Plant a Seed, Read – Northland Summer Reading 2026 
June 1 through July 31 Ages 0-18 REGISTER HERE Children, aged 0 to 18, reading or not yet reading, can participate in our summer reading fun! Stop in to pick up your own game board or download one below. Read at your own pace and get raffle tickets for great prizes! In-library activities include weekly crafts, contests and more. Plus, programs every week for all ages-please note that some will require registration. CLICK HERE for a printable LIST of current Summer Reading programs CLICK HERE for a printable, color coded CALENDAR of Summer Reading programs
READING GAME BOARDS
If you are unable to stop in and pick up your reading Game Board you can download them here: Summer Reading Game Board – Ages 0 to 5 Summer Reading Game Board – Ages 6 to 11 Summer Reading Game Board – Ages 12 to 18
ALL AGES – Registration requirements as noted
Family Storytime in the Learning Garden – Wednesdays July 29; August 5 at 10 a.m. Come relax outdoors and enjoy picture book stories perfect for children of all ages and their grown-ups. We’ll share stories, songs, and have fun together in our beautiful garden space. All ages welcome – especially geared toward picture book listeners. No registration is required. Weather dependent: Storytime will be cancelled in the event of rain or extreme heat. Feeding Time at the Library – Thursdays, July 30 at 10 a.m.
At 10 a.m. sharp, 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. Block Party! – Thursdays July 30; August 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Families with children of all ages are welcome to come on down to the library for building fun! Wooden blocks and Legos will be available for children to create whatever they can imagine. No registration is required. The Gregarious Slugs – Saturday, August 8 from 1 to 2 p.m. The Gregarious Slugs emerge to play an entertaining blend of Appalachian, Irish and Canadian fiddle tunes. Please join us for a fun hour of music in the Children’s Department. No registration is required.
PRESCHOOL – may include 0 to 5-year-olds – Registration requirements as noted.
Kindergarten Readiness – available beginning June 1 Kindergarten Readiness packets will be available at the Children and Teen Services desk beginning June 1. While supplies last, children entering kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year may pick up a complimentary packet with supplies. This packet is designed to be done at home as a collaborative activity with an adult. Small Fry Fun – Tuesday August 4 at 10 a.m.
Toddlers aged 12 to 35 months and a caregiver are invited to join us for drop-in block play. A Physical Therapist from Ivy Rehab will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have about your child’s current stage of development. No registration is required. Discovering Animals! – Fridays, August 7, 21 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Discovering Animals, a fun and educational Summer Storytime where children aged 3 to 6 will explore some of the world’s most amazing animals! Together, we’ll read fantastic stories based on our animal, learn fascinating facts about them, and explore what makes each creature special. Perfect for curious kids who love animals and adventure! If the weather permits, we may have our storytime outside in our garden, otherwise we will be inside. Each session will feature a different animal. No registration is required. Pokémon Playtime! – Friday, August 14 at 1 p.m. Gotta catch ’em all! Young Pokémon fans aged 3 to 6 are invited to join us for an hour of Pokémon playtime adventures. We’re going to have blocks, toys, and games to play with new friends! 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! No registration is required. Toddler Time – Wednesdays, August 12, 19, 26; September 2 at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. ; Fridays, August 14, 28; September 4, 11, 18 at 10 a.m. Toddlers, ages 12 months to 35 months, with a caregiver can join Ms. Abby for songs, rhymes, and library fun to build important pre-reading and social skills. Sign up once for all five weeks. If you are unable to attend a session, please contact Ms. Abby at doughertya@northlandlibrary.org. Wednesdays at 10 a.m. – Registration opens July 15 Wednesdays at 11 a.m. – Registration opens July 15 Fridays at 10 a.m. – Registration opens July 15
SCHOOL AGE – may include 6 to 12-year-olds
FEATURED
Kit Kittredge: American Girl! – Thursday, July 30 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Meet the historical doll, Kittredge! Learn about the Depression Era through food, crafts and activities from this period in history. Children aged 7 to 12 are welcome to enjoy some time with Kit. Registration is required. Registration is required and opens on July 1
ONGOING
Pokémon Masters Club – Tuesdays, August 7, 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Calling all Pokémon Trainers! We’re challenging Trainers aged 8 to 13 to come dive into the Pokémon world with us. Trade and show off your cards, tackle a fun Pokémon-themed activity, and test your skills with Pokémon games! Bring your own cards and games from home to join the action and battle alongside fellow Trainers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player—our Pokémon Experts are here to help. No registration is required. If no more than one participant is in the room 15 minutes past the start time, the program will be canceled. Discovering Animals! – Fridays, August 7, 21 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Discovering Animals, a fun and educational Summer Storytime where children aged 3 to 6 will explore some of the world’s most amazing animals! Together, we’ll read fantastic stories based on our animal, learn fascinating facts about them, and explore what makes each creature special. Perfect for curious kids who love animals and adventure! If the weather permits, we may have our storytime outside in our garden, otherwise we will be inside. Each session will feature a different animal. No registration is required. Story Explorers Book Club – Monday, August 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Calling all young r
eaders and adventurers! Join us for a fun and welcoming group for kids ages 6 through 12 who love stories. Each meeting we’ll talk about a great book, share our thoughts, and enjoy activities inspired by the story. Whether you’re a big reader or just starting to discover new books, this is a great way to explore stories and make new friends. Registration is required but if the program is not full, drop-ins are welcome. August 10 – Registration opens July 15 Handwriting Workshops – 3-part Series from 1 to 2 p.m. Putting pen(cil) to paper is the first step in making the connection to how writing relates to literacy. Therapists from Ivy Rehab will be here each week to lead children through guided exercises that build hand strength, phonetic awareness, and printing basics. Registration is required for each three-part series. Please register your child only for the age group that they belong. Each series is tailored to that specific age group. Each session will build on the session before it. Please plan on attending all three. August 4, 11, 18 Third and Fourth grades – Registration opens July 15 Pokémon Playtime! – Friday, August 14 at 1 p.m. Gotta catch ’em all! Young Pokémon fans aged 3 to 6 are invited to join us for an hour of Pokémon playtime adventures. We’re going to have blocks, toys, and games to play with new friends! 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! No registration is required. Northland Children Chess Club 2026 – Wednesday, August 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Kids in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to drop in on the third Wednesday of each month to enjoy chess instruction, chess puzzles, and play pick-up games. K-4th grade parents must remain in the building during club time. No registration is required. Pic-Fic Fridays – Fridays July 31; August 7 at 11 a.m. 
