During the summer, Mrs. Steinen volunteers for the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children, (WePAC), an organization that refurbishes and reopens libraries in Philadelphia public schools. Due to recent budget cuts in the Philadelphia school district, more than 80% of Philadelphia public schools lack a functioning library. Since 2009, WePAC has opened 16 previously closed elementary school libraries, and is currently running 12 libraries in West and Southwest Philadelphia, providing library services in schools with more than 5,000 students. Anyone who would like to donate children’s books in good condition can bring them to Mrs. Steinen’s class room, and she will take them to school libraries in Philadelphia.
