Books:
Stay up to date on programs and all our wonderful literacy initiatives on the Children and Teen Facebook Page!
FEATURED PROGRAMS – Registration required as noted.
MEET THE CHICKENS! A Special Visit with the Girl Scouts
Wednesday, December 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Join us for a fun and feathered evening at the library! The Girl Scouts will share a story, lead a chicken-themed coloring activity, and introduce you to some very special guests — real chickens!
This is a free, family-friendly interactive program with hands-on activities. Meet the visiting chickens up close, learn about their care, habits, and personalities with an opportunity to gently pet the safely contained chickens.
Registration is suggested, but drop-ins are welcome.
This visit is part of the Urban Eggs project — a Girl Scout initiative focused on educating Volunteers of West View Urban Farm and the community about how easy it is to care for chickens as a sustainable food source. The chickens will eventually live at the Farm. Their eggs will be donated to a local food pantry to help address food insecurity. Their manure will be composted and used to nourish the Farm’s fruit and vegetable beds, whose harvests will also be donated to support local families in need.
WINTER TALES STORYTIME
Wednesday December 17 at 10 a.m.
Children ages 3 to 6 and their caregiver can come on down to the library for a Winter-themed storytime and craft! Children must be at least 3 years of age to attend.
No registration required.
WINTER READING 2026 – January 1 to 31
A special edition of winter Reading Dragons, the bookmark contest, reading challenges, and more await you this winter.
Register in the library or at home HERE.
Booklets can be picked up in the library or downloaded here beginning January 1!
Hand in your booklets by February 5 for a chance to win a gift certificate to Riverstone Books.
WINTER BOOKMARK CONTEST 2026 – January 1 to 31
Design a bookmark with all things winter reading in mind to enter our 2026 Winter Bookmark Contest. Pick up an entry form at the Children and Teen Services, Ask A Librarian desk, or download one below. Entry forms will be available in late December.
Two winners will be chosen from each age category: Ages 0 to 5, ages 6 to 9, ages 10 to 12, ages 13 to 17, ages 18+
Entries will be accepted January 2 through January 31. Winners will be announced on February 7. Each winner will receive 30 bookmarks printed with their winning design and certificate. Winners may pick up their prize package from the Children and Teen Services desk beginning on February 20. All winning bookmarks will also be distributed at the Library.
DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM HERE (available in late December)
FEEDING TIME AT THE LIBRARY!
January 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10 a.m.
At 10 a.m. sharp every Thursday in January, join the Northland Children and Teen Services librarians to watch as we feed Bubbles (our axolotl) and our fish. We will briefly discuss the library’s animals and their feeding habits, and answer all the questions you’ve always wanted to ask! The actual feeding time is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it experience, so don’t be late. Please allot 10 to 15 minutes for the program. Themed coloring sheets will be provided.
No registration is required.
SMALL FRY FUN SPECIAL EDITION! Zoo for twos (and slightly above)
March 3 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. – OR – 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Children ages 2-4 and one caregiver are invited to join us for this special storytime presented by the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Please only register the child who is attending and please only register for one session.
Please note: live animals will be in attendance
ONGOING PROGRAMS – Registration required as noted.
LAB MICE – Mondays at 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m.
A STEAM-based hands-on storytime for children 3 1/2 to 6 years of age. Each week we will read a story, talk about what happened then do a hands-on STEAM activity related
to the book. Registration is required. Please register each attending child separately.
Session 1:
February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 2026
10 a.m. Registration
1 p.m. Registration
Session 2:
March 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13, 2026
10 a.m. Registration
1 p.m. Registration
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME! – Wednesdays at 10 or 11 a.m.
November 5, 12, 19; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8; May 6, 13, 20, 27; September 2, 9, 30; October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18
Children ages 3 to 5 and can come on down to the Library for a 30-minute storytime. Children can enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and rhythms. Children must be at least 3 years of age to attend. Infants under the age of 1 year may attend with their sibling(s).
Please note these are identical sessions and families should only attend either 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
Registration is not required for this program–NOTE: A limited number of people (children and adults) will be permitted in the Meeting Rooms. This program is first come, first served. No one will be admitted once the program begins.
IT’S TIME FOR CREATIVE THURSDAY! – Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 108
January 22 through April 20; October1 through December 17 (Except Thanksgiving Day, November 26)
Children aged 3 to 6 years old can drop in for a cute, quick, 15-minute craft to make and take home. Stop by Room 108 in the Children’s Department for this casual crafting time with Ms. Kim.
No registration is required.
POKEMON JUNIORS STORYTIME – Second Friday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m.
January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11
Gotta catch ’em all! Young Pokémon fans ages 3 to 6 are invited to join us for an hour of Pokemon storytime adventures. Join us for epic Pokémon stories and a hands-on crafting activity that will bring your favorite Pokémon to life. Explore, create, and let your imagination run wild with your favorite pocket monsters! Feel free to bring your cards to play and trade with friends!
Registration is required (click date above to register for that date’s program).
FAMILY STORYTIME – Select Saturdays at 11 a.m.
January 10 and 24; February 7 and 21; March 7 and 21; April 4 and 18; May 2 and 16
Families of all kinds are welcome at this storytime! We’ll read stories and sing songs (and sometimes do a craft). This program is best suited for children of preschool and early elementary age, but all ages are welcome.
Registration is not required.
