Altoona Area Public Library

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPORT SERIES: Blair Therapies Early Intervention, August 24th at 5:30pm in the Library Theater.

Every parent wonders: Is my child developing at the right pace?

Join us for a brief presentation on Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention program. You will learn about the 100% free speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, special instruction, vision, or hearing services offered to children ages birth to 3 years old in your home, community, or childcare environment. Don't wait and wonder. Come learn about the process and qualifications, and even speak to some of our highly qualified therapists about our services.

This is a FREE program for caregivers. No Registration Required.

Don't forget, tomorrow is the start of our BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPORT SERIES with NetSmartz: Internet Safety for Caregivers and Communities, Friday, August 14th at 10:30am in the Library Theater.

Join us for a special presentation from Richie Servello of the Child Advocacy Center. Developed in collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), this presentation will provide practical strategies and up‑to‑date information on keeping children and teens safe online.

Covered topics will include digital boundaries, online enticement, privacy, gaming safety, and social media awareness.

No registration is necessary. This is a free program designed for caregivers.

Escape Room: Finding Fossils from the Past
August 17 - 22, various time slots available
Ages 13+

Our escape room is back for a whole week! Teams of four can work together to try and escape within an hour. Minors must be signed up by a legal guardian. A BCLS card is required for all adult patrons. An adult must be present for groups that contain only minors.

Call 814-946-0417 ext 125 to register.

There are a few spots left for our next Paws 2 Read on August 20th!

This heartwarming program partners the library's youth room with the Central PA Humane Society to create a paw-some reading adventure. Kids practice reading aloud to furry friends, boosting their confidence and literacy skills while giving adoptable pets some much-needed love and attention.

It's a tail-wagging, page-turning experience for everyone involved!

Reserve your time by calling 946-0417 ext 123.

📚 Help Us Stock the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale! 📚

The Friends of the Library are now accepting donations for our upcoming used book sale! We have a special need for fiction books, so if you have gently used fiction books looking for a new home, we’d love to have them.

Please note: We are no longer accepting VHS tapes. Our complete list of guidelines are below.

Thank you for helping support the library and making our used book sale a success!

All of us here at the library were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Lucille, the beloved arson detection dog of the Altoona Fire Department.

Lucille faithfully served our community, and her dedication will not be forgotten. The entire community remembers and thanks Lucille for her service, loyalty, and the important work she did to help keep us safe.

Our deepest condolences to the Altoona Fire Department and everyone who loved and worked alongside Lucille.

Altoona Fire Fighters IAFF Local 299

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPORT SERIES: Golden Onsite Dental Exams on August 17th from 10am – 2pm for children ages 18 and under.

Golden Onsite Dental will be joining us at the AAPL for dental exams and cleanings!

Please call Ashley with UPMC for You at 814-217-7356 to schedule a time. All insurances are welcome!

The Friends of the Library will be hosting a program on Beekeeping with Ken Hoover on August 13th at 6pm in the library theater. This is a FREE Adult program to learn the importance of honeybees and pollination. Children are welcome to attend with an adult guardian.
Weather permitting, attendees may also have the opportunity to view an observation hive.

Ken Hoover is a longtime beekeeper, educator, and former Pennsylvania State Apiary Inspector with more than 20 years of experience promoting honeybee health and beekeeping throughout Pennsylvania.

No registration needed.

Thanks Christy Shields for joining us today for the last Fantastic Friday of SummerQuest 2026!