GLENSHAW PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Glenshaw Public Library, 1504 Butler Plank Road, Shaler, was established in 1895 and is known as the oldest free library west of the Alleghenies.
Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays for a quilters meet-up, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, as well as 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays for a meet-up of embroiderers.
Various preplanned private classes and events are offered as scheduled, including:
• Santa … Just Believe!: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13: The Big Man in Red will be checking his naughty and nice list during a pit stop at the library. The cost is $5 per child, and all proceeds benefit the library. Bring your camera. Tip: Later-arriving guests likely will encounter less of a crowd so consider arriving after noon.
• America’s Tapestry: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through May 2026. The Pennsylvania branch of a national needlework group is creating a panel to mark America’s 250th anniversary. The public is invited to stop by at this time to view the panel’s progress and add a few stitches. Be sure to sign the guest book.
For details, visit glenshawpubliclibrary.org.
Library enjoying moment in spotlight
In October, the Glenshaw Public Library became the spooky setting for “Overdue” by Autumn Wind Films.
The film by husband-and-wife duo Glenn Syska and Christina McKee was created, shot and edited in two days for the 48 Hour Film Horror Project – Pittsburgh 2025.
Their 5-minute work took home Best Film and multiple other awards during the screening ceremony, including for Directing, Best Actress, Cinematography, Editing, Audience Choice and Best Use of Required Line. It will represent Pittsburgh at the Cannes Short Film Corner in May to compete against other winning short films from cities around the world.
The 48 Hour Film Project takes place on various weekends in different cities throughout the year. According to the group’s website, participants are given a character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a genre on a Friday night and must submit a film 48 hours later.
For this year’s horror genre, the character was Sam or Samantha Swope, assistant manager; the line of dialogue was “Don’t let it slip away” or Do not let it slip away”; and the prop was a burrito.
Syska and McKee, who live in the area and frequently pass by the library, were drawn to it as a setting because the exterior reminded them of “a library that would be described in a Stephen King story.”
Librarian Sandy Russell made a special appearance in the film.
To view the film, visit the link at glenshawpubliclibrary.org/blog/overdue-filmed-at-the-library.
MILLVALE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
The Millvale Community Library, 213 Grant Ave., is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Regular operating hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The library will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The Tool Lending Library is open from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
For a complete list of ongoing programs and services, visit millvalelibrary.org.
Kick off new year with a vision board
Millvale Community Library is celebrating the new year with a drop-in Vision Board workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 3.
Everyone 16 and older is welcome to stop by to create a vision board and set their intentions for 2026.
All supplies will be provided.
Libray cards now required to use computers
Visitors now need a library card to sign in to the computers at Millvale Community Library, including children.
If you don’t have a card, applications are available at the front desk.
If you have questions or concerns about the change, stop by the front desk to speak with a staff member.
Fridge, pantry open 24/7
The Millvale Free Fridge is a community fridge located on the deck behind the Millvale Community Library.
The Millvale Free Pantry is now at the same location behind the library. Both are accessible to the public 24 hours a day.
The fridge is stocked with fresh and frozen groceries and meals from community members, as well as local food partners including 412 Food Rescue, the Gardens of Millvale, Sprezzatura, Lemon Tree Coffee, Abielle Voyante Tea Co. and more.
The fridge and pantry aim to promote food security and reduce food waste. The pantry also is stocked with hygiene and personal care products.
Residents who would like to contribute financially to the fridge and pantry fund can do so online at givebutter.com/MCLCommunityFoodResources.
To donate items or become an ambassador for the effort, email millvalefreefridgeandpantry@gmail.com.
Free music lessons available
You Be You Inc. offers free music lessons for all ages at the library:
• Grown-up and Me Music: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday in the community room. This free music and movement class is geared toward infants through age 4 with a caregiver. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is advised at youbeyouinc.com.
• Tween Guitar: 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in the backyard/deck area. These free guitar lessons are geared toward children 8 to 12. Students do not need experience, and several guitars are available. The program is funded by the Grable Foundation as part of You Be You’s Neighborhood Empowerment Music Project. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is advised at youbeyouinc.com.
Volunteers needed
Millvale Community Library is looking for volunteers to help in a variety of areas, including:
• Tool Lending Library: Help patrons check out tools, explore the library’s extensive collection of 800-plus tools, keep everything organized, fix and maintain tools, and sign up new Tool Library members.
• Front desk: Help patrons locate materials, answer the phone, get up-close and personal with our books, tools, DVDs, and more — perfect for an avid reader.
• Free Fridge and Pantry: Help keep the library’s fridge and pantry stocked, cleaned and well documented.
• Workshop/program leaders: We are always looking for people who are interested in sharing their interests/talents with the community. Do you have a skill or hobby you would like to share with children, teens or adults? Let us know!
