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Northland Library Programs
NORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS JANUARY 2020
Northland will be closed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 and will be closed on Wednesday, January 1 for New Year’s Day.
Registration is required for these adult programs. You may register online, in person at the adult services desk or by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113.
CABIN FEVER ADULT WINTER READING CLUB for 2020
January 2 – February 28
As winter settles in and it gets colder outside, you might feel the need to escape to a warmer climate or read a “hot” romance book. If printed books are not your thing, try out an audio book or a book on a Nook (or any such device). Join us for another year of Cabin Fever, our Winter Reading Program. Starting January 2, stop by the Ask a Librarian Desk and pick up your reading log. Check out the new categories and find out what prizes you can win.
TIPS FOR CREATING HABITS WHEN YOU HAVE ADHD
Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m.
If you have or suspect you may have ADHD, odds are you have struggled throughout your life to create change. Join Certified ADHD Coach Susan Lieber for an interactive session as she explores motivations for change, recognizes the obstacles to changing behaviors, and outlines steps for creating a habit and developing a plan of action.
PLANT-CENTERED DIET: WHAT IS IT, AND CAN IT WORK FOR YOU?
Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m.
Have you heard the term plant-based but feel too uninformed to give it a try? Join Holistic Health & Lifestyle Coach Sarah Kaminski as she talks about the basic principles of a plant-centered approach to eating and how it differs from other diets.
NEW CHOICES CAREER DEVELOPMENT CLASS
First class January 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Following classes: Mondays February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Are you a single parent ready to return to the work force? Have you had the same job for thirty years and are looking for a change? Have you been out of work and need to find a new career?
PA Women Work's New Choices course is a series of free classes for women and men going through a transitional period in their lives. Led by Nieves Stiker, this 10-class program will help with creating an impactful resume, strengthening interview skills, job placement assistance, and other job development skills.
Registration is required, and you must attend the first class to continue through the whole program.
100 THINGS TO DO IN PITTSBURGH BEFORE YOU DIE
Thursday, January 30 at 7 p.m.
The story of Pittsburgh’s transformation from a smoky steel town to a modern, high-tech city draws people from around the world to this corner of southwestern Pennsylvania. With so much to do and see (and eat!) around here, it’s no wonder why. Join author Rossilynne Culgan as she talks about her book, 100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die, combining a local’s expertise with the spirit of discovery in her hometown.
AARP TAX PREP CHANGES
The Library will once again be partnering with the AARP to offer tax prep for senior citizens and low-income residents. The Library will host the AARP on Tuesdays and Thursdays February 4 through April 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We will not take walk-ins. You must call State Senator Lindsey Williams' office at 412-364-0469 to book an appointment. They will begin taking appointments on January 15, 2020 for the entire tax season.
FLOODING IN OUR COMMUNITY
Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m.
McCandless Town Hall
Join us at McCandless Town Hall as a panel of experts talk about the how’s and why’s of flooding and what homeowners can do to mitigate the impact on their property. The Library is a partner for this program along with Girty's Run Watershed Association and Allegheny County Conservation District.
ONGOING ADULT PROGRAMS & DISCUSSIONS
FOREIGN FILM: (Drama from Spain) Wednesday, January 8 at 1:30 p.m.
When Count Albrit hears about his son’s death, he comes back to Spain in order to meet the heirs, his two granddaughters. However, he finds out that one of the two is not his real granddaughter. No registration required. Refreshments will be served.
TRAVEL FILM: Puerto Rico, Wednesday, January 15 at 2 p.m.
Get out of the cold for an hour and imagine yourself travelling to Puerto Rico. We’ll travel to San Juan to visit the Old City, the pastel houses and El Morro. We’ll tour Ponce, the second largest city. For fun we’ll visit the beach, as well as take a zip-line ride on the longest and fasted one in the world. No registration required. Refreshments will be served.
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS:
NONFICTION AT NORTHLAND - Tuesday, January 7 at 7 p.m.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
Upcoming: It’s Even Worse Than It Looks by Thomas Mann & Norman Ornstein
READINGS IN ALTERNATIVE EVERYTHING - Tuesday, January 14 at 7 p.m.
The Gentle Art of Blessing by Pierre Pradervand
BOOKED FOR LUNCH - Friday, January 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Upcoming: The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
MYSTERY LOVERS BOOK GROUP - Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Watching In a Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Upcoming: The Devil in the White City by Eric Larson
ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
CRAFT CONNECTION – Tuesday, January 7 at 7 p.m.
We'll provide a craft to try, or feel free to bring along a project of your own! This month, we will be painting our own Bob Ross style landscape!
