724-226-3491 | alleghenyvalleylibrary.org
1522 Broadview Blvd , Natrona Heights, PA 15065
September 2025 A Publication of Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm; Friday 10:00am-3:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm; Closed Sunday
This September, we’re asking for your help to keep our library strong for years to come. Your gift supports children discovering the magic of storytime, teens finding their next favorite book, adults enjoying community programs, and neighbors who rely on free technology access. Every donation no matter the size makes a difference. And this month, your gift qualifies for prorated matching funds from the Jack Buncher Foundation, stretching your support even further!
Your Donation Helps Us Provide:
❤ Children’s Storytimes & Book Clubs
❤ Craft Programs for All Ages
❤ Outreach to Senior Centers & Little Free Libraries
❤ Free Computer, Wi-Fi, and Technology Access
September Fundraising Events:
�� Used Book Sale
�� Pet Portraits
�� Stuffed Animal Sleepover
�� Acrylic Paint Pouring
�� Adult Paint Night
�� Basket Raffles
(See our website & Facebook page for event dates and details.)
Ways You Can Give:
❤ Give a Gift
Make a donation at the library, by check to CLAV, or online at www.alleghenyvalleylibrary.org/donate
All September gifts qualify for prorated matching funds from the Jack Buncher Foundation!
❤ Honor with Books
Give $30 for an adult book or $20 for a children’s book to place in our collection with a commemorative bookplate in honor or memory of someone special.
❤ Join the Friends of the Library
Your $15 membership supports raffles, book sales, and more.
❤ Pick a Date Fundraiser
Choose a date from our fundraising calendar and donate that amount!
Local History Department Hours
Staffed Tuesday thru Thursday: 12:00-4:00 pm
Self Service During Regular Library Hours Call the library at 724-226-3491 to schedule appointments.
Questions and appointment requests my also be emailed to: CLAVhistory@alleghenyvalleylibrary.org
Wednesday, September 10
5:00-7:00 pm
Join our group of fellow anime enthusiasts for good discussions, food, and showings of awesome anime! While this group is focused for adults, any teens grade 9 and up are welcome. If you are under 18, please provide a permission slip to attend. Permission slips are available at the library's front desk. Please register to attend.
Read three books of your choice from any of the noted categories for a chance to win a $10 Harvest Moon gift card and a free paint class for you and a friend. Books can be all from one category or three books, each in a different category. Pick up a form at the library and return to Julia by November 30.
Sip & Stitch
Tuesday, September 23
3:00-5:00 pm
Bring any tapestry or needlework such as sewing, embroidery, lace, knitting, crochet, weaving, etc. to our Sip & Stitch monthly sessions Enjoy provided refreshments (coffee & tea) while chatting with other crafters Ages 16 and up Please register
50 Book Club Challeng
Tuesday, September 2
5:30-7:00 pm
The library challenges you to read 50 books in a year, and it’s never too late to start! Share your latest reads, swap your book recommendations, and socialize with fellow readers.
This is a very fun and relaxed structure that allows you to share in all things reading. Registration is not necessary
Wednesday, September 24 | 5:30-6:30 pm Wednesday, October 22 | 5:30-6:30 pm
For September, we will read and discuss The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. This improbable story of Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years
Our October book will be The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham, a dark, perfect, and twisted page-turner so full of surprises, you’ll find it impossible to put down. The lives of two women, Megan and Agatha, become dangerously entangled in the most spellbinding and intimate of ways, until their secrets are exposed by one shocking act that cannot be undone.
If you’ve visited us in the past year, you may have encountered our friendly desk clerk Steve, an Altoona native, who now resides in Penn Hills with his wife Debra Feline companions include the youthful Aurora and Loki, as well as the elder, grumpy Heidi. Loki enjoys his hamster wheel