A library is a place that promotes literacy, builds community and offers educational resources and services for the community.

The Butler Area Public Library does this and more. The library, located at 218 N. McKean St., should be commended for its expansive programming. Without any need to search too long or hard, both children and adults alike will find beneficial programming and resources.

For kids, there’s regular programming, activity kits and more. On Sept. 6, the library will have Back to School Kits available for pick up in the children’s department. On Sept. 19, the Apple Tree Life Cycle kit will be available, again in the children’s department.

On the same dates, tween and teen activity kits are available in the YA (young adult) department. Their kits are Back to School Slime and Basket Weaving, respectively.

For adults, the month features more than half a dozen informative events. At 6 p.m. Sept. 7, the library has arranged an educational presentation about powers of attorney and living wills by an attorney from Neighborhood Legal Services.

Another presentation is planned for 6 p.m. on September 13. This time, Steve Cicero will speak at a program titled "Highway to History — Route 8." This program highlights Route 8, the historic sites the road passes from Pittsburgh to Erie and the road’s connections to every era of American history.

A day later, another informative program is set for 6 p.m. with Neighborhood Legal Services discussing protection from abuse filings and procedures.

Free blood pressure screenings and a conversation about legal rights for tenants follows the next week.

This is just a sampling. There are online job search resources, public computers, meeting rooms, an obituary and newspaper index and the Weir Genealogy Room. (There’s even genealogy-themed programming, including a program at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 called “Finding your Immigrant Ancestors.”)

All and all, the Butler Area Public Library has something for all ages. It is a truly valuable asset to this community.

— TL