AFTER HOURS BOARD GAMING – Friday, January 10 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
We will have a selection of board games you can try out or bring your own. Light refreshments provided.
COOKING CLUB - Monday, January 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Explore traditional dishes, experiment with new recipes and recreate favorites.
COME WRITE IN –Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m.
YARN IT ALL – Friday, January 17 at 1 p.m. and Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m.
Informal knit and crochet gathering. An opportunity to work on your projects and share tips with knitting and crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels.
ESL CONVERSATION GROUP – Tuesday, January 21 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Are you interested in practicing your English in a safe, caring environment? Tutors from Literacy Pittsburgh can help you work on and improve your English conversation skills!
ONGOING CHILDREN, TEEN & FAMILY PROGRAMS & STORYTIMES
KINDERGARTEN READINESS STATION
Every Day in the Children’s room
Get ready for kindergarten with an activity to use in the library and one to take home with you. Activities change every week or so. Ask for this week’s activity at the Children & Teen Services Desk.
HOME-SCHOOL MEETUP – FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE PREVENTION
Friday, January 3 from 10-11 a.m.
Join the Firefighters from Highland Fire Department for your annual Fire Safety and Fire Prevention education. This hour-long demonstration ends with a chance to touch and explore a fire truck. Please register the school aged child attending. Parents are welcome to stay with their child, but not necessary.
RF AVENGERS ROBITICS TEAM
Sunday, January 5 from 2 – 4 p.m.
The RF Avengers FIRST Robotics team will demonstrate the skills that allowed them to design, build, and program a robot for the “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” robotics competition. The RF Avengers are a group of eight local teens interested in science and technology. No registration necessary, this is a drop-in program for kids second grade and up.
MOTHER GOOSE BABYTIME
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11
Babies (UP TO 12 MONTHS) and a grown-up companion can join us for songs, rhymes, tickles, parachute fun, and bubbles. This 20-minute baby-centered storytime ends with a chance for babies and grown-ups to socialize! No registration required.
ENGINEERING HOUR!
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 4-5 p.m.
School aged children (ages 5+) can join us for an hour of engineering fun. We will have Legos, wooden blocks, magnet tiles and more each week for your building adventures! No registration required.
FUN WITH STEM!
Tuesday, January 7 from 5-6 p.m.
Children in First through Fifth Grades will explore each area of STEM. We will tackle Science–Registration begins December 15.
EVENING BABY & TODDLER TIME
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5
Songs, nursery rhymes & library fun designed to help develop pre-reading skills. For children 6 months through 36 months with a parent or caregiver. Register child once for all five sessions. Registration is required.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME!
Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
January 8, 15 and 22
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can come on down to the Library for a 30-minute storytime on Wednesdays at 10:00am. Children can enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and rhythms. Children must be at least 3 years of age to attend. No registration required.
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Thursdays at 10 a.m.
January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, and 13
Come have fun with music, stories, and simple instruments as we get our groove on. Children 3 and up will enjoy this creative storytime under the tree in the Children’s Picture Book Area. No registration required.
TODDLER TIME
Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; or 11:30 a.m.
January 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7
Songs, nursery rhymes & library fun designed to help develop pre-reading skills. For children 13 months through 36 months with a parent or caregiver. Register child once for all five sessions. Registration is required.
STEM STORYTIME
Mondays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. from January 13 until February 17
Children ages 3-6 are invited to enjoy stories, songs, games, experiments/demonstrations, and an activity related to the day’s Science-Technology-Engineering-Math theme. No registration is required.
SILLY SUNDAY
January 19 from 2-3 p.m.
Children ages 4 and up can join us for a mix of silliness. We will explore stories, songs, and activities that don’t necessarily go together and are a bit crazy. Meet our silly staff on the third Sunday of the month. Registration is required. Registration begins January 1.
Teens
AFTERNOON ADVENTURE
Thursday, January 2, from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Adventure-seekers in middle and high school are welcome to join us for a variety of board games, card games, role-playing games, and more! No registration required.
A.W. BEATTIE CAREER NIGHT
Wednesday, January 8, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
(snow date: January 22nd, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
Middle and High School students are invited to attend this career and technology night hosted by teachers and students from A.W. Beattie Career Center. Come learn about career pathways A.W. Beattie Career Center has to offer while participating in hands-on career related activities. Learn what students are working on and discover a new possibility for your own future! No registration required.
ANIME HOUR-AND-A-HALF
Thursday, January 9 and 23 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Join us as we watch old favorites and new releases, chat about our favorite characters and stories, and make some crafts. No registration required. This program is for ages 12 and up.
