Plant a Seed, Read – Northland Summer Reading 2026 
June 1 through July 31
Ages 0-18
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
End of Summer Reading Event! – Thursday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to noon
Join us for a petting zoo, icy treats, crafts, and more. No registration required.
Open to all summer reading program participants!
ALL AGES – Registration requirements as noted
Summer Bookmark Contest 2026 – June 1 through 30
Design a bookmark for fun summer reading! Open to all ages, the winner receives 30 printed bookmarks of their winning design plus a certificate. Winners will be announced on July 3 then can pick up their bookmarks and certificates beginning July 13.
ENTRY FORMS available HERE.
Entry forms are also available in person at the Children and Teen Services and Adult Services desks. Entries will be accepted at both desks through June 30.
Winners will be chosen in these categories:
Ages 0 to 5, Ages 6 to 9, Ages 10 to 12, Ages 13 to 17, Ages 18+
Family Board Game Club! – Tuesdays June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 1 p.m.
Families are invited to come to the library to spend an hour playing a board game together! Individual registration is required for each family member attending and each session. Registration is required for each session and opens on May 15.
June 2: Haunted Mansion: Call of the Spirits (ages 6+)
June 9: Clue (ages 8+)
June 16: Mysterium (ages 8+)
June 23: Catan Jr. (ages 6+)
June 30: Ticket to Ride (ages 6+)
Family Storytime in the Learning Garden – Wednesdays June 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 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, June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 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 June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 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.
Science Glimpse – Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Discover passion in science at the ScienceGlimpse Fair run by scienceglimpse.org, a website aiming to make science accessible and understandable to all ages, this event features various science activities. Enjoy hands-experiments, interactive stalls, and trivia competitions!
No registration is required for this all ages event.
Dog Man Day – Friday, June 26 from noon to 1 p.m.
Is he a dog? Is he a man? GUESS WHAT? HE’S BOTH! Celebrate everyone’s favorite comic canine with games and activities. This program is best suited for children ages 6 to 11 but all are welcome.
No registration is required.
Guinea Pig Day – Thursday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It’s guinea pig day! Celebrate these wonderful fuzzy friends with crafts, activities, and some very special guests.
No registration is required for this program. All ages are welcome.
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 – Tuesdays, June 2; 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, June 5, 19; July 3, 17; 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! – Fridays, June 12; July 10; 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.
Mother Goose Tummy Time – Tuesdays, June 16; July 21; August 18 at 10 a.m.
Babies aged 3 to12 months and a caregiver are invited to join us for a 20-minute storytime, followed by instruction from a physical therapist from Ivy Rehab, Parents can ask questions about their child’s current stage of development. Then enjoy some time to socialize! Please register for each session separately.
June 16 – Registration opens May 15
July 16 – Registration opens June 15
August 18 – Registration opens July 15
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
The National Aviary – Penguin Protectors – Thursday, June 18 from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
The National Aviary returns this summer with their Penguin Protectors program! Penguin Protectors Penguin Rangers in South Africa need your help to become Special Agents of Penguin protection! During this program, students aged 6* to 11 will investigate penguin adaptations while learning how rangers use their expertise to protect penguins. This program includes a visit from an African Penguin Animal Ambassador.
Please register each child separately. To maximize space and to allow as many children as possible adults will not be permitted to attend.
*Participants must have completed kindergarten
Registration is required and opens May 15
Annual Family Science Olympiad – Saturday, June 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Learn about composting, terrariums, worms, and bees. No studying is necessary. Children aged 6 to 12 will have fun while exploring our natural world. Please register age-appropriate children only. Parents and siblings are also welcome to explore the various stations available.
Registration is required and opens June 1
Weird Nature – Monday, June 29 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Is your child fascinated by the strange behaviors of plants and animals in the wild? Join us in learning all about the weirdest aspects of the great outdoors. In Weird Nature, children aged 8 to 12 will spend an hour with an Allegheny County Park Ranger discussing the unusual things that they might see within the park or outside in their own backyard!
Registration is required and opens June 1.
Adventures in Nonfiction – Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube – Tuesday, July 7 at 1 p.m.
Learn all about Enzo Rubik, creator of the Rubik Cube, and have some puzzle-filled fun at this storytime for kids aged 6 to 12. Registration is required.
Registration is required and opens June 15
STEAM for Kids: Owls – Tuesday, July 14 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Learn about the silent flyers of the night—Owls. Children aged 6 to 12 will learn about these mysterious creatures of the night. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Please register only the child for this event.
Registration is required and opens June 15
Pittsburgh Zoo – Wonders of Wildlife – Monday, July 20, ages 6* to 11 from 10-10:45 a.m.; ages 10 to 18 from 11-11:45 a.m.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium return this summer with their wonders of wildlife program. Discover fur, feathers, and scales in this introduction to some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Using live animals from the Zoo, we will explore the physical characteristics of each animal while learning how they are uniquely adapted to their environments.
Please register each child separately and register for only one session. Sessions are identical. To maximize space and to allow as many children as possible adults will not be permitted to attend.
*Participants must have completed kindergarten
Registration is required and opens June 15
Register – ages 6 to 11 from 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Register – ages 10 to 18 from 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Advent
ures in Nonfiction – Holding Her Own; The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes – Tuesday, July 28 at 1 p.m.
Learn all about Jackie Ormes and create your own comic strip at this 45-minute storytime for kids aged 6 to 12.
Registration is required.
Registration is required and opens July 1.
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, June 2, 16; July 2, 21; 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.
Tween Painting Club – Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1 p.m.
Come relax and let your creativity flow! An hour of paint-filled fun for those aged 9 to 14.
Registration is required for each session.
