PITTSTON — The Pittston Memorial Library relies on fundraisers as the lifeblood to keep it operating and the latest event, the third annual Book It Through Pittston 5K Walk/Run in honor of the late Tom and Dianne Tigue, took place Sept. 8.
The library, a Gold Star library through the PA Forward Star program, hosts the Tom & Dianne Tigue Literacy Program for Adults each year.
“The money raised for this event goes towards the adult literacy program based on the PA Forward’s five literacies: basic, information, health, civic and social and financial,” sasid Head Librarian Patricia Joyce. “Last year, we focused on the health literacy and this year we will focus on civic and social.”
Former PA Rep. Tom Tigue and his wife Dianne were strong supporters of the Pittston Memorial Library. After their deaths, library administrators felt it only natural to honor them by attaching their name to the walk/run.
“They (Tigues) did so much for the library,” race director Jenny Long said. “Our goal is to grow honoring the Tigues. It’s the library’s way of giving back to the Tigue family.”
“It was nice of the library to attach my parents with this (race). Both parents were into the library with my mom taking the grandchildren to library functions,” said Tom Tigue, Jr. “My dad helped build the library legislatively with grants, etc.”
This year, runner numbers were down slightly but walking participants increased, according to Lois Ostrowski of the library.
One such participant was Shelly Hannon, of Avoca, who was in a devastating automobile accident 20 years ago. Doctors told Shelly and her family she would not walk again. She has defied all odds and has completed the walk every year.
“I just love doing the event with Alison (Wolfgang) and Stephanie (Jallen) and it’s fun because I get to walk with them every year,” Hannon said. “I just enjoy it because I can do it.” Wolfgang and Jallen walk arm-in-arm with Hannon to compete in the one-mile walk. Ernie Baul of Danko’s Fitness Center, Plains, trains all three women.
The library has an array of programs for young children, teens and adults that run through the year. There are dozens of programs to choose from for any age. For further information, log onto www.pittstonmemoriallibrary.org.
In addition to programs, the library offers three-rooms for patron use during business hours. Rooms are $35 to non-profit groups with a copy of a 501(c)3 certificate.
The John P. Cosgrove Center is also available to rent for luncheons, receptions and large meetings.