BridgePoint Church in Tarentum opens children’s library

Eight-year-old Ayden Sanders didn’t have to look hard to find a book that suited his fancy.

He picked several from among hundreds that now line the walls of the basement at BridgePoint Church in Tarentum and plopped down at a pint-sized table to read.

“I love it here,” Ayden said. “It’s nice and cool, and there’s lots of stuff to do.”

The children’s library at the church along East Ninth Avenue opened in June. It fills a void left by the closure of the Community Library of Allegheny Valley branch along Lock Street, which shuttered its doors during the pandemic.

“Since they closed, we wanted the kids to still have access to books,” church volunteer Janet Purdie said.

The church received a $1,000 grant from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank that enabled leaders to purchase 80% of the children’s books from the Tarentum library.

Money also paid for materials to build an elaborate flower-shaped bookshelf and compartments to place books throughout the adjoining social hall.

Highlands Elementary School librarian Laurie Malcolm pitched in by donating duplicate books from the school, more than 150 in total. Girl Scout Troop 28807 from Harrison helped label and categorize the selections.

“While we are still disappointed that we had to close our facility in Tarentum, we are happy that our materials were able to stay in the community,” said Suzy Ruskin, director of the Community Library in Harrison. “We support any and all efforts of early childhood literacy.”

The Rev. Val Schubert said the library is a perfect fit to the church’s growing offerings. A reading camp is offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays to coincide with a free lunch giveaway.

About 15 elementary-aged children show up regularly, and Schubert hopes to expand the activities for teens and beyond.

Parent Heather Waters brings her children each week and believes once word gets out, more children will take advantage of the programs.

“It’s kind of a hike to go all the way to the Heights for the library,” she said. “It’s great here. The church has a lot to offer for the kids.”

The basement social hall is filled with basketball games, life-size chess and checkers, crafts and more.

Schubert said once the library officially takes off, she wants to offer other programs to attract children. Later this summer, there will be a bookbag giveaway and other activities in Riverview Memorial Park.

Volunteer Ethel Hayden said it’s wonderful to see local opportunities for kids.

“They love the new library,” she said. “They’ll tell you all about their favorite characters, and some even read to you.”

Children who participate in the summer reading camp can qualify for a special outing in August. Anyone who reads 20 books or more can attend a field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

“It’s such a blessing of the generosity of people who want to help the local kids out,” Schubert said.