Altoona Area Public Library

06/01/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Peterman's Florist & Flower Delivery for generously providing the beautiful flowers that made our Baby Prom Storytime extra special. 🌹

06/01/2026

We are going to UNEARTH A STORY with our 8 week ALL AGES Summer Reading program starting on June 15th.

This Summer is jam-packed with programs for children, teens and adults -- sponsored by Benzel's.

It all kicks off on June 12th at 6pm with the Air Weaver Big Balloon Show at the AAHS Auditorium, 1415 6th Ave, Altoona! This FREE show combines balloons, magic and silliness to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will delight children and adults alike. All ages are welcome. All you need is a Blair County Library Card to attend (At least one per family).

Call the library to get your free library card at 814-946-0417 ext 123.

05/29/2026

Iron, Steam, and a Forgotten Legacy: Blair County During the Civil War
June 18th, 6pm-7pm, Altoona Area Public Library Theater

Dive into the story of Blair County during the time of the Civil War and explore the individuals and events that played a role in the war. Guests will leave with a new appreciation for just how active and important Blair County was during our nation's most pivotal conflict. Our area's industry, dynamic personalities, and little-known events from the time of the Civil War will all be explored.

Program presented by Dustin Smith, Executive Director of Baker Mansion History Museum and Blair County Historical Society, a Blair County native who lives and breathes history
at every level.

No registration required.

05/29/2026

Women's Community Art Group
June 4th, 6pm - 7:30pm

The Women's Community Art Group is an Open Art Studio where women can create art of their choice. There will be a variety of art materials available for use and participants may also bring a project they are currently working on. This is a time for relaxation, creative expression and connection.

This FREE program is for women ages 18 and over and will be instructed by Elaine Baney, an art therapist and educator with over 20 years experience instructing art.

Register by calling 946-0417 ext 125.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to our newly appointed Kid Librarians!

The Altoona Area Public Library board officially voted to nominate Theo, Olive, Jake and Emma to the position at their meeting this week.

In their position, our Kid Librarians will be creating displays showcasing their favorite books to share their love of reading with others.

Pictured:
Front - Theo, Olive, and Jake - Kid Librarians
Back - Jennifer Knisely, Executive Director and Patrick Fanelli, AAPL Board President
(missing from photo - Kid Librarian Emma)

05/28/2026

Wonderful meeting with PA State Rep. Andrea Verobish yesterday!

In photo:
Gina Dunklebarger, District Library Consultant; Rep. Andrea Verobish; Jennifer Knisely, Executive Director

Great meeting with the team at the Altoona Area Public Library for a tour and an informative discussion about the entire Blair County library system. Libraries continue to play such an important role in our communities — providing access to education, technology, resources, and lifelong learning for people of all ages.

If you haven’t already, be sure to get your library card — it’s free and opens the door to so many great resources right here in our community!

05/28/2026

Farewell to our feathered friends! Join Ms. Clarissa and our Library Chickens as we prepare them for their introduction to their new home and flock. Stop by the Youth Room before 5pm today to say your goodbyes.

05/27/2026

So excited for this new partnership! See you tomorrow at 11am!

We’re so excited to announce that the Altoona Area Public Library is bringing their Story Time programming to Downtown Altoona this summer!

Beginning this Thursday, and running every other week all summer, you can catch a local librarian in Heritage Plaza at 11am with stories, songs, & fun during the Altoona Farmers Market!

💐 The Market runs from 11am-2pm every Thursday in Heritage Plaza, so plan to stick around to shop or have lunch following Story Time!

🅿️Two-hour free street parking is available throughout Downtown, or park in the 11th Ave. Garage (one block from the market) for just $1 an hour.

🎵On alternating weeks when we aren’t offering Story Time, we will have live music at the market! Give us a follow for more details, to be announced soon!

05/27/2026

PUZZLE SWAP
June 9th, 5pm - 6pm
Library Board Room

All ages are welcome to join us at the Friends of the Altoona Area Public Library Puzzle Swap to be held in the Library Board Room!

No registration required.

Bring gently used kid or adult puzzles (with all the pieces) and swap one with someone else’s puzzle – now you have a NEW TO YOU puzzle.

Guidelines: All puzzles should be in gently used condition with no missing pieces. Once your puzzle is swapped, it belongs to the person you swapped it with. There is no expectation that you will be given your original puzzle back at any time. Please bring only puzzles you are willing to part with for life. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

05/26/2026

The Library Chicks are on vacation today. If you want to join us for the Library Chick Goodbye Program (for children ages 3-12) on Thursday, May 28th from 4pm-5pm. Please register by calling 946-0417 ext 123 or sign up online at: https://forms.gle/1ape6M8wuDqMCx2TA