Widener Branch Library

Today is the last day Philadelphians can get a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the city’s FEMA-run sites. You can schedule an appointment online or walk up (no appointment necessary). https://bit.ly/3eQFQF6

Pa. is launching a vaccine hotline for residents with intellectual disabilities. For assistance, call 1-800-424-4345 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. https://bit.ly/3xFyJrP

Happy May 4th! https://people.com/c/yoda-turns-up-in-medieval-manuscript/

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech a...nd nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues. Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism. * In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. https://www.autismspeaks.org

Check out this fun and easy way to make swirly planets by creating your own marbled paper! For more out of this world adventures, join our virtual escape room, ..."Friend or Foe - An Alien Adventure." You can sign up through our Spring Reading Challenge homepage: https://freelibrary.beanstack.org #flpyouthservices #midweekmaker #springintoreading

TUNE IN NOW! Learn about salary conversations and how you can negotiate a salary you deserve

https://conta.cc/3rLSABb Lots of great information in our April newsletter!

It's Messy Monday, and today we're making shampoo playdough!!! 1/2 cup shampoo (something cheap, no need to use your good stuff) Optional 3 drops food coloring ...1/4 cup cornstarch Mix well, then add: 1/4 cup flour Knead it, folding over and over, until it forms a smooth dough. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour. Have fun! Store your playdough in an airtight container in between play times and it will last about two weeks. #MessyMonday #MessyFun #SensoryPlay

This year, March Madness has some new contenders as "Godzilla vs. Kong" debuts today in U.S. movie theaters, drive-ins, and streaming on-demand! Read more about this legendary monster mashup on our blog, and check out a monster movie from our catalog:

Have some extra apples laying around? Try this cool STEM craft at home!

And don't forget that we at the Library are here for you!

We have an exciting lineup of fall programs coming your way. Join us online & in person!

Check out what Parkway Central Children's Department has planned this month!

Miss Sunita’s friend made this awesome Halloween short film with his family. Happy Halloween and please enjoy!

VIRTUAL LIVE STORYTIME Friday 2pm!

VIRTUAL: Join some of our favorite Children's Authors for this timely and important event! Friday October 30 at 6:30pm!

Are you or someone you know experiencing a mental health crisis? Consider the following resources.

YSP's thoughts and prayers are with the Wallace family today as they mourn the loss of their son, brother and friend, Walter. This tragedy did not need to occur... and accountability must be taken for Walter Wallace's death. This man was experiencing mental health issues and the use of de-escalation techniques and non-lethal force could have prevented this devastating event. We stand with the Wallace family and the West Philadelphia community. Our hearts go out to you. Below is Councilmember Jamie Gauthier's statement regarding the death of Walter Wallace, Jr.

https://www.facebook.com/ParkwayCentralChildrens/videos/2461867997450734/

https://fb.me/e/50HtUY6KX