Check out these upcoming programs at the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries

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. 13

This interactive story time for preschoolers and their caregivers features books, rhymes and songs in both Spanish and English.

• Winter Scavenger Hunt (ages 2-11): All day Dec. 22 through Jan. 4

Find all of the hidden polar bears at the library to win a special prize.

• Chinese & English Storytime (preK-second grade): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 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 dates you plan to attend. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.

• Chess Club (ages 6-11): 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 4

Local teen volunteers are on hand every first Saturday of the month to teach chess to children who are new to the game. The teens also are excited to play games with experienced players. This is not a formal chess class; it’s just a fun opportunity to play the game.

Teens

• 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.

• Teen Art Club (ages 11-18): 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 4

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.

Adults

• New! French Conversation Group: 5 p.m. Dec. 17

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.

All ages

• Therapets With Bandit: 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 13

Perk up your day with Jessica and her pup, Bandit. Bandit is a 7-year-old Portuguese water dog who loves all the pets, squeezes and attention. He and Jessica will wander the library for everyone to enjoy. Bandit has undergone special training to provide comfort and affection and is certified through Animal Friends’ Therapets program.

Sharpsburg Community Library

Kids

• 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.

• Little Hands Art Storytime (ages 3-5): 2 to 2:45 p.m. Dec. 17

Children are invited to imagine and create with Ms. Alison at this weekly arts-integration storytime for preK children and their caregivers. Each session will include stories and a hands-on developmentally appropriate art activity. The staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.

• Wiggle Time (infant to age 2): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 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.

• Bilingual Chinese Storytime (grades preschool-2): 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dec. 21

Youngsters will explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books and playful experiences with native speakers. The program meets on the third Saturday of each month. Supplies are provided. This volunteer-led program is free, but donations are welcome.

Teens

• Video Game Hangout: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18

Stop by the Teen Space on the third Wednesday each month to hang out and play video games on the Nintendo Switch and PS5 with Mr. Finley and your friends. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.

Adults

• Rep. Mandy Steele Mobile Office Hours: 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 18 and Jan. 8

Stop by every Wednesday for help with senior bus passes, property tax, rent rebates, unemployment and state departments such as Revenue, Treasury, Human Services 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.

• Speculative Fiction Book Club: 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 8

December’s theme is cozy fantasy. We’re reading “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” by Heather Fawcett, a fantasy about a curmudgeonly professor who journeys to a small town to study folklore and discovers new friendships. Copies will be available at the circulation desk. Zoom is available for those who prefer to meet virtually.