WHAT:
Leaders and friends of PNC, Saint Paul Public Library, and Heart of America, along with Mayor Carter and Councilmember Nelsie Yang, will gather to complete and celebrate a transformation of the library’s children’s area, made possible thanks to the support of PNC. The transformation, led by education nonprofit Heart of America, features a showcase area designed for children ages 0-5. The spaces focus on play-based learning opportunities that connect caregivers and children, including culturally specific books and activities, including interactive elements, activities, and play features designed to reflect a Somali hut and Hmong story cloth. A custom, interactive mural created by artists and library staff reflects the many ways children bring their imaginations to life at the library.
Arlington Hills Library serves a culturally diverse community in Saint Paul. The addition of culturally relevant books, activities that combine learning and play, and flexible design provides enriching experiences for community members and make the library a hub for families. Library staff can maximize the space for all activities with easily moveable furniture and book bins.
This is the second transformation in partnership with PNC and SPPL after completing similar work completing a Children's Area at Rice Street Library last August. The transformations are part of PNC Grow up Great®, a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. Libraries, such as Arlington Hills and Rice Street, are integral to communities in providing space specifically tailored for young learners, education opportunities, computer access, and other resources.
WHO:
Mayor Melvin Carter
Councilmember Nelsie Yang
Jill Hardy Heath, President and CEO, Heart of America
Kate Kelly, PNC Bank Regional President, Minnesota
Deb Rohloff, Vice President & Director of Client & Community Relations, PNC Bank
Catherine Penkert, Library Director, Saint Paul Public Library
Ruqia Abdi, Community Library Manager at Arlington Hills, Saint Paul Public Library
WHERE:
Saint Paul Public Library – Arlington Hills, 1200 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
WHEN:
Thursday, May 5, 2022
8 a.m.: Volunteering
10:30 a.m.: Family activities for young children
11 a.m.: Ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks
11:30 a.m. Explore the space
Interview opportunities available from 10 - 11 a.m. and immediately following remarks.
VISUAL:
Volunteers completing Children’s Area transformation and preparing/leading family activities; transformed children’s space.
CONTACT:
Stacy Opitz, Marketing and Communications Manager, SPPL 651-266-7006 or stacy.opitz@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Robert J. Darmanin, PNC 586-258-8513 or robert.darmanin@pnc.com
Christine Lucas, Heart of America 571-814-8136 or christine@heartofamerica.org
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