By Brenda Hillegas
There is no shortage of excitement and activities going on at the Roxborough branch of Philadelphia’s Free Library system.
When I spoke to Rich Torrance — the children’s librarian, branch director, leader of story time, education, and wearer of many other hats — he was enthusiastically sharing everything happening while also dealing with a maintenance problem and pausing mid-conversation to thank a child who proudly announced they were cleaning up.
While the staff brainstorms and implements a lot of the programming at the Roxborough branch, the Friends of the Roxborough Library Group also has a hands-on role in everything from fundraising to offering up new ideas.
“It’s a real team effort,” says Torrance. “In fact, today they’re doing baby yoga downstairs, and they brought a Spanish Conversation Group to the library.”
When Torrance first joined the staff, the Friends Group looked much different than it does today.
U. of Penn’s social robot Flo made quite an impression on the youngsters at a recent robotics seminar. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Library)
The Tree House section is just another example of creative minds at work at the Roxborough Library. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Friends of the Roxborough Library head honcho TJ Reino is a human dynamo when it comes to supporting the branch. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Library)
There are plenty of cubby holes at the Roxborough Library that foster both stimulation and relaxation. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Library)
Penn robotics experts Erica Waters and Francis Sowande explain how sensors work during a recent demonstration. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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U. of Penn’s social robot Flo made quite an impression on the youngsters at a recent robotics seminar. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Library)
“Since TJ [Reino] took over as President, he has tripled the meeting attendance. The meetings are filled with people of all ages and very different interests, coming together and wanting to see the library succeed. It’s an entirely different vibe and it’s fantastic.”
“We always start with introductions, so whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or it’s your first time, we make sure you feel welcomed,” Reino says about each meeting.
“We discuss in an open forum the initiatives, programs and events we have planned to support our library and community. We’d like to make sure we leave with actionable next steps and owners so that together we can make a difference. We find it really important that everybody’s voice is heard.”
“They’ll come to us with a program they want to do, and we’re always open to it,” says Torrance.
The Roxborough Library has a variety of top-notch educational programming to suit every age and interest level. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Roxborough Library staff and Green Woods Charter students pose with a Penn robotics team following a recent presentation. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Librarians Rich Torrance and Claire Lutz are always on the same page when it comes to developing cutting edge programs. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Erica Waters, left, Meredith Keenan, Patience Yeboah, Rich Torrance, and Francis Sowande cozy up following a Penn robotics presentation. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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The Roxborough Library has a variety of top-notch educational programming to suit every age and interest level. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
The Roxborough Library is neck and neck with the Parkway Central branch when it comes to the amount of programming being offered.
The branch is home to the only active 3D printing program in the Free Library system, hosts coding workshops, and maintains a unique partnership with the University of Pennsylvania.
“Our partnership is with their GRASP robotic lab,” he continues. “We have professors come out every year in April. They do a short lecture on robots, bring out a robotic kit and do an activity with the kids. It’s a packed house.”
Roxborough Library recently launched a “Rockin’ the Library, Shakin’ the Shelves” series where a live rock band performs free once a month.
Other staff programming ideas include Magic the Gathering meet-ups and bird walks. On any given week, kids might be learning stop-motion animation or filming short movies with Lil’ Filmmakers.
Staff also extend that sense of connection beyond the building by visiting local schools. The Roxborough Library is the only branch with a direct partnership with Jefferson, bringing in diverse voices, including a visiting instructor from Egypt.
The library works with incarcerated individuals and returning citizens as well.
Creative expression is encouraged, with a recent graffiti workshop led by Shamcow and hands-on opportunities for visitors to engage with art in new ways.
The branch leans into technology and entertainment by offering karaoke, gaming, and digital programming. Snacking is allowed too!
Looking ahead, staff member Claire Lutz hopes to introduce a workshop on bike commuting with possible help from organizations like RAR Philadelphia and Philly Bike Train.
She’s also excited for this year’s expanded Summer Reading challenge, now open to adults and teens.
The atmosphere here is always welcoming, energetic, and even a little unexpected.
Behind it all, the Friends of the Roxborough Library are always ready to lend support when needed.
“We’ll run out of 3D printing filament, for example, and they’ll help us with that through the proceeds that they get from book sales and things like that,” says Torrance.
Roxborough residents (and visitors alike) are encouraged to stop by Art on the Ridge — an art gallery at 6155 Ridge Ave — to purchase donated books that support the library.
“All the proceeds go directly to events, programming, and materials for the library,” says Reino.
“One of our objectives as a non-profit is to expose the community to new experiences so partnering with an art gallery made a ton of sense to us.”
The Roxborough Library’s programming continues with support from the Friends of the Roxborough Library.
The group meets monthly and encourages new and returning volunteers to come ready with ideas to help shape what comes next.
Visit www.freelibrary.org for upcoming meeting dates or contact FriendsofRoxboroughLibrary@gmail.com with questions.
(This article was made possible through a grant awarded to the Roxborough Development Corporation by the Philadelphia Association of Community Development)