At the library: Here are some upcoming programs at Northland Public Library

Siblings category topped Summer Reading program

Northland Public Library recently shared its Top 4 most popular reading categories from last year’s Bookshelf Bingo Summer Reading program.

The top categories were:

1. Siblings

2. Coastal setting

3. 300 pages or less

4. Action & adventure

Mark your calendars: This year’s Summer Reading program for children 18 and younger will kick off June 1 and run through July 31. An End of Summer Reading Event for participants and their families is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 7. The event is expected to include a petting zoo, icy treats, crafts and more.

Wellness workshop to discuss diabetes

Paige Thompson, a physician assistant at UPMC’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, will lead the next Wellness Works discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the library.

The topic will be “Diabetes Glucose Monitoring and Diabetes Lifestyle.”

Thompson will discuss how to monitor one’s glucose and talk about the nutrition and exercise to help manage it.

Registration is required, and seating is limited.

Registration can be done online by clicking on the calendar listing at northlandlibrary.org, in person at the Ask a Librarian Desk or by calling 412-366-8100, ext. 113.

Tickets still available for annual Garden Gala

Tickets are still available for the 2025 Garden Gala: Down the Rabbit Hole on April 26 at Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road.

The annual 21-and-older fundraiser is hosted by the Northland Public Library Foundation.

According to the foundation, Northland Public Library is the second-largest library in Allegheny County. In 2023, it circulated more than a million physical items — more than any library in the county.

The gala once again will feature a selection of local food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, a silent auction and more.

The sponsor and VIP reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., with general admission entry at 7:30.

Tickets cost $125 for VIP guests and $75 for general admission. To purchase tickets, visit northlandlibrary.org/foundation/garden-gala.

Sponsorship opportunities also are still available. To help, visit the above website and click on the sponsorship opportunities link.

For details about the event, call Alexis McKinley, foundation director, at 412-366-8100, ext. 104, or email her at mckinleya@northlandlibrary.org. Contact McKinley if you would like to serve as a food and beverage vendor.

Programs for adults

• Talking Flirty: Romance Authors Tell All: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 15

Spend some time with local authors as they discuss all things romance, from subgenres to writing characters to writing “those” love scenes. Susan Helene Gottfried will moderate a panel with Christina Bunner, Lainey Davis, Beck Grey, Kimberly Miller and Liz Milliron. Registration is required for this author panel. Authors will have books available for purchase and signing.

• North Hills Genealogists: 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17

Join Linda Debe for “Pre-1850 Census: Turning Tick Marks Into People.” This meeting will be held in person at Christ Episcopal Church, North Hills, 5910 Babcock Blvd. in Ross, and as a virtual meeting via Zoom. To register, visit northhillsgenealogists.org and click on Meetings & Events.

• Documentary Viewing … “Crazy Love”: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24

This 2007 documentary tells the strange love affair of Burt Pugach and Linda Riss. Pugach is a successful attorney in 1950s New York when he meets much-younger Riss. After Riss breaks off contact with Pugach, he hires men to throw lye in her face, blinding and permanently scarring her. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

Programs for children, tweens and teens

• Crafting With Ms. Kim: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 20 and 27; every Thursday

Stop by to make a cute, quick, 15-minute craft to take home at this crafting time for children ages 3 to 6. Find Ms. Kim in Room 108, Children’s Department, for this drop-in program. No registration is required.

• Nature Friends Storytime: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18; third Tuesday of each month

Children 3 to 5 are invited to join us for nature-themed stories, songs and library fun. No registration is required, but space is limited.

• Teen Game Room: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 20; third Thursday of each month

Teens 12 to 18 are welcome to participate in an hour of gaming. No registration is required.

For a full listing of events, activities and ongoing groups, and to register for programs, visit northlandlibrary.org.