Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, offers a variety of programs for all ages.
For a complete list of offerings and to register for programs, visit pennhillslibrary.org. To reach the library by phone, call 412-775-4700.
Regular operating hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays.
Tax season is here
While library staff members can’t help file your taxes, they can print any tax form you might need.
Patrons also can pick up a free copy of the 1040 and 1040-SR tax instruction booklets.
If you need assistance filing taxes, the staff recommends calling 211. The number, available 24/7, will connect you with a resource specialist for free from PA211 who can help link you to programs in your community that can help. For details, visit pa211.org.
Programs set for Black History Month
The library is celebrating Black History Month. The 2026 theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” Here are some upcoming programs for patrons of all ages:
• Ten Sankofa Lessons that Continue to Impact the Black Freedom Struggle (adults): 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12. This presentation will highlight political, religious and social developments in the African and African American experience that continue to influence contemporary race relations. Registration is required.
• Black History Month: DIY Bracelets & Buttons (grades K-5): 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 16. All the materials will be provided so just bring your creativity. No registration is required.
• Movie Night: “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)” (adults): 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 16. This 2025 American documentary directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson explores the life, career and legacy of Sylvester Stewart. Under the stage name Sly Stone, he led the band Sly and the Family Stone and became one of pop music’s influential Black artists. Among his hits are “Everyday People,” “Stand!” and “Dance to the Music.” Popcorn will be provided. Registration is required.
• STEAM Lab: Black Innovators (grades K-5): 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Feb. 17 and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Feb. 28. Work with your hands and experiment with STEAM projects. Join us for new science topics each session focusing on Black innovators. Registration is required.
• Black History Month: Ancestry Workshop (adults): 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 21. Explore your family history as you learn how to create a five-generation genealogical pedigree chart. Special attention will be given to how to research African American ancestry, but all people are welcome to this free workshop by the organization Finding Deep Roots. Registration is required.
Food distribution, fridge open to all
The library is providing the space for a new community food distribution from 6 to 7 p.m. every Monday.
This distribution is run by local community members and is not part of the library’s Community Fridge or run through the library. It will take place in the upstairs cafe area outside the Community Room.
The Community Fridge is an ongoing, free library resource. Patrons do not need to provide any information in order to take food. Everyone is welcome to take whatever they need.
The restocks take place from 5 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday and 11 a.m. to noon every Friday.
Please bring reusable bags as there are a limited number of milk crates available that can be used to transport food.
Members of the community are welcome to donate any unopened and unexpired food to the Community Fridge. To make a monetary donation, you can write a check or donate online. Be sure to indicate on the check or in the comments of your online donation that you intend for it to be used toward the Community Fridge.
The library also holds a Diapers and Books Giveaway on the third Wednesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. in conjunction with its Wednesday fridge restocks. Diapers and menstrual products are available. To learn more, visit the cafe at that time.
For questions about either program, contact the library at 412-775-4700.
Volunteers are welcome to assist with the Community Fridge. To help, call the library or email phlibrary@pennhills library.org.
CHILDREN (birth to age 11)
• Music and Movement (ages 1-4): Two sessions every Wednesday — 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon. Come to the library to sing, move, dance and make music together. The program focuses on having fun while developing gross motor skills. No registration is required.
• Children’s Self-Care (grades K-5): 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Feb. 14. Stop by the library for some relaxing self-care. There will be stations with calming art activities, meditative practices, self-care items and more. Registration is required.
• KidzStix Cardio Drumming (ages 6-11): 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Feb. 16 and March 16. Get moving at this high energy drumming and dance program led by certified fitness instructor Coleen Bortz. Registration is required.
• Art Empowers (grades K-5): a few sessions in February — 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Feb. 10 and 24 and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Feb. 21. Create projects that celebrate your identity and interests while exploring different art mediums and styles. Feb. 10 is Shrinky Dinks; Feb. 21 is name art; Feb. 24 is felt animals. Registration is required.
• Maker Lab: Needle Felting (ages 6-11): 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. March 3. Learn how to use different machines and supplies to create something completely new. Mark your calendars: March 14 is cardboard creations. Registration is required.
• Read and Craft: Dinosaur Books: (ages 6-11): 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. March 7. There will be a read-aloud and a fun community art project together based on a dinosaur theme. Registration is required.
• STEAM Lab: Exploring Pi (grades K-5): 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. March 13. Work with your hands and experiment with STEAM projects. Join us for new science topics each session. Mark your calendars: Weather Wonders is the theme from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. March 17; a Spring Lab and Egg Hunt is planned from 11 a.m. to noon March 28. Registration is required for each session.
TEENS (grades 6-12)
Teen programs do not require registration.
• Safety Pin Beads: Hearts: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 17. Use safety pins and mini beads to create custom pins.
• Teen Art Club: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 24. This teen-led group explores art styles, techniques, challenges and more.
• Faux Stained Glass: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28. Use glass markers and picture frames to create faux stained-glass art.
• Explore With 3D Pens: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 18. Make some cool stuff with our 3D pens.
• Make Bath Bombs: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 21. Learn how to make simple bath bombs, then bring them home for a relaxing spa experience.
• Decorate Ceramic Tiles: 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 4. Add some creative flair to a plain ceramic tile.
• Teen Audiobook Club: Friendship Bracelets: 1 to 3 p.m. March 7. Enjoy the company of others and make friendship bracelets while listening to one of our audiobooks or one of your own.
• Gender and Sexualities Alliance: Paint Night: 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 10. Join us once a month in this safe, inclusive environment where everyone is welcome to be themselves. This month is paint night.
ADULTS
• Zine Workshop: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Learn about the history of zines and make your own to take home or to donate to our zine library. Registration is required.
• Art Lab: Pennants: 1 to 2 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19. Join us every month as we work in different art mediums. This month we will try our hand at making pennants. Registration is required.
• Love Bugs: 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 21. Check out a live insect petting zoo presented by Mary Gall. There also will be a “love bug”-themed craft. Come on your own or bring a loved one.
• Accessible Crafts: Banners: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 23. This craft program is for patrons of all abilities. Mark your calendars: The March 9 session will be string art; March 23 will be polymer clay pens. No registration is required.
• Soul (Urban) Line Dancing: 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Feb. 23. Soul (Urban) Line Dancing is a fun way to be active to your favorite songs. Come learn a variety of line dances to popular R&B and hip-hop songs. Registration is required.
• Yoga: 2 to 3 p.m. every Friday. Bring your own yoga mat and towel to this free class. There will be a limited number of mats to borrow. No registration is required.
• Game Night: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 and March 18. Play one of our board games or bring one of your own. Registration is required.
• Job and Career Help Appointments: 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24; March 3 and 24. Get one-on-one assistance with writing a resume, finding a job, learning Word or PowerPoint and more. Follow-up appointments may be necessary. Registration is required.
• Documentary Film Club: “112 Weddings”: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25. In this 2014 documentary, filmmaker Doug Block finds out what happened to some of the 112 couples whose wedding videos he shot to help support himself over the past two decades. Registration is required.
• Penn Hills Peace Coalition: 6 to 7 p.m. March 3. Join the coalition at its monthly gathering to discuss methods to support violence prevention in Penn Hills. No registration is required.
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: All day March 6. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation will be on-site to help people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Drop-in appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required.