As one of the busiest libraries in Allegheny County, Shaler North Hills Library prides itself in offering a wide variety of programs for children, teens and adults.
The library at 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., which opened in 1942 with 3,000 books, today provides free access to more than 130,000 items, high-speed internet access, award-winning programs and, as its slogan says, “Books … and So Much More!”
Its mission is to champion reading and empower the community through free access to quality resources, outstanding services and dynamic programs.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
For a complete list of offerings, visit the calendar of events at shalerlibrary.org.
April 1 donations to be used to buy Wonderbooks
April 1 is Library Giving Day, a one-day national fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system.
This year, Shaler North Hills Library is looking to expand its Wonderbook offerings for children. Wonderbooks combine print and audio for an enhanced learning and listening experience — youngsters can read the story and listen to it at the same time. This helps so many kids with reading skills and comprehension.
The library will use donations made on April 1 to purchase Wonderbooks. A bookplate will be placed in each Wonderbook honoring your gift.
To donate, visit tinyurl.com/snhlgivingday2025 or stop by the library and donate by check, cash or credit card.
Community invited to create mural for Shaler’s anniversary
Now’s your chance to leave your mark!
The Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., is hosting two community mural workshops from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 24 and 26 to celebrate Shaler’s 125th anniversary.
People of all ages and artistic abilities are invited to stop by and help design, paint and create a mural.
No registration is necessary.
The mural will be on display in May.
Family program to offer hands-on look at Vietnam War
Families are invited to learn more about the Vietnam War through a hands-on history presentation by Russ Raisig from the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum.
The presentation will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. April 13 in the community room of Shaler North Hills Library.
Attendees will be able to explore history up-close with a footlocker filled with artifacts, documents and photos from the museum’s collection that the whole family can touch and experience.
No registration is required.
Raisig’s visit is in support of the Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The traveling exhibit will be on display May 23-26 at Shaler Area High School’s Anderson Field.
Sports history buff to share knowledge of Pirates
Shaler resident and sports history enthusiast Jim Haller will present a program titled “Growing Up With Baseball: The History of the Pittsburgh Pirates” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 11 at Shaler North Hills Library.
Haller, a docent and ambassador for the Senator John Heinz History Center, will share his knowledge of the team, focusing on the years from 1953-1960.
Here’s one tidbit for you: The Pirates are among the oldest teams in baseball and have won the World Series five times — 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979.
Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
To register, visit shalerlibrary.org.
Nature program to explore fossils, edible plants
Nature Snippets for adults 16 and older, featuring retired high school teachers and Master Naturalists Pat Milliken and Gil Pielin, will return at 1:30 p.m. April 3 and May 1.
April’s program — “Hey, You Old Fossil!” — will explore things once-living organisms left behind in nature, such as bones, shells, exoskeletons, stone imprints of animals, objects preserved in amber, hair, petrified wood and more. Come check out some examples in Milliken’s collection.
May’s program — “Wild Edibles! Let’s Eat!” — will examine plants growing in and around one’s yards, both native and invasive. We will look at which parts are edible, and we will have some samples to taste depending upon their availability.
Registration is required for both one-hour programs, and space is limited.
To register, visit shalerlibrary.org.
Spring used book sale set
The Friends of Shaler North Hills Library is gearing up for its spring book sale April 25-27 in the community room of the library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd.
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A preview night will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 25. The sale will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 and 27.
The sale will feature books, audiobooks, DVDs, puzzles, games and more for patrons of all ages.
Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.
For details, call the library at 412-486-0211.
Library seeks part-time help
The Shaler North Hills Library is looking to hire a part-time circulation associate and a part-time reference librarian/staff member for the Adult Services Department.
The circulation associate position entails about 15 hours per week, primarily daylight hours, and two Saturday shifts per month, but hours are subject to change depending on the library’s needs. Duties include processing and placing holds, checking materials in and out, shelving materials, helping people find stuff, answering the phone and resolving patron account issues.
A Shaler resident is preferred. The ideal candidate is positive, community-driven, creative and service-oriented.
The reference librarian position requires 16 to 20 hours per week and includes up to three weekday shifts, one evening a week and up to two weekend shifts per month. Primary duties include staffing the Reference Desk (Reference, Reader’s Advisory and Tech Support), supporting the Circulation Department (creating library cards, checking materials in and out), and scheduling of meeting rooms and assisting with adult programming. Duties also may include assisting with events, outreach and marketing, and public relations efforts.
The successful candidate must enjoy working with the public. Flexibility and patience along with a sense of humor are a plus.
To apply for either position and to view additional requirements, visit shalerlibrary.org. Interested candidates also can pick up an application at the checkout desk.