Community Corner
Peters Library Takes a Hike with Patrons
Peters Township Public Library exercises both mind and muscles with "Listen While You Walk" program, launched Thursday.
Thursday morning, director Pier Lee and reference librarian Margaret Deitzer put on their tennis shoes and met with a group of avid readers for a brisk 30-minute walk on the Arrowhead Trail.
The library provided the hikers with "Playaways," a small, easy-to-use device with a built-in tape that can be listened to while walking or jogging.
"I thought a ‘Listen While You Walk’ program would be a good way to introduce our new collection of 'Playaways' to our patrons,” Lee said.
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“In (China) everyone cares about the mind. I came to America and everyone cares about the body and athletics. I thought (this program) was a great way to combine both the body and the mind.”
The walkers, 14 female library patrons, selected an audio "Playaway" book from the library’s collection—500 titles, including children and young adult stories.
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At 9:15 a.m., Deitzer met with the group, discussed hiking safety and handed out maps of the Arrowhead Trail.
She then held a quick "Playaway" orientation class, instructing patrons on how to use the device. She was assisted by library volunteers Monica Craig and Lisa Cody. After everyone was up and running, it was time to walk. Deitzer led the group down East McMurray Road, across Valley Brook and off to the trail.
Patrons strolled single file, adhering to the safety guidelines, and listened to the first chapter of their new audio book.
Jennifer Garrett had picked out David Baldacci’s “One Summer” for the occasion.
“I was curious to try this," she said. "I have hiked the trails occasionally, but I thought it would be great to go with a group. I’m an avid reader, but this is my first book on tape.”
Gale Wilson, another hiker and frequent library patron, picked "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson.
Margie Hill gave a big “thumbs up” to her "Playaway" selection, “By a Spider’s Thread” by Laura Lippman.
The "Playaway" device can be checked out for three weeks, giving each patron plenty of time to walk and listen. Deitzer also encouraged readers/listeners to check out the library’s website, where a patron can renew online.
It’s not too late to join Deitzer’s expedition. Subsequent walks will be scheduled every Thursday at 9:15 a.m. There is no fee to participate (make sure you have your library card to check out the "Playaway").
Patrons can register at the circulation desk or by calling 724-941-9430 ext. 3.
