Arizona PBS collaborating with Phoenix Public Library and Valley Metro to host a free community event

Family event at Laveen’s Prickly Pear Library on Nov. 7 to feature an appearance from Alma of PBS KIDS’ “Alma’s Way,” as well as the debut of an “Alma’s Way”-themed Valley Metro bus

Arizona PBS, a community service of Arizona State University, announced plans to host a free, family event, “Alma’s Way: Explore Your City,” on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to noon at Prickly Pear Public Library (3635 W. Baseline Road) in Laveen, Arizona. 

A collaborative effort between the station, Phoenix Public Library and Valley Metro, this event is part of Explore Your City, a grant-funded family-friendly, community event series initiative administered by Fred Rogers Productions, producer of PBS KIDS’ “Alma’s Way.” Explore Your City aims to teach children how to navigate their communities, learn about public transportation, build problem-solving skills and discover local neighborhoods. 

“We’re so thankful to Phoenix Public Library and Valley Metro for helping us bring Alma and the Explore Your City initiative to Laveen,” said Arizona PBS Senior Director of Educational Outreach Shatavia Elder. “Our city is full of places and people that help us every day, and kids learn best when they get to experience them up close. This event is part of our ongoing effort to create more of these moments for children and families across the state.” 

Arizona PBS’ Explore Your City grant award is, in part, being used to fund the installation of an “Alma’s Way”-themed wrap on a Valley Metro bus in the weeks ahead. The Arizona PBS-branded bus will make its debut at the event on November 7 and is expected to retain its Alma-inspired art for the next year. 

“Transportation is an important part of a vital and rewarding life,” said Valley Metro Transit Education Program Coordinator Dolores Nolan. “We rely on it to get to work and school, socialize and support our health and well-being. Public transit helps people make these important connections. The ‘Alma’s Way’-themed bus is a moving reminder of the power of public transportation and public television to help people navigate everyday life.” 

Featuring an appearance from Alma herself, the event will also include an interactive storytime led by the library, a photo booth and take-and-make craft stations. Families will also have an opportunity to meet Valley Metro community helpers and enjoy live music from a DJ. 

“Prickly Pear Public Library is proud to partner with Arizona PBS and Valley Metro to bring this exciting learning experience to Laveen families,” said Erin MacFarlane, Library Services Director at Phoenix Public Library. “Through stories, crafts, music and hands-on activities, children will discover new ways to explore their community and learn about the people and places that make it special. We look forward to welcoming families to the library for a fun-filled morning with Alma.” 

Although admission is free, families who would like to attend on November 7 are encouraged to pre-register.