Check out these upcoming programs at the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries
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The Cooper-Siegel Community Library and its Sharpsburg branch offer a variety of programming for visitors of all ages.
To view a complete list of offerings, visit coopersiegel.librarycalendar.com. Events at both libraries are listed and can be viewed according to age group and location.
Registration is required for most programs as space is limited and some programs fill up quickly. In some cases, drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Registration through the online calendar is encouraged when possible so staff members can plan accordingly. To register by phone, call the respective libraries at 412-828-9520 for Cooper-Siegel and 412-781-0783 for the Sharpsburg branch.
Regular operating hours at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road in Fox Chapel, are from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Regular operating hours at Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St., are from 1 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; the branch is closed on Sundays.
Here are some upcoming events:
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
Kids
• Annual Pumpkin Painting (ages 2-11): 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 26
Mini pumpkins will be provided, and children can stop by anytime to decorate one. The activity takes about 15 minutes to complete. Note that younger children might need help.
• Spanish & English Storytime (ages 3-5): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Nov. 1
Join us for a playful storytime in both Spanish and English with interactive books, rhymes and songs. This program occurs every Friday of the month. Please register for all dates you plan to attend.
• Chinese & English Storytime (preK-second grade): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2
Explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books and playful experiences. This program occurs on the first Saturday of the month. Please register for all dates you plan to attend. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Teens
• Crochet ’n Things (teens and adults): 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24
Drop in to crochet, knit or do any other fun yarn craft. Finley will be on hand to teach you how to crochet. Supplies are provided or bring your own. The library receives donations of yarn on a regular basis and has extra crochet hooks and knitting needles to start you on your yarn journey.
• Handmade Holiday Cards (teens and adults): 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 2
The cost is $15 per registrant. This workshop will be led by self-taught Pittsburgh crafter Katy DeMent, known as the Paper Lady. Her work has appeared on HGTV’s “Crafter Coast to Coast” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” Participants will learn about the history of papermaking and its processes. Everyone will get to create their own sheets of handmade paper by beating fibers to a pulp and embellish them with a collection of choice natural materials — all held together with natural science, not glue. All supplies will be provided.
• Teen Art Club (ages 11-18): 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 2
Hang out and make some art. Participants can work on their own project or try out the art supplies out for that day, such as 3D printing, watercolors, digital art, cross stitch and more. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Teen After Hours (grades 6-12): 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15
Join us for Teen After Hours every third Friday of the month. There will be pizza and snacks. Come and play video games, sing karaoke, play hide and seek in the library with the lights off and more. This month’s special activity is Ghost Hunt.
Adults
• Art Lecture — Surrealism: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26
IUP professor Kimberlyn Bloise, a ceramic artist from Monroeville, will look at the processes of art making and the motivations of artists with critical examinations of how art and many aspects of society are interconnected.
• Classic Film with Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club: 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27
The Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club will show the 1962 “Carnival of Souls,” directed by Herk Harvey and starring Candance Hilligos and Art Ellison, through the library’s free streaming service, Kanopy. Enjoy the movie on our big screen with popcorn and a lively discussion afterward.
• Glenn Flickinger — “Masters of the Air”: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29
In conjunction with the Apple TV+ series, “Masters of the Air,” Veterans Breakfast Club’s historian host Glenn Flickinger will discuss the history of the World War II air war over Europe from the perspective of the U.S. Army Air Force. In addition to the 8th Air Force, he will discuss the role of fighters and the tactical air forces supporting the ground forces, the role of the 15th Air Force based in Italy. He also reviews the strategies involved, their initial flaws, the turnaround achieved to gain air superiority before the Normandy invasion and the effectiveness of the overall air war strategy in winning the war.
• Author Talk — Stephen Graf: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 7
Pittsburgh native Stephen Graf will discuss his debut novel, “The Third Traveler.” Graf’s novel spans three continents and four decades, exploring the intricate saga of an Irish family through triumphs and tribulations. The novel moves from Ireland to Antarctica to New York City and tells the story of three generations of Irishmen and the consequences of loss, regret and fear.
