Libraries in Allegheny County serve an important role in the lives of many individuals, families, students, educators and communities. While books play a huge part in that role, they aren’t the only things that libraries provide.
One of the unique services offered through their countywide catalog is the Library of Things, a searchable digital catalog comprised of thousands of items that patrons can check out with their library cards. From pickleball sets to American Girl Dolls, musical instruments, tools, lawn chairs and baking supplies, you can find it in the library catalog. The Library of Things also provides patrons with access to the RAD Pass, a ticket-sharing system for attractions such as theaters, art museums and even Pittsburgh sporting events.
To access the Library of Things, visit acl.bibliocommons.com.
Upcoming Allegheny County Library program and events
Meditation with the Monks
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Oakmont Carnegie Library
These weekly, one-hour FREE meditation classes are taught by monks from the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. They are designed for beginners as a gradual training program in secular meditation practice. No registration is required. oakmontlibrary.org.
Game Day
First Thursday of each month, noon
Brentwood Library
Have some laughs while using your brain to play games like Wheel of Fortune, Trivia, Who Am I, word puzzles and more. Game Day is light on competition and heavy on fun. brentwoodpubliclibrary.org.
Zumba
First and third Thursdays of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Plum Borough Community Library
Zumba workouts are held during the winter months. Register at plumlibrary.org.
Bingo for Adults
Fourth Friday of the month, 1 p.m.
Castle Shannon Library
Play 10 games of bingo and win prizes. There is no cost to play, but registration is required. Sign up at the front desk or by email at castleshannon@castleshannonlibrary.org.
Let’s Craft Together!
Thursdays, November 9 and December 14, 6 p.m.
Baldwin Borough Public Library
Join Ms. Tracy for a night full of fun and creativity. Materials and light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required; visit baldwinborolibrary.org.
Grief and the Holidays
Thursday, November 9, 6 p.m.
Northland Public Library
Join Sinika Calloway, MSW, LSW for a talk about grief and bereavement. Learn tips to help you during the holiday season.
Saturday Matinee
Saturday, November 11 and December 9, 1 p.m.
Baldwin Borough Public Library
Watch a newly released movie for free, with popcorn and refreshments. Movie titles will be listed monthly at the Baldwin Library. No registration required. baldwinborolibrary.org.
Northland Radio Hour: Sherlock Holmes and the Night Before Christmas
Thursday, December 7, 6 p.m.
Northland Public Library and virtual
Join Northland staff and friends as they present this holiday Sherlock Holmes mystery. Watch in person or through Zoom from the comfort of your own home. northlandlibrary.org.
Rescuing Your Photos to Tell Your Family Stories
Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m.
Northland Public Library
Transform your boxes of photos, newspaper clippings, memorabilia, slides, film, and documents that are trapped in dusty boxes into an easily accessible and sharable digital collection. This workshop will help you make a plan for organizing, scanning, and curating the stories that go along with these family memories. www.northlandlibrary.org.
ADULT Lego Night
Thursday, January 25 and February 29, 6 p.m.
Crafton Public Library
Legos aren’t just for kids! Adults are invited to BYOB and enjoy the library’s Lego collection. Attendees must show valid ID to BYOB. This is an adult-only event. craftonlibrary.org.
Celebrate CLP – South Side’s 115th Anniversary
Tuesday, January 30, 6 p.m.
CLP – South Side
Join us in celebrating a remarkable milestone: CLP- South Side’s 115th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the library is introducing a new Local History Collection, accompanied by a presentation from a renowned local historian. Light refreshments will be served. carnegielibrary.org.
A Love Letter to Music: Black Voices Through the Decades
Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m. at CLP – South Side
Sunday, February 4, 1 p.m. at CLP – Squirrel Hill
Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m. at CLP – West End
Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. at CLP – Lawrenceville
This program will feature Black vocalists and their influential musical contributions through the decades—from opera to rock and jazz to gospel. carnegielibrary.org.
An Afternoon with Terrance Hayes
Saturday, February 10, 1 p.m.
CLP – Main (Oakland), Lecture Hall
Join in this multi-media author event and Q&A with poet Terrance Hayes, elegant and adventurous writer with disarming humor and brilliant turns of phrase, very much interested in what it means to be an artist and a black man. carnegielibrary.org
Genealogy Day
Sunday, February 18, noon to 4 p.m.
CLP – Main (Oakland)
Join genealogy societies and libraries from Western Pennsylvania for help with your research and information about their collections. Workshops will help beginners and experts alike. Speakers will discuss a variety of research topics. carnegielibrary.org.