At the library: News from Hampton Community Library

Hampton Community Library, 3200 Lochner Way, is open Mondays through Saturdays.

Its September through May hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

For details about upcoming programs or to register for programs, call the library at 412-684-1098 or visit hampton communitylibrary.org.

A calendar of events is available online at hampton communitylibrary.org.

Reading program dubbed a success

The library celebrated another successful Summer Reading Program, garnering a Hampton High-Five for its efforts.

Here are some statistics the library shared on its website:

• 23 teen volunteers provided more than 250 hours of service.

• 815 babies/children participated in the reading program.

• 476 adults logged in 1,657 books.

Donations this month have extra impact

September is Love Your Library Month.

Once again, the Jack Buncher Foundation is matching all donations on a prorated basis.

With the matching offer, now is the time to maximize one’s impact at the Hampton Community Library.

The continued support of patrons and others in the community makes up 25% of the library’s yearly budget, according to its annual appeal letter.

The library, which is marking its 20th year in the Hampton Community Center, circulated 163,333 items in 2024. And more than 4,600 children and adults attended 256 programs — from storytimes to educational workshops and cultural events.

To donate, visit hampton communitylibrary.org/annualappeal.

Youngest patrons invited to welcome fall

The library is celebrating autumn with a series of drop-in storytimes for its youngest patrons through Oct. 16 and Oct. 28 through Dec. 4.

What a Wonder-Fall World! takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The stories, songs and crafts are geared toward children from birth to age 5, accompanied by an adult. All abilities are welcome. Children can stay for all of the activities or drop by for just a few of them. The session is broken into various segments:

• 10:30 a.m.: Stories & Songs

• 10:45 a.m.: Investigate and Create

• 11 a.m.: Stories and Songs

• 11:30 a.m.: Parachute Play

• 11:50 p.m.: Stories and Songs

• Noon: Stay and Play

Note that the times of each segment are subject to go longer or shorter, depending on interest and participation.

Foodies to share picnic favorites at next meeting

Cooks-n-Books, the library’s monthly food discussion group, will share picnic favorites at its next gathering from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 in the adult lounge of the Hampton Community Center.

Participants are invited to bring a dish to share. No experience is needed — just bring your appetite for good food and good company.

There is a $2 fee to cover the cost of supplies.

Mark 65th anniversary of Mazeroski’s homer with discussion

Author Mark Fatla will present “Take Me Out to the Ballgame!” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Hampton Community Center. His discussion will cover some of Pittsburgh’s incredible baseball history, including its leading role in ballpark design and development.

Join Fatla to relive Bill Mazeroski’s historic World Series home run on Oct. 13, 1960, and visit the nine ballparks that hosted major league baseball in Pittsburgh between 1876 and the present.

To register, call the library at 412-684-1098.

Kits showcase historic sites, museums

The library offers a variety of Experience Kits.

The kits give two adults and up to six children the opportunity to visit eight historic sites and museums for free:

• Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, including the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park and Meadowcroft Rock Shelter & Historic Village in Avella

• Bushy Run Battlefield, Jeannette

• Depreciation Lands Museum, Hampton

• Gibson House Manor, aka Mark Twain Manor, Jamestown

• Historic Fort Steuben, Steubenville, Ohio

• Captain William Vicary Mansion, Freedom

• Duncan & Miller Glass Museum, Washington, Pa.

• Harmony Museum, Harmony

Each pass can be checked out for up to one week at a time. Plus, each pass comes with virtual access to educational information, itinerary ideas and other fun content.

For details, visit https://acla libraries.org/experience-kits/ or call the library at 412-684-1098.

Everyone who uses a library experience kit can enter for a chance to win a raffle. After your visit, share your experience via an online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/ACLA expkits2025. The deadline to enter is Oct. 31.