Bring a snack or your lunch and settle in as we read a new story together. Come discover your next favorite book during this relaxing lunchtime program. The Pic-Fic collection contains rich language, detailed illustrations, and thought-provoking themes that make them just right for upper elementary and middle schoolers. Give Pic-Fic a try – no one is too old for picture books! No registration is required. Tail Waggin’ Tutors – Fridays, July 31 from 10 to 11 a.m. Take 10 minutes to read to a certified therapy dog! Read your book or one of ours! Registration is open each morning of the event at 9 a.m. The number of open slots depends on available dogs. Please call 412-366-8100 option 4 each available morning. All those who are currently reading are welcome!
MIDDLE SCHOOL – may include 9 to 14-year-olds
Pic-Fic Fridays – Fridays, July 31; August 7at 11 a.m. Bring a snack or your lunch and settle in as we read a new story together. Come discover your next favorite book during this relaxing lunchtime program. The Pic-Fic collection contains rich language, detailed illustrations, and thought-provoking themes that make them just right for upper elementary and middle schoolers. Give Pic-Fic a try – no one is too old for picture books! No registration is required. Cybersecurity for Kids by Kids – Wednesday, August 5 at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. The North Allegheny Cybersecurity Club will share experiences on internet safety and cyber security for middle school students aged 9 to 14. The workshop will include: Internet safety, Internet Ethics, Forensics, Operation systems, Presentations from the 2024-25 CyberPatriot National Defense competition NA Team, Hands on experiences Sessions are identical. Please register for only one. 1 p.m. Session – Registration opens July 15 3 p.m. Session – Registration opens July 15
TEENS – may include 12 to 18-year-olds
FEATURED
CANCELLED Star Wars Glow Party – Friday, July 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May the force be with you! Lightsaber battle with glow sticks, answer trivia, play Jedi vs. Sith, and find out once and for all who has the best Chewbacca impersonation. Costumes encouraged at this after-hours program is for those ages 12 to 18. Registration is required. Registration is required and opens July 15 Cybersecurity for Kids by Kids – Wednesday, August 5 at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. The North Allegheny Cybersecurity Club will share experiences on internet safety and cyber security for middle school students aged 9 to 14. The workshop will include: Internet safety, Internet Ethics, Forensics, Operation systems, Presentations from the 2024-25 CyberPatriot National Defense competition NA Team, Hands on experiences Sessions are identical. Please register for only one. 1 p.m. Session – Registration opens July 15 3 p.m. Session – Registration opens July 15
ONGOING
Artistic Afternoons – Thursday, August 6 at 3:30 p.m. An hour of artistic expression and crafting for those aged 12 to 18. No registration is required. If no more than one person has arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the program will be cancelled. Next Chapter Book Club – Tuesdays, July 28; August 11, 15 at 10 a.m. Meaningful opportunities for life-long learning, social connections, and community inclusion for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Books are provided. Readers of any level are welcome to join us to read aloud and discuss the stories! Email northlandadults@northlandlibrary.org for more information. No registration is required. Fandom Fun – Thursday, August 13 at 3:30 p.m. Teens ages 12 to 18 can join us for an activity related to their favorite fandoms! No registration is required. August 13: Anime Musical Mondays – Monday, July 27 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Swap favorite songs, build playlists, and work on activities focusing on different styles of music! No registration is required for this program for ages 12 to 18. July 27: Grand finale! Share a song that’s meaningful to you. Teen Game Room – Thursday, August 20 at 3:30 p.m. An hour of gaming for those aged 12 to 18 years. No registration is required.
