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

Children invited to Level Up their summer reading

Northland Public Library is encouraging visitors 18 and younger to Level Up their summer reading and participate in a variety of quests for a chance to win prizes.

To register for the summer reading quest, which runs through July 31, visit northlandlibrary.org/children-teen/summer-reading, then stop by the library to pick up a paper game board — or download it from the website — to track your progress.

Youths can read at their own pace and will receive raffle tickets for great prizes. There will be reading and nonreading challenges tailored to different age groups. In-library quests include weekly crafts, contests and adventures.

There also will be programs every week for all ages, some of which will require registration.

An end-of-summer-reading event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 to celebrate everyone’s achievements. It will include a petting zoo, icy treats, crafts and more.

Bookmark contest open to all ages

Children and adults of all ages are invited to participate in Northland’s annual summer bookmark contest.

To participate, pick up an entry form at the Children and Teen Services or Ask a Librarian desk or download one online.

Two winners will be chosen from each age category: 0-5, 6-9, 10-12, 13-17 and 18-plus.

Only one entry is permitted per person, and it must be an original work. Copyrighted characters, art and logos are not permitted, and do not place your name on the design.

Any 2D art medium can be used, such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc.; computer-generated images and use of 3D materials are not permitted.

Please note: Entries will not be returned.

Entries should be dropped off at the library by Saturday, June 28.

Winners will be announced July 3. Each winner will receive 30 bookmarks printed with their winning design and a certificate. All winning bookmarks also will be distributed at the library.

Local children’s book authors to share stories

The library is offering a drop-in program from 10 a.m. to noon June 27 to celebrate local children’s book authors.

Join Norbert the Northland Owl to meet local writers, hear them read their stories and participate in crafts and activities that celebrate children’s literature.

No registration is required.

Northland gearing up for annual Nerdcon

Northland Public Library is hosting its annual Northland Nerdcon from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14.

There will be comics, anime, board games, role-playing and all things nerdy on display.

Visitors are encouraged to come in costume for the cosplay contest. There also will be a panel featuring professional cosplayers Feytaline, Trickssi and Cash.

Vendors will include Backroads Bookstore, Clotho & Frigg, The Geeky Crafter, Kirakira Karakasa and Dan Nokes. Two food trucks will be on-site: By the Wayside Coffee from 10 a.m. to noon and Mission Mahi from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration is required. To register, visit bit.ly/nerdcon2025. Register by June 1 to ensure a place in the gauntlet making workshop, the cosplay contest or the Mario Kart tournament.

Here is the schedule:

• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Registration and check in, upper lobby.

• 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Cosplay Prop Workshop, lower-level meeting room. Get hands on experience making a gauntlet to use in your next cosplay.

• 10 a.m.: Kamishibai Japanese Folktale in the Learning Garden. Kamishibai, a Japanese folk art tradition, combines bicycles, storytelling, illustration and audience participation. This session will be best enjoyed by adults and children 12 and older.

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Learn to Play Pokémon TCG, upper library. Join a certified Pokemon Professor to learn to play the Pokémon card game.

• 11 a.m.: Cosplay Judging, lower-level meeting room. Participants must sign up for a judging time slot for the Cosplay Contest by 11 a.m.

• 1 p.m.: Kamishibai Japanese Folktale for families in the Learning Garden. This session is for all ages.

• 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Cosplay Photos, in the lower-level teen section. Have your photo taken and photoshopped onto a fun background.

• 2 to 4 p.m.: Mario Kart Tournament, upper-level Silent Study area. Test your driving skills in our bracket-style tournament. Which racer will take home the prize?

• 4 p.m.: Cosplay Contest Showcase & Awards, lower-level meeting rooms. Show off your cosplay outfit or accessories for everyone and find out who our cosplay contest winners are.

• All day: Open board gaming, upper-level Silent Study area; vendor tables, upper-level lobby; craft and coloring sheets for kids, Children’s Department.

Programs for adults

• Preventing Lyme Disease: Tick-borne Pathogens and Ticks of PA: 6 to 7 p.m. June 12

Pennsylvania led the nation in Lyme disease cases, with 29% of the 65,135 ticks tested to date infected with Lyme or other bacteria. Knowing and avoiding tick bites is especially important in our area. Join Nicholas Baldauf, Vector Control Program coordinator for the Allegheny County Health Department, as he discusses Lyme disease and tick-borne pathogens, helps you identify ticks and tick bites, and provides materials such as tick samples and literature handouts. Registration is required.

• Craft Night: Tie-dye: 6 and 6:45 p.m. June 16

Join staff to make a tie-dyed shirt or bag or bring something of your own to dye. Do not bring blankets, towels or larger items. Registration is $5 for this hands-on craft program. Registration opens June 1 online or at the Ask a Librarian desk on the second floor of the library.

Programs for young people

• Tween and Teen Crafting Club: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 23 and 30

Tweens and teens 10 to 18 are invited to stop the library by every Monday and make a craft. Registration is required. The June 23 project is painted flower pots; the June 30 project is mason jar snow globes.

• Dungeons & Dragons Adventures: 4 to 7 p.m. June 18 and 24

Teens 12 to 18 are invited to gather for a oneshot Dungeons & Dragons adventure. No experience is necessary. Registration is required and opens June 1. Players must register for each session individually. You can register online or by stopping at the children and teens services desk. Players will receive an email with full adventure details no more than two business days after registration. You must reply to the email no later than one week before the game or you will forfeit their space.

• Pajama Storytime: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 25 and July 23

For families with children in preschool through third grade. Pajamas are optional — but welcome — as we listen to stories, songs and action rhymes to get the wiggles out. A simple art activity will round out the evening.

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