All ages
• Therapets Dog Therapy With Bandit: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25
Perk up your day with Jessica and her pup, Bandit. Bandit is a 7-year-old Portuguese water dog who loves all the pets, squeezes and attention. He and Jessica will wander the library for everyone to enjoy. Bandit has undergone special training to provide comfort and affection and is certified through Animal Friends’ Therapets program.
• Live Reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27
Join us after the library closes for a spooky telling of Washington Irving’s classic short story, which was written in 1820.
• Art Workshop: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Participants are welcome to join other artists and craftspeople to share projects, work together and learn from each other. Bring something you’re working on. All mediums are welcome, but bring your own materials. The space contains a sink. Beginners also are welcome; just let us know what you want to learn about and we can help get you started. Participants should park in the back of the library and enter on the ground floor. Space fills up quickly.
Mark your calendars
• 2nd Annual Cookie Walk Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14
Leave the holiday baking to us. Stop by to get your holiday cookies and support the library. Cookies will be $10 per dozen. Stick around for some hot cocoa. For details or to volunteer as a baker, email Dana Zinza at zinzad@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org. Have children ages 5-11? They can build a mini-gingerbread house from 10:30 a.m. to noon while you shop for cookies. All proceeds benefit the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries.
Sharpsburg Community Library
Kids
• Young Architects (grades K-5): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28
Young architects are invited to design, build and tinker with Ms. Alison in this STEAM program. Sessions meet monthly on the fourth Monday. Different supplies — such as LEGO, MagnaTiles or recycled materials — and a design challenge are presented each month. This session, participants will be enouraged to build some haunted houses or a haunted museum or whatever they can imagine. This staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
• Little Hands Art Storytime (ages 3-5): 2 to 2:45 p.m. Oct. 29
This weekly arts-integration program for pre-K children and their caregivers includes stories and a hands-on developmentally appropriate art activity. During this session, participants will learn about pumpkins and create their own pumpkin inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama. Did you know a pumpkin starts as a flower? Long before anyone carves a jack-o-lantern, pumpkins grow on a vine. This staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
Teens
• Teen Art Studio (grades 6-12): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 4
Join certified art instructor Ms. Alison for a monthly multimedia art studio with a nurturing environment where everyone is encouraged to find the joy in creating art. Participants will paint a banner for Sharpsburg Shines. All supplies are provided. The staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
Adults
• Sharpsburg Sleuths Mystery Book Club: 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29
This club meets monthly after the library closes. This month, the group is reading “The Last Heir to Blackwood Library” by Hester Fox. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Zoom is available for those who prefer to meet virtually.
• Senior Craft & Chat: 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 6
Bring a craft you’re working on or start a new project in this relaxed social program for senior adults. Come for crafts, conversation and a few laughs. The program meets biweekly on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Supplies are provided. This staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome. Parking is available at the library and the 13th Street Municipal Lot, which is metered. The library is accessible via Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s 91 and 1 bus routes — get off at 13th Street.
All ages
• An Afternoon of Ghost Stories (ages 5 through adult): Noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 26
Mark the Saturday before Halloween with some traditional ghost stories told by Ms. Alison. Stories are appropriate for most attendees 5 and older. Costumes encouraged and welcome. Young children should be accompanied by a caregiver.
• Artist Leah Kass Closing Reception: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 1
Join us for a closing reception of artist Leah Kass’ solo exhibit, “A Reintroduction to Oneself,” which is on display at the library through Nov. 1.
• First Friday Fun: Kindness Edition: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1
Drop in during Sharpsburg’s First Friday event for a project to celebrate kindness and Mr. Rogers Cardigan Day. The project, which will be geared toward school-age kids through adults, will take at least 15 minutes to complete.