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. 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.
Here are some upcoming events:
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
Kids
• Spanish & English Storytime (ages 3-5): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 17, 24 and 31
Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to participate in this playful storytime, held in both Spanish and English, with interactive books, rhymes and songs. This program occurs every Friday of the month. Please register separately for all dates you plan to attend.
• Wiggle Storytime (18 to 36 months): 10:15 to 11 a.m. Jan. 21 and 28
This interactive storytime for young children and their caregivers features books, fingerplays, bounces, scarves, shakers, and a parachute. It is held every Tuesday of the month. Drop-ins welcome as space permits.
• Reading Rockets (K-grade 2): 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 19
This special book club involves reading a book beforehand, and then gathering to discuss the book over snacks. The book is explored further through games, crafts and other activities. This month’s book is “Max & the Midknights” by Lincoln Peirce. We can help you order a library copy if desired.
• Make-N-Take (K-grade 6): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 and 28
Stop by on Tuesdays for fun, hands-on projects that explore science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts through arts and crafts that you get to take home with you. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits. Jan. 21: fingerprint trees; Jan. 28: snow globes.
• Saturday STEM (grades 2-5): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18
Students from Fox Chapel Area High School’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE NEXT) will teach youngsters about various STEM concepts.
• Pokémon Club (ages 6-11): 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 18
Stop by to show off your cards, trade cards or play the Pokémon card game. A librarian or teen volunteers will monitor the trading of cards to make sure they are fair.
• Winter Code Club for Tweens (ages 10-14): 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 23
Learn to Code this winter with game-style learning software Fiero Code. In this six-week series, coders can work at their own pace and choose which coding languages they want to learn. Visit coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org and scroll down to the Code Club section under What’s New to learn more. Tweens can make a free account anytime. Once you sign up, you can begin coding from home as well.
Teens
• Crochet ’n Things (teens and adults): 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16, 23 and 30
Drop in on Thursdays 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.
• Teen After Hours (grades 6-12): 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17
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.
Adults
• French Conversation Group: 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 22 and 29; 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 28
This new group will provide a fun and informal way to practice your French. Designed for intermediate to advanced French speakers, the group offers a welcoming space to refine your language skills and connect with fellow Francophiles. Morning and evening sessions are available to accommodate various schedules.
Featured Local Businesses
• Community Ink … Eliza Smith Brown: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16
Author Eliza Smith Brown will talk about her new book from Carnegie Mellon University Press, “She Devils at the Door,” which tells the true story of two intrepid Pittsburgh sisters, the struggle for women’s suffrage and a lifelong crusade against corruption.
• Community Ink … “A Pittsburgh Cab Story”: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23
First-time author Howie Ehrlichman, a longtime taxi driver, will read from his history-filled memoir, “Not a Bad Trip: A Pittsburgh Cab Story.” He will encourage an open Q&A and interactive discussion with the audience.
Sharpsburg Community Library
Kids
• Little Hands PreK Storytime (ages 3-5): 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Jan. 21
The library’s youngest patrons are invited to imagine and create with Ms. Alison at this weekly arts-integration storytime for PreK children and their caregivers. Each session will include stories and a hands-on developmentally appropriate art activity.
• Bilingual Chinese Storytime (grades preschool-2): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18
Youngsters will explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books and playful experiences with native speakers. The program meets on the third Saturday of each month. Supplies are provided. Free but donations are welcome.
• STEM Explorations (grades 1-5): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20
Young scientists will learn about snow during this month’s session. Participants will make a snowstorm in a jar, play with some not-quite snow and study snowflake patterns. Sessions meet on the third Monday of every month. All supplies are provided. Free but donations are welcome.
Teens
• Video Game Hangout: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22
Teens can hang out and play video games on Nintendo Switch and PS5 on the third Wednesday of every month. Free but donations are welcome.
• What’s Cooking: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29
Participants will learn how to make delicious and easy snacks and meals. This month, we’re learning to make onigiri, Japanese rice balls with all different kids of seasoning. Free but donations are welcome.
Adults
• Rep. Mandy Steele Mobile Office Hours: 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29
Stop by every Wednesday for help with senior bus passes, property tax, rent rebates, unemployment and state departments such as Revenue, Treasury, Human Services and PennDOT. Constituent services adviser Lainie Norris will be available to assist you. You can drop by or call 724-826-5151 to schedule an appointment.
• Feed Your Fandom: 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 22
Each month, participants will play games and create art or cuisine inspired by a fandom. This session focuses on “Wicked.” Attendees will play name that tune (original Broadway cast vs. movie), make chocolate broomsticks, bead Glinda and Elphaba friendship bracelets and wrap up the trip to Oz with a sing-along.
• Sharpsburg Sleuths Book Club: 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28
This month we’re reading the true crime classic “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote. Copies will be available at the circulation desk. Zoom is available for those who prefer to meet virtually.