June 4: Watercolor Pictures – Registration opens May 15
June 11: Acrylic Pictures – Registration opens May 15
June 18: Flowerpots – Registration opens May 15
June 25: Tote Bags – Registration opens May 15
Discovering Animals! – Fridays, June 5, 19; July 3, 17; 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 – Mondays, June 8, July 13, 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.
June 8 – Registration opens May 15
July 13 – Registration opens June 15
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.
June 9, 16, 23 – Kindergarten* – Registration opens May 15
July 7, 14, 21 – First and Second grades – Registration opens June 15
August 4, 11, 18 Third and Fourth grades – Registration opens July 15
*Participants must have completed kindergarten
Pokémon Playtime! – Fridays, June 12; July 10; 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 – Wednesdays, June 17; July 15; 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 June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24; 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 3, 10, 17, 24, 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!
Creative Mondays – Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Children aged 8 to 12 are invited to come learn a new skill each week. No registration is required but room restrictions will limit the number of children that can be accommodated.
July 6 – Quilting
July 13 – French Knitting
July 20 – Paper Crafting
July 27 – Covered Hangers
MIDDLE SCHOOL – may include 9 to 14-year-olds
Teen Painting Club – Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1 p.m.
Come relax and let your creativity flow! An hour of paint-filled fun for those aged 12 to 18.
Registration is required for each session.
June 4: Watercolor Pictures – Registration opens May 15
June 11: Acrylic Pictures – Registration opens May 15
June 18: Flowerpots – Registration opens May 15
June 25: Tote Bags – Registration opens May 15
Pic-Fic Fridays – Fridays, June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24; 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.
Brilliant Birds Presented by the National Aviary – Thursday, July 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Unlock the hidden world of avian color and adaptation! In this interactive program, students dive into the vibrant lives of birds from ultraviolet vision to feather pigments and discover how these fascinating features help birds thrive. Through hands-on exploration and real-world connections, students aged 12 to 18 learn how color plays a powerful role in survival, communication, and the search for food and mates. Live animals will be present; 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
TEENS – may include 12 to 18-year-olds
FEATURED
After-Hours Among Us – Friday, June 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
There is an impostor among us, and they’re bringing down the ship! Can you sus out who’s sabotaging you and finish your tasks in time? Sleuths ages 12 to18 can join us for this after-hours program where we play a live-action version of the popular mystery game. Registration is required.
Registration is required and opens June 1
After-Hours Murder Mystery – Friday, July 10 from 6:30-8pm
THERE HAS BEEN A MURDER!!! Can you figure out who the culprit is before they strike again? Teens ages 12-18 are invited to take on the persona of murder suspects for this after-hours mystery. All registrants will receive an email with their assigned suspect prior to the start of this program for those ages 12 to18. Registration is required.
Registration is required and opens June 15
After-Hours Among Us – Friday, July 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
There is an impostor among us, and they’re bringing down the ship! Can you sus out who’s sabotaging you and finish your tasks in time? Sleuths ages 12 to18 can join us for this after-hours program where we play a live-action version of the popular mystery game. Registration is required.
July 17 – Registration opens July 1
Brilliant Birds Presented by the National Aviary – Thursday, July 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Unlock the hidden world of avian color and adaptation! In this interactive program, students dive into the vibrant lives of birds from ultraviolet vision to feather pigments and discover how these fascinating features help birds thrive. Through hands-on exploration and real-world connections, students aged 12 to 18 learn how color plays a powerful role in survival, communication, and the search for food and mates. Live animals will be present; registration is required.
Registration is required and opens July 15
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
Teen Painting Club – Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1 p.m.
Come relax and let your creativity flow! An hour of paint-filled fun for those aged 12 to 18.
Registration is required for each session.
June 4: Watercolor Pictures – Registration opens May 15
June 11: Acrylic Pictures – Registration opens May 15
June 18: Flowerpots – Registration opens May 15
June 25: Tote Bags – Registration opens May 15
Artistic Afternoons – Thursdays, June 4; July 9; 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, June 9, 23; July 14, 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 – Thursdays, June 11; July 16; 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.
June 11: Plants vs Zombies
July 16: Zombies
August 13: Anime
Musical Mondays – Mondays, June 15; July 6, 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.
June 15: Kandi & Friendship Bracelets
July 6: Musical Parodies & Mad Libs
July 27: Grand finale! Share a song that’s meaningful to you.
Dungeons & Dragons Adventures – Wednesdays, June 17, 24; July 15, 22 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Calling all adventurers! Teens ages 13 to 18 can join us for a oneshot Dungeons & Dragons adventure. No experience is necessary!
Registration is required and players must register for each session individually. Players will receive an email with full adventure details no more than two business days after registration. Players MUST reply to this email no later than one week prior to the game or they forfeit their space.
June 17 – Registration opens June 1
June 24 – Registration opens June 1
July 15 – Registration opens July 1
July 22 – Registration opens July 1
Teen Game Room – Thursdays, June 18; July 16: August 20 at 3:30 p.m.
An hour of gaming for those aged 12 to 18 years.
No registration is required.
TEEN LIBRARY DISCORD SERVER
Want to hang out with your peers in a safe, online space? Our librarian-moderated Discord server is the place for you! We have spaces for you to chat with friends, participate in pop-up game nights, share your artwork and writing, and play Dungeons & Dragons! The full calendar of events is in the server, but most game nights occur on Friday.
Teens ages 13 to 18 can join the server by filling out the form HERE.
Please contact teen librarian Raeann at macneilr@northlandlibrary.org if you have questions!
The Teen Library Discord Server is brought to you by these participating libraries: Brentwood, Bridgeville, Cooper-Siegel, Northern Tier, Northland, and Robinson.
