The library is for gathering. The library is for books. The library is for getting things done.

The library is for learning. The library is for kids.

The Manheim Township Public Library (MTPL), located at 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, has forged a strong tradition of serving its constituents in myriad creative ways, not the least of which is its continuing dedication to developing young minds. MTPL's commitment to children's learning doesn't just happen; it's deliberate and intentional.

"I think one of our most important roles is to create memories," said Joelle Block, MTPL's youth services manager. "The library is a wonderful place. I still remember going to the public library growing up. Of course, our goal is reading; we want to create a community of readers. We want to create a community within a community. Our free plays are a great way to meet other families. The Summer Reading Program is community-sponsored."

By cloaking it in stories and play, MTPL aims to make learning fun and engage emerging brains. By name the youth programs go by Kindergarten Readiness, Toddler Time, Patio Play, Family Story Time, Duplo Free Play, Preschool Party, Baby Mania, Parachute Play, Wee Build Free Play and Ready, Set, Go!

In all, MTPL sponsors up to 12 programs or activities for infants to kids up to 7 years of age at any one time. Some are more structured than others, some are as long as 55 minutes, but all have the same mission in mind.

"It's intentional," said Block. "I think everything we do we plan meticulously. We believe events like story time introduce learning and our play programs introduce creative play. Our hope is to give families a place to go. We want to demonstrate to families how to engage with their children, how to read to their children, how to connect through reading."

"I think we see a lot of amazing growth in children who come to our library," Block continued. "We see them develop. We help develop their sense of independence. It's just amazing to see, and our families have expressed to us how our programs have helped their children."

MTPL's preschool activities and programs are attended by as many as 140 kids each week.

"We are serving a lot of families at the library," said Block. "The majority of our families come from Manheim Township, but we serve other members of our community as well. The children are very excited to come to our programs. They find it engaging - the crafts, the songs, the puppets."

Curious minds are eager to learn, and learning at an early age can foster a lifelong thirst for knowledge.

"I think the social aspects of the activities are really important," said Block. "Some of our programs are run like classrooms. It's such a different world for kids. It's loud and it's a lot of people. If parents keep them coming, (kids will) come out of their shells."

Staying true to its vision of informing, educating and inspiring, MTPL's commitment to preschool learning hasn't changed a lot over the years. If anything, it's intensified.

"We're very passionate about getting kids ready for kindergarten," said Block. "We're focused on getting these kids prepared for things like holding crayons and holding scissors. It's also an important step in the process of parents letting go and establishing independence."

For additional information about the Manheim Township Public Library, go to http://www.mtpl.info.