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

Mark your calendars

It’s almost time to restock your personal libraries.

Northland Public Library will have its Spring Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 and 3.

Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. May 4, everything must go: Patrons can fill one bag for $5, plus tax, or snag as much as they can haul for $10, plus tax.

Items for children and adults will be available, including books, paperbacks, CDs, puzzles and games, DVDs and audiobooks on CD.

Tickets still available for annual Garden Gala

While the VIP tickets have sold out, a number of supporting sponsorship and general admission 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 hosted by the Northland Public Library Foundation 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.

Supporting sponsorship tickets cost $3oo and include two VIP tickets; general admission tickets are $75. To purchase tickets, visit northlandlibrary.org/foundation/garden-gala.

For details about the event, call Alexis McKinley, foundation director, at 412-366-8100, ext. 104, or email her at mckinleya@northlandlibrary.org.

Programs for adults

• Allegheny Arsenal: The Day Lawrenceville Exploded: 7 to 8 p.m. March 24

The Battle of Antietam on Sept. 17, 1862, was the bloodiest single day of the Civil War. Little known and largely forgotten is the worst civilian disaster of the war, which occurred that afternoon when the Allegheny Arsenal exploded. Learn about this awful tragedy long overshadowed by the giant battle that took place on the same day. Registration is required for this virtual program. A Zoom link will be emailed a few days before the program.

• Wellness Works: Jaw Pain: 6 to 7 p.m. March 27

Natalie Novak from the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute will discuss common causes and pathology of jaw pain, along with other symptoms that can often be associated with jaw pain. She also will cover physical therapy interventions and related symptoms. Registration is required.

• Talking Flirty: Romance Authors Tell All: 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 29

Join 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 authors Christina Bunner, Lainey Davis, Beck Grey, Liz Milliron and narrator Amber Battaglia.

• Craft night: Upcycled T-shirt Yarn: 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 31

Learn to make your own chunky, cotton yarn from old t-shirts to use for crochet, macrame, and crafts! We’ll also provide craft ideas for your t-shirt yarn. Registration is required for this program. You will need to bring your own cotton or cotton blend T-shirt, preferably without side seams.

Programs for young people

• Pajama Storytime: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 26

This program is for families with children in preschool through third grade. Stories, songs and action rhymes will help get the wiggles out, and a simple art activity will round out the evening. Pajamas are optional but welcome. No registration is required.

• Middle School Writing Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 2

This monthly gathering is for students in grades 5-8 who enjoy creative writing and would like to meet other students with similar interests. Join us once a month for writing games, group writing exercises and interesting prompts. Bring your notebook or laptop because there will be plenty of unstructured time to start a new project or continue working on an old one, as well as opportunities to share your work, if you wish. No registration is required.

Ongoing programs

• Crafting With Ms. Kim: 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday

Children 3 and older can create a 15-minute craft with Ms. Kim. This is a drop-in program. Meet in the program room in the CATS Department near the Early Readers.

• Pokémon Club: First Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. April 1

Gotta catch ’em all! An hour of Pokémon fun for Pokemon trainers ages 10 to 16. We’ll have a different activity each month, and trainers are welcome to bring their own cards and games from home to show off and share. No registration is required.

• Cookbook Club: First Monday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m.

Home cooks of all skill levels explore dishes from various cookbooks. You may make a dish to share related to the month’s theme. Email summersk@northlandlibrary.org with questions or to join the group’s email list. Mark your calendars: The March 3 gathering will focus on recipes from a movie or TV cookbook; April 7 will explore brunch.

• Movie Matinee: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 19

Adults are welcome to a showing of “Thelma,” a comedy/action movie rated PG-13 from 2024. Inspired by the director’s grandmother, the film puts a clever twist on action movies such as “Mission Impossible.” After falling for a phone scam, 93-year-old Thelma Post, played by June Squibb, seeks revenge and becomes an unlikely action hero. The film premiered at the Sundance Festival and was named one of the Top 10 independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.

For a full listing of events, activities and ongoing groups, and to register for programs at Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road, McCandless, visit northlandlibrary.org.