adult

The Reference Department will provide readily available, accessible, and approachable service. Staff will strive to meet every patron's informational and reading guidance needs, regardless of the patron's age, economic status, or race.

Information and assistance is provided at the library by qualified reference librarians. The reference department provides quick and accurate answers over the telephone to many commonly asked questions.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Many books, videotapes, and other materials, which are unavailable in the Bethel Park Pubic Library's collection, may be requested through the Interlibrary Loan Service of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. There may be a charge for this service, if materials are received from outside Pennsylvania.

A request for an item can be placed from any of the Carnegie Branches @

http://www.carnegielibrary.org/borrowing/illrequest.html

or simply fill out the interlibrary loan request form available at the circulation or reference desk.

MAGAZINES

Magazines are available for in-house use at the Library. Most research articles may be obtained quickly through EBSCO Host. EBSCO Host is a database that provides full text for over 1,860 periodicals covering nearly all subjects including general reference, business, health, and much more. This information can be accessed through the Online Reference Center.

MEMORIALS

The Library welcomes monetary donations in honor of living or deceased persons in amounts beginning at $20.00. Forms are available at the Front Desk.

Outreach Department

The Outreach Department seeks to serve the special needs of older adults, public, and those adults who either work with or care for these groups. Services to these groups are provided through in-house and outreach programs and materials. These programs and materials are listed within this page.

HOMEBOUND DELIVERY SERVICE

Library materials are available to Bethel Park residents who are unable to come to the library either temporarily or permanently. Every two weeks library staff will select and deliver materials directly to your home and pick up returns. This service is provided to both individuals in their homes and residents of senior care facilities. To sign up for homebound services, please call the library at 412-835-2207.

SENIOR INFORMATION CENTER

The Senior Information Center provides information addressing the needs of older adults. Topics include information on:

Statewide services for seniors
Long term care resources including information on senior care facilities in the Pittsburgh area
Information on Alzheimer's Disease and other health topics
Information on educational and recreational activities of interest to seniors.

READ ALOUD PROGRAM

Volunteers present monthly reading and discussion programs in local nursing homes, personal care homes, and other senior centers. The format of the program encourages participants to listen to readings and participate in discussion. Volunteers are always needed for this rewarding program. Please contact Mary Mullen, Outreach Librarian for more information.

AGING CENTER

The Aging Center is an on-site resource center that provides materials for activity professionals, caregivers, and volunteers working with seniors. The center houses books, multi-media kits, games, videos, and cassettes. These materials assist patrons with program planning, recreational and educational activities, and caregiving.

READING AIDS

Large print books, books on tape, reading aids, and a reading machine are available to meet the needs of the individuals with disabilities. Information and applications for the Talking Book Service from the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped are available at the Library.

VISUAL AIDS

An extensive collection of large print books is available to anyone. For the visually impaired, different types of magnifiers and book holders circulate also. Application for the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped can be obtained through this library.

FEDERAL DEPOSITORY LIBRARY PROGRAM

Valuable information is available on subjects ranging from agriculture to zoology, including United States Geological Survey maps of Pennsylvania. It is provided to the Library by federal agencies using printed publications and magazines, CD-ROMS, and the Internet.

United States Government Printing Office