Everyone knows that libraries are the first place to check when researching a specific topic or looking for a new book to start reading. But most libraries, including the Quarryville Library, offer far more than a good novel.

The Quarryville Library recently received a grant from the State Library of Pennsylvania through Family Place, a program designed to help libraries expand to serve as a centerpiece for their communities. In 2008, the Quarryville Library became certified in the Family Place program, which requires it to offer components such as educational programs for different age groups as well as resources for families. The library plans to use the recent $2,500 grant to invest in items that will make its rooms more engaging for children, including interactive sensory panels for kids to make art or to play with peers. Twenty percent of the grant will be used to refresh the library's supply of backpacks filled with toys or items for infants; families are able to take the backpacks home with them. "We'll be able to add some cool things for children and their families to engage in without losing space for books," said Sharon Roche, director of the Quarryville Library.

As a member of the Family Place program, the library also offers workshops to provide families with resources to help raise their children, as well as enabling parents to connect with others to share their insights and ask questions. Many workshops include enrichment activities to supplement early education, and they are often attended by an interventionist whom parents may approach to share concerns and receive advice. The first session of the Quarryville Library's next Family Place program will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the C.X. Carlson Cultural Room, which is located in the library's building at 357 Buck Road, Quarryville. The series will provide opportunities for children age 3 and under to play with developmentally appropriate toys in a group setting, and each session will focus on specific topics such as early literacy, speech and language development and pediatric nutrition. Online registration will remain open until Tuesday, Sept. 24, or until all spaces are filled. To register, visit the events page on https://quarryvillelibrary.org.

"Young children and their families should know that coming to the library is not just for getting a book and leaving," said Roche. "It's a place to build community where children and their parents can come and stay as long as they like without needing to spend money or leave quickly."

The Quarryville Library recently wrapped up its Summer Reading Program, which had the highest number of participants to date. Roche has a full roster of programs and events slated for the fall, including a family movie night at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, park naturalist Lisa Sanchez will offer her annual cider-making program from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the library. Online registration and more information about each event are available in the calendar on Quarryville Library's website.

The Wakefield Lions Club and the Friends of the Quarryville Library will host the annual barbecue fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. Tickets are available to purchase in advance at the front desk of the library, and each meal will include a half-chicken, a bag of chips and a bottle of water. For more information, visit the library website or contact the library office at 717-786-1336.