Overbrook Park Library Provides Outreach Service to the Community!

 OVP’S   Staff visits The West Philly Senior Community Center

(R-L) Christina Holmes,Kahil Ferron,Tiasha Gerald, Mrs. Gloria Persia, and Marvin DeBose Sr.)

 

The “Seniors Enjoy Reading “ book club operates out of the West Philly Senior Community Center. My job as their advisor is to assist this group with selecting good titles to read and acquiring enough copies so that the seniors can borrow the books free through the “Free Library of Philadelphia” many of book club members are in the 80s age-range. Mrs. Gloria Persia, one of Overbrook Park's most beloved patrons, is the group's leader. She took on the responsibly of selecting the title for that month and coming to Overbrook Park to pick up the books for the group. Without her dedication many of these elderly members would not be able to receive their books.

 

Recently, the Overbrook Park staff surprised the Senior’s Enjoy Reading book club during the holiday by presenting them with a "vintage" 2007 Library Festival tote bag containing three brand new books for each member of the club donated by OVP Staff. The book club members were surprised when Tiasha Gerald (Librarian Assistant 1) and me, Marvin DeBose (Acting Librarian Supervisor) walked into their monthly book club meeting at the West Philly Senior Community Center located 41^st & Popular St. in the West Philly Section of Philadelphia with a bag containing their gifts.

 

OVP's Staff & Masons bring smiles to the residents of Interim House West

 

(R-L) Curtis Stewart,Marvin DeBose Sr (Acting Branch Manager)., Christiana Holmes(Children Librarian), Mrs. Williams (Interim House Director) Albert Johnson, and Rahim Forman)

Overbrook Park Library and Mt. Olive Lodge #27 Prince Hall Affiliated also collaborated on an outreach program at the Interim House West during the holiday season on Dec. 21 of last year. Interim House West Inc. is a residential shelter for substance or domestic abuse for mothers & their children located at 4108 Parkside Ave, Philadelphia, PA.

Mt. Olive Lodge #27 has been providing Christmas gifts to the children of this shelter since 1995, founded by Albert Johnson. Mr. Johnson allowed Overbrook Park staff to collaborate with them on this fulfilling event by providing books to the children of this shelter. The men of Mt. Olive Lodge provided Overbrook Staff members Holmes and I with a list of each resident's gender and age, so that the books can be distributed accordingly.

 

Along with Mt. Olive's bag full of toys for the 50-plus children, Overbrook Park staff provided books for every child as well. Holmes set up a display table with Free Library of Philadelphia promotional material. I discussed with the shelter staff & residents the different services that the library provides and also offer to return the Interim House for story time in the future.

Overall, these community outreach programs seemed to be memorable and heart-warming events for both the coordinators of the programs and patrons alike. Both Overbrook Park staff and Mt. Olive lodge members look forward to coordinating such events in the near future.