entertain residents of Mars, Pennsylvania. Now powered by a team of 10 employees and a handful of volunteers, it’s a small but mighty library that garners strong support from its community. Programming includes book and board game clubs, author events and community conversations, plus a variety of offerings for teens and children.

Each year, Mars Area Public Library partners with the local primary school to celebrate National Read Across America® Day. This nationwide initiative, led by the National Education Association, promotes a love of reading. It takes place annually around March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

A day of firsts

Over two days, about 550 kindergarten and first grade students visit the Mars Area Public Library. The children get a thorough introduction to their public library and the programs and resources available. Students have come to look forward to this field trip every year. “It’s a big thing for the school and it’s a big thing for us,” said Tara Watson, youth services librarian. “We love to meet the kids from the community. We go all out and really put our best foot forward for them.”

Among the special moments of each day is the issuing of a library card. For most children, it’s the first identification card they’re ever handed. They also select and check out their first library book and participate in a scavenger hunt. “We want to reach the children early,” Watson said. “We want to get the kids excited about the library when they’re starting elementary school. That way we can begin a lifelong love of reading and learning.”

Library bags help classes stay organized

With hundreds of children cycling through hour by hour, things can get frenzied. To help stay organized, the library used a one by one grant to purchase branded plastic bags opens in new window. Each student’s materials—including their library card, book and scavenger hunt sheet—are collected in the bag to ensure everything makes it onto the bus and back home safely. “When the bags are at home, they are a reminder for the students that the Mars library is here for them,” Watson said. “And if their book is in it, it’s a reminder to go back to the library. It helps put the library front and center for them at home.”

A note from Cheryl

Mars Area Public Library found a creative way to welcome children through its doors and introduce them to all that a library can offer. We were thrilled to support this fun and important collaboration by providing branded plastic bags to make sure field trip materials make it home. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com opens in new window.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

For more information about Mars Area Public Library, please visit https://www.marsarealibrary.org/ opens in new window