COOK IT!
Thursday, January 17 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Let’s get cooking! Come learn how to make a simple dish and share your own favorite recipes! This program is for kids in middle and high school. No registration required.
HARRY POTTER CLUB
Monday, January 20 from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
In January, we will discuss chapters 13-18 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. We’ll start off with a book discussion and then end with a maker activity. Please read the chapters we’ll be discussing prior to the program. Registration is required for this program. You must register for each session individually. Registration opens the first of the month.
NEW! NORTHLAND TEEN GENDER AND SEXUALITY ALLIANCE (GSA)
Starting January 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come hang out with a group of LGBTQIA+ friends and allies on the third Tuesday each month to have fun, be your true self, strengthen community, and of course eat snacks! No registration required. Ages 13 and up.
ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES
Computer Classes
Registration is required for these free computer classes. Register online, in person at the Computer Center or by calling 412-366-8100, extension 131. Please call the Computer Center if you are registered and are unable to attend to free up your space.
MICROSOFT POWERPOINT 2016 BASICS
Friday, January 10 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Participants will learn about the parts of the PowerPoint screen and go through the steps of making a simple presentation. Topics include how to create slides and add text, how to add colors and background design, how to add transitions and animations to make slides “pop”, and how to set up a slideshow in order to present it. Prerequisite: Must have solid Word experience.
MICROSOFT WORD 2016 BASICS PART 1 (Volunteer Led)
Monday, January 20 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Participants will learn about the parts of the Word window and practice formatting and editing text. Participants will also learn how to Cut, Copy, and Paste text, as well as how to Save a Word document. For students with no previous Word experience. Prerequisite: Must have mouse skills.
MICROSOFT EXCEL 2016 BASICS PART 1 (Volunteer Led)
Monday, January 20 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Participants will go through some basic Excel terminology before learning how to move around the spreadsheet. Participants will then build some simple financial documents to practice on, using simple functions, formulas (such as addition), and constants. Prerequisite: Must have solid Word experience.
- MICROSOFT WORD 2016 BASICS PART 2 (Volunteer Led)
Monday, January 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Participants will type some text in Word and then learn how to work with commands such as setting tabs, margins, columns, and spell-check. Prerequisite: Participation in the Microsoft Word 2016 Basics Part 1 class or similar.
MICROSOFT EXCEL 2016 BASICS PART 2 (Volunteer Led)
Monday, January 27 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Participants will learn how to create lists, sort data, add codes, format numbers, and work with fill series. Participants will also work with various formulas and functions. Prerequisite: Participation in the Microsoft Excel 2016 Basics Part 1 class or similar.
ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE
Need help using your technology? Our Computer Center staff is offering one-on-one sessions to assist with questions you may have. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes. Please bring your tablet, laptop, or phone and come prepared to ask specific questions. To schedule a session, call the Computer Center desk at 412-366-8100 x 131. When you call, please let us know what topic you would like help with and what kind of technology you are using. Please note: Staff members are unable to repair your phone, laptop, or tablet and may not be able to help with all device types, programs, and problems. Patrons may only book one session at a time.
NORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION NEWS
THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR YEAR-END CAMPAIGN SENSE-SATIONAL!
What an amazing end to 2019! Your generous donations exceeded our expectations! We are honored and pledge to continue to commit to creating an inclusive space at the Library for everyone. We will be here to appeal to all your senses: see, touch and browse our expansive collection, get moving with our engaging activities, tantalize your taste buds at our programs, let the smell of coffee lure you into the Book Nook for a look around, and of course, explore the sensory experiences in our new Learning Garden at Northland. Thank you for generously giving to the Library and helping us to be truly sense-sational!
JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL GARDEN GALA APRIL 18
Save the date! The fabulous Garden Gala is back in April to enchant you! Eat, sip and laugh throughout the library during our annual event. Dozens of scrumptious offerings from local restaurants and caterers will fill you up, and tables throughout the library will offer tastes of spirits, wine and beer. Enjoy entertainment upstairs and downstairs. Mingle with friends while browsing our amazing silent auction presenting one-of-a-kind items, experiences and themed baskets. Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 1. Check our website for more details and the link to purchase tickets. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available again this year. They were very popular, so talk to your friends and networks now! See you at the Gala!
BE A PART OF THE FUN!
The Northland Public Library Foundation offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities. If you would like to know more about being a sponsor, email Valerie at golikv@einetwork.net or contact the Foundation office at 412-366-8100, ext. 104.