FC Library Hosts Power Down Event
Evidence of technology is everywhere these days. A look around the room in a restaurant or social gathering reveals people of all ages handling myriad gadgets and screens.
How did we ever managed to function without electronics in our hands? That’s a question asked by Anita Bowser, director of Ford City Library.
“Remember the good old days,” Bowser said, “when people talked to each other at dinner and kids got together for pickup games in the park? Remember when most of the games you played didn’t require charging stations, or thumbs.”
Bowser stresses that the library is not averse to technology. In fact, libraries are charged with introducing new technology and easing the pain of older tech users who require tutoring and assistance.
“Technology helps us be efficient and we need it,” she said. “But, for those of us who didn’t grow up with Facebook, entertaining ourselves without electronics is a lot easy than it is for some of our younger friends and family members.
“Spending a day without screen time is a real challenge for many of us. And, it’s something a lot of adults would like to see kids try to do.”
That got the library staff thinking about a unique twist on an old fundraising challenge – marathons for money. In the spirit of read-a-thons and walk-a-thons, the library is organizing Power Down, a blackout marathon. The challenge is to go for up to six hours without using electronics.
“We’re asking kids, ages 10-17, to go off the grid and investigate some old fashioned ways to pass the time. It’s not going to be easy. But, we believe – for a good cause – kids will meet the challenge.”
The library is ready to help make the day easier for kids who participate. Multiple activities are planned for each hour of Power Down. Kids can choose from up to three workshops each hour. Workshops include:
Caleb Lundy, 7, front and Chasze Lundy, 10, play a video game Tuesday at Ford City Public Library. The library will challenge local youth to abandon their screens and controllers for Power Down, an electronics blackout marathon August 19.
• Flash fiction and creative writing
• Drama games and improv
• Self-exploration through art
• Up-cycling art
• Ice cream making & tasting
• Retro games
• Button making
• A playground visit
• Kickball
• Pizza dinner
• Reading
• Board & card games
Participants should register soon to get started with signing up sponsors. Top earners will receive prizes from local organizations, including the YMCA.
“Adults who wish to support this challenge can contact the library and be matched with a participant,” Bowser said. “Volunteers are also needed.”
“We’re hopeful that adults in the community will get behind this program,” said library assistant Tiffany Harkleroad. “What adult would not love to see a kid put down their electronics for a few hours? I know I would pay to see that!”
All electronic devices will be collected at the start of the event and returned to participants when they have finished.
For details or to register, contact the library: 724-763-3591 or fordcity@armstronglibraries.org
Local News | KP NewsDesk August 6, 2015
By Just sayin, August 6, 2015 @ 3:37 PM
Seems like the library is providing free baby-sitting for at least one of these boys. He seems to be in every picture of stories with children at the library.
It’s great to be reading or participating in activities, but not to go there to play PC games all the time.
Remember the good old days when libraries were quiet? I can’t imagine these boys being quiet while playing a game, even if the sound is off.
By Just sayin, August 6, 2015 @ 3:40 PM
Air condition… free internet… free baby-sitting…
By jorn jensen, August 6, 2015 @ 9:27 PM
Wow, Just sayin, you got a fivefecta on comments. Impressed.