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.
Here are some upcoming events:
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
Kids
• Spanish & English Story Time (ages 3-5): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6 and 13
This interactive story time for preschoolers and their caregivers features books, rhymes and songs in both Spanish and English.
• Chinese & English Story Time (preK to 2nd grade): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 and Jan. 4
Explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books and playful experiences. This program occurs on the first Saturday of the month. Please register for all the dates you plan to attend. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Reading Rockets Book Club (grades K-2): 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 8
This month’s book is “I Want My Mummy!” from the Ms. Frogbottom’s Field Trips series by Nancy Krulik. Participants should read the book before coming to the meeting. The book will be discussed over snacks and explored further through games, crafts and other activities.
• Make-n-Take … STEM experiment (grades K-6): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10
Visit the craft room for this hands-on fall project that you get to take home with you. The project will be winter-themed fused beads.
Teens
• Teen Art Club (ages 11-18): 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7
Hang out and make some art. Participants can work on their own project or try out the art supplies out for that day, such as 3D printing, watercolors, digital art, cross stitch and more. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Teen After Hours: “Nightmare Before Christmas” Party (ages 11-18): 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13
Join us for Teen After Hours every third Friday of the month. There will be pizza and snacks. Come and play video games, sing karaoke, play hide and seek in the library with the lights off and more. This month’s special activity will be a “Nightmare Before Christmas” party.
Adults
• Purls of Wisdom: 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 8
Knitters of all ages and experience levels are welcome to join Fox Chapel Area’s knitting circle. Bring your current work in progress and enjoy conversation, community and informal instruction. New knitters are always welcome — bring yarn and needles if you have them or just bring yourself if you don’t. Extra needles and yarn will be available for the knit-curious.
• New! French Conversation Group: 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 11
This new group will provide a fun and informal way to practice your French. Designed for intermediate to advanced French speakers, the group offers a welcoming space to refine your language skills and connect with fellow Francophiles. Participants will be able to practice speaking, build confidence and expand their vocabulary. Most sessions will incude a fluent French speaker to keep the conversation flowing. The group will meet weekly and alternate between evening and morning sessions to accommodate different schedules.
• Cooks and Books: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12
This group meets monthly on the second Thursday. Members typically read the same cookbook or choose a common ingredient or cuisine; everyone cooks something and gathers to eat and talk. For December, members are making holiday favorites — from their homes, families or a selection of holiday cookbooks.
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Library (18 and older): 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Cooper-Siegel
Dancing Gnome Brewery presents its quarterly, live comedy night fundraiser featuring Pittsburgh’s best comedians. The headliner is Harriet Riley with host/opener McKinnlee McElroy. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online. All proceeds benefit the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries.
Sharpsburg Community Library
Kids
• Wiggle Time (infant to age 2): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 12 and 19
Children and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Megan every week for a wiggly, giggly program featuring fingerplays, bounces, tickles and shakers. This staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
• Read With Mishka (grades K-6): 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13
Mishka, a certified therapy dog, and her handler are on hand for youngsters to read to and meet. They visit the library on the second Friday of every month. Registration is encouraged. The kids will take turns reading aloud to Mishka. Pre-K children are welcome with an accompanying adult, and drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• PALS Meet-up (kids through adults): 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14
Join parents and other families for this informal PALS meet-up, which meets monthly on the second Saturday. PALS, Parent Advocates for Learning Support, is a group of parents concerned about their children’s learning differences and their progress through the school system. The group offers mutual support, education and skill development. Membership includes parents of children with a variety of mental or physical concerns.
• STEM Explorations (grades 1-5): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16
Young scientists will explore the science behind evergreen trees and pine cones during this month’s session. Sessions meet monthly on the third Monday. All supplies are provided. The staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
Adults
• Rep. Mandy Steele Mobile Office Hours: 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18
Stop by every Wednesday for help with senior bus passes, property tax, rent rebates, unemployment and state departments such as Revenue, Treasury, Human Service and PennDOT. Constituent services adviser Lainie Norris will be available to assist you. You can drop by or call 724-826-5151 to schedule an appointment.
• Senior Craft & Chat: 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 18
Bring a craft you’re working on or start a new project in this relaxed social program for senior adults. Come for crafts, conversation and a few laughs. The program meets biweekly on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Supplies are provided. This staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
All ages
• Art Exhibition … Paintings by James Hamm: Now through Dec. 6; closing reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6
James Hamm, a self-taught artist, paints with watercolor, gouache, acrylics and oil. He and his family live in the Fox Chapel Area School District and are originally from Wheeling, W.Va. He is married to Susie Kahle, patron services assistant at Cooper-Siegel. His creative influences include his family, his local community and the environment.