• Plant parent: We are looking for someone to care for our indoor and outdoor plants. This would include watering, pruning, repotting, etc.
• Yard work: Help our Building and Grounds Committee keep our yard happy, healthy and ready to be used by the community. Work includes weeding, cutting grass, trimming trees and bushes, etc.
Visit tinyurl.com/mrxsfk39 to fill out a volunteer application online or stop by the library for a paper version.
Volunteers must be 14 or older, and everyone must submit a criminal record check and PA child abuse history clearance, as well as a fingerprint-based federal criminal history background check.
For details, call the library at 412-822-7081.
SHALER NORTH HILLS LIBRARY
For details about any of the programs below or to register, visit the library’s website at shalerlibrary.org, call the library at 412-486-0211 or email Sharon McRae at mcraes@shalerlibrary.org.
Shaler North Hills Library is located at 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. 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, check out the online calendar of events.
Note: The library will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Upcoming programs
• Ugly Holiday Sweater Family Bingo — Toon Edition: 2 to 2:45 p.m. Dec. 13. Wear your ugliest festive season fit and join us for bingo featuring your favorite cartoon characters of all time — from Arthur to Zazu. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
• Tween Craftin’: DIY Sugar Scrub: 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Tweens in grades 4-6 are welcome to stop by after-hours to create their own scented sugar scrub and decorate a jar. Perfect for winter spa nights at home or a great gift for a loved one this holiday season. An adult must remain in the building during the program. Registration is required.
• Book Babies at Night: 6:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15. There will be songs, stories and fun for children from birth to 18 months along with a caregiver. No registration is required.
• Book Babies: 10:15 to 10:45 and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Dec. 16. There will be songs, stories and fun for children from birth to 18 months along with a caregiver. No registration is required.
• Sense and Sound: Poetry Exploration: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Adults are invited to discover a fresh perspective on poetry and learn why it is for all of us. Visit the library’s Sense and Sound page at poetryisnotreallyboring.blogspot.com for updates and to see what the monthly topic will be. Nov. 25 is William Blake; Dec. 17 was not available as of press time.
• Caregiver Support Session: 1:30 to 3 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month, Dec. 17 and Jan. 15. Erin McMaster, a memory care adviser from Promedica Memory Care, hosts free monthly sessions for people who are caring for or supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive/memory issues. Registration is required, but walk-ins and drop-ins are always welcome.
• Pizza and a Story: Winter Break Edition: noon to 12:45 p.m. Dec. 26. Youngsters in grades 1-5 are welcome to stop by for free pizza and some great stories. Space is limited; registration is required.
• Tail Waggin’ Tutors (Therapy Dogs): 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 27. Children in kindergarten and up are encouraged to sign up for a 15-minute session to read to their favorite therapy dog on the last Saturday of every month. To give more youngsters an opportunity to read, registration is required, and a child may register for up to two sessions. You can sign up for more if slots are still open on program day. Register online or call the library.
• Mathventure: 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays, starting Jan. 14. Children ages 3½ to 5, along with a caregiver, will have fun with early math concepts through stories and song. No registration is required.
• History Matters — Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 16. Did you watch “The Pitt” last season? Did you see the episode where the residents learn about the Freedom House Ambulance Service? Come learn the real story about what is considered America’s first mobile emergency medical unit, established in 1967 in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Join playwright L.E. McCullough and artistic director Wayne Brinda for an informative talk about this piece of Pittsburgh history and how it was transformed into a play. Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits. The play will be performed by Prime Stage Theatre from Jan. 23-Feb. 1; for details and tickets, visit primestage.com.
Weekend Road Rally to benefit library
Roll into winter fun with Shaler North Hills Library’s Road Rally fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11.
Bring your whole crew and your favorite “mini” vehicles — or use one of ours.
Participants can warm up with family-friendly activities: racing through the indoor Tape Town, completing fun challenges and discovering all the cool things our community has to offer.
There will be activities throughout the library.
The cost is $5 per person and $2.50 for children 10 and younger.
No registration necessary, and admission will be paid at the door.
Drop-ins welcome as space permits.
Last weeks for pierogi fundraiser
The Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck will be on-site from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22 in the library’s front parking lot.
Items available for purchase will include pierogi, stuffed cabbage and haluski.
A portion of the sales will benefit Shaler North Hills Library.
The library would like to thank the public in advance for their patronage and the Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck owners for their generosity.
5-day winter book sale set
The Friends of Shaler North Hills Library will host its winter book rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 2-6 in the library’s community room.
There will be boxes of books with something for all ages — feel free to rummage around and find your treasures.
Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
All proceeds benefit the library.