Notice to patrons
Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road, McCandless, will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holiday. The library will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and remain closed through Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Northland’s regular operating hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Visit northlandlibrary.org for a full calendar of events, activities and ongoing groups and to register for programs.
To contact the library, call 412-366-8100 or email northland@northlandlibrary.org.
Holiday showcase to feature first edition of ‘A Christmas Carol’
Northland Public Library is hosting “A Christmas Carol” Showcase from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14.
Thanks to a loan from an anonymous library supporter, the Northland Public Library Foundation will be able to display a first edition of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, “A Christmas Carol.”
Additional activities will include readings from the first edition by a costumed actor at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., live music at 11 a.m., festive photo opportunities, as well as hot cocoa and cookies.
Admission is free, but registration is preferred for planning purposes.
To register, visit bit.ly/AChristmasCarolShowcase.
Holiday gifts for book lovers also will be available for purchase during the event.
Programs for adults
• “A Christmas Carol” Showcase: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14
Join us for an evening of holiday cheer and simple, fun crafts for gift-giving. There will be stations for different crafts to try, a hot chocolate bar and treats. Registration is required.
• Northland Radio Hour — “A Christmas Carol”: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15
The Northland Radio Hour cast will present the classic tale by Charles Dickens. You can watch us recording in person in the library or online via Zoom. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed a week before the program.
• Movie Matinee: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17
For this month’s presentation, we travel both hot and cold, showcasing Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula and Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada. We’ll tour many of Qatar’s ultramodern buildings in the capital, Doha. For sports, we’ll learn about falconry as well as dune bashing in the desert as well as, surprise, kayaking. As for Lake Tahoe, we’ll enjoy a skiing adventure down Squaw Mountain, hike in the National Forest and kayak on the lake. In nearby Reno, we’ll explore the art scene and climb the world’s largest artificial rock-climbing wall, which is 164 feet tall. No registration is required.
• Cozy Crafternoon: 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 29
Grab a coffee and enjoy some time working on your personal projects while chatting with other crafters. Whether you are finishing a holiday gift or destressing with a personal project, bring your supplies and work on your knitting, crocheting, stitching or other projects. Registration is required.
• Mahjong Monday: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. every Monday, starting Jan. 5
Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. Similar to the Western card game of rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and luck. Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, join us each Monday to play with others. No registration is required.
• Cookbook Club: 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 5
Home cooks of all skill levels are welcome as we explore dishes from various cookbooks. Each month has a theme, and participants can make a dish to bring and share with the club while we discuss the recipes and cooking process. January’s theme is World Cuisine. No registration is required. If you have questions or are interested in joining, email summersk@northlandlibrary.org.
• Movie Night: “Blithe Spirit”: 6 to 7:45 p.m. Jan. 8
In this 2020 British supernatural comedy, rated XX, a married crime novelist suffering from writer’s block finds himself in a tough predicament when an eccentric mystic summons the spirit of his first wife during a seance. Stars include Leslie Mann, Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher and Judi Dench. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required.
• Canine First Aid: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22
Kim Riester of Pittsburgh Animal Rescue will share practical advice to use in the event of an emergency for one’s dog, such as how to stabilize, treat and quickly seek the advice and care of a veterinarian. She also will cover techniques on choking, unconsciousness, strangulation, bloating, wounds, fractures and cardiac arrest. This class is directed primarily at dog owners but can be helpful for other pets, such as cats and rabbits, or anyone interested in helping animals in distress. Registration is required.
Programs for young people
• Fandom Fun: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. second Thursday of each month, Dec. 11 and Jan. 15
This new program for youths 12 to 18 will include an activity related to one of their favorite fandoms. December’s theme is “Stranger Things”; January’s theme is “Percy Jackson.” No registration is required.
• Animal Crossing Club: 4 to 5 p.m. third Tuesday of each month, Dec. 16 and Jan. 13
Good afternoon, Mayor! Villagers ages 10 to 16 are welcome to join in the collaboratively building of Northland’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch. Participants can bring their own Switches to show off their own islands, but no experience with the game is necessary to participate. No registration is required.
• Winter Tales Storytime: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17
Children ages 3 to 6 and their caregiver can stop by for a winter-themed storytime and craft. No registration is required.
• STEAM for Kids: 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 20
Children 6 to 11 can join us for some STEAM fun with a hands-on activity. Registration is required.
• Coin Collecting for Kids and Teens: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 30
Curious about coins? Members of the North Hills Coin Club will provide students from kindergarten through 12th grade with the knowledge and tools needed to get started in this fascinating hobby. If you have attended previous programs, bring your coin folders with you. Registration is required.
• Small Fry Fun: 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 6
Toddlers 12 to 35 months old and a caregiver are invited to some drop-in block play. No registration is required.
• Teen Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. first Thursday of each month, Jan. 8
Teens 12 to 18 can stop by for a mystery activity. No registration is required. Note: If no more than one participant is in the room at 15 minutes past the program start time, the program will be canceled.
• Cocoa Club for Tweens: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14 and 28
Youths ages 8 to 12 can unwind at the library with the Cocoa Club. Sip hot chocolate, listen to a great story and enjoy a calm craft or coloring activity with friends. This cozy midweek break was made just for tweens. We’ll choose the story together. Bring your own mug or use one of ours. Registration is required and opens Dec. 15.
• Northland Children’s Chess Club: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21
Children in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to drop in on the third Wednesday of each month to enjoy chess instruction, chess puzzles and play pick-up games. No registration is required. K-4th grade parents must remain in the building during club time. High school chess players interested in earning community service volunteer hours, should contact the library’s Children and Teen Services.