The Cooper-Siegel Community Library and its Sharpsburg branch offer a variety of programming for visitors of all ages.
To view a complete list of offerings, visit coopersiegel.librarycalendar.com. Events at both libraries are listed and can be viewed according to age group and location.
Registration is required for most programs as space is limited and some programs fill up quickly. In some cases, drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Registration through the online calendar is encouraged when possible so staff members can plan accordingly. To register by phone, call the respective libraries at 412-828-9520 for Cooper-Siegel and 412-781-0783 for the Sharpsburg branch.
Regular operating hours at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road in Fox Chapel, are from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Regular operating hours at Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St., are from 1 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; the branch is closed on Sundays. Parking is available at the library and the 13th Street Municipal Lot, which is metered. The library is accessible via Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s 91 and 1 bus routes — get off at 13th Street.
Pickup lockers, where library patrons can get items they’ve placed on hold, are located behind Jersey Mike’s at 171 Freeport Road in Blawnox or outside Sharpsburg Community Library. The lockers were funded by the Allegheny Regional Asset District through its Transformative Community Library Fund grant program.
Here are some upcoming events:
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
All ages
• ESL Movie Night — “Finding Nemo”: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 19
Our first ESL Movie Night will feature the Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.” Follow the hilarious and heartwarming journey of an overprotective clownfish, Marlin, and his forgetful friend, Dory, as they cross the ocean to find Marlin’s missing son, Nemo. This family-friendly ESL experience is for English language learners of all levels. The clear dialogue and engaging characters make it an enjoyable way to practice your listening comprehension and learn new vocabulary related to marine life and everyday situations while following this heartwarming story. The film will be shown with English audio and subtitles, and there will be a 10-minute intermission in the middle of the movie. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
• Lunar New Year Celebration, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20
This annual celebration organized by the Asian community of the Fox Chapel area features a wide variety of festival activities. Final plans are still being made, but previous years have included traditional Chinese instruments by Jin Se Chinese Zither Ensemble, taekwondo performed by the Young Brothers Taekwondo School students, a dragon parade, storytelling, crafts, as well as treats and gifts. Register online.
Kids
• Saturday STEM (grades 2-5): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14
In this program held on the second Saturday of each month, except December, children will explore various STEM concepts with the students from Fox Chapel Area High School’s Society of Women Engineers. Thre will be hands-on challenges and opportunities to experiment with science, technology, engineering and math concepts. Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Lego Robotics: Build a Windmill (grades 4-6): 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 28
Explore the fundamentals of gears through hands-on Lego Robotics activities presented by Girls of Steel Robotics. During this one-off program, kids will build Lego windmill kits, while developing teamwork and learning more about STEM concept. Registration is required.
Teens
• Makerspace Walk-in Hours: 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 3 to 5 p.m. Thursdays
Teens 12 to 18 can drop in at these times on Mondays and Thursdays to learn how the Makerspace works and what it has to offer.
• Pride Craft Workshop: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21
Join us for a creative workshop dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community and the allies who support them. Held in the makerspace, come and create something that reflects who you are. Supplies will be provided to create rainbow-themed crafts, including watercolors for individual flag color creations. Registration is required.
Adults
• Craft Workshop: Valentine’s Cards (21 and older): 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 14
Do you still need a Valentine for a special person in your life? Skip the generic store-bought options and join us for a relaxing and creative workshop. Whether you’re crafting for a partner, a friend or family, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels. We’ll have everything you need to make a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind card. Registration is required.
• Plays Off the Stage (21 and older): 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17
Join us for an evening of super-casual play reading. No acting experience needed, just an interest in theater and language and an open mind, The meetup is facilitated by Joanna Patterson, a local Fox Chapel resident. She is a theater aficionado and, in her own mind, an award-winning audience member. This month, the group is reading “Acadia” by Tom Stoppard.
Sharpsburg Community Library
Kids
• Maker Monday (grades K-5), 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16
This program rotates content with some weeks being more arts focused and other weeks being more science focused. Upcoming events include Lunar New Year horse art on Feb. 16 and Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired mixed media dinosaur art on Feb. 23. Registration is required.
• Black History Month Multimedia Studio: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 28
Children of all ages are welcome to drop in and learn about famous African American artists at fun art-making stations to celebrate Black History Month. Please arrive by 12:30 p.m. to have time to participate in the activities. Young children should be accompanied by a grown-up. No registration is required.
• Read With Mishka the Therapy Dog (grades PreK-6): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 7
Join Mishka, a certified therapy dog, and her handler, Ms. Alejandra, visit the library on the first Saturday of each month. Children will take turns reading aloud to Mishka; all levels of readers are welcome, from those just learning to expert readers. PreK children are welcome with an accompanying adult. Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Teens
• Teen Scene: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 25
Hang with friends, play video games and board games, and participate in the dedicated activity during this two-hour block of time after school. Participate how you want — no pressure. Upcoming activities include Lunar New Year Horse Origami on Feb. 18 and Pokémon Day Layer Art and Deck Boxes on Feb. 25. Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Magic the Gathering Commander League: Noon to 1 p.m. second Saturday of the month through May 9
Join former professional Magic the Gathering player Mike Patnik for this Commander League. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. We will have decks available for players to use, but participants are welcome to bring their own decks. Registration is required, but drop-ins welcome as space permits.
Adults
• Hometown History: Irish Workers in Pennsylvania: 6 to 7 p.m. March 2
Join Cassandra McGinnis, local history specialist for the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg community libraries, for an examination on one of the many ethnic groups that intertwined their history with Pittsburgh’s in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since 1820, an estimated 6 million Irish people have immigrated to the U.S. Today, more than 40 million Americans claim Irish heritage. As Irish immigrants arrived in the States looking for freedom and a better life, they faced new challenges and triumphs. What happened to those who made their new home in Pittsburgh? How did they settle in? What did their daily lives look like? Learn how Irish traditions, language and stories helped make Pittsburgh what it is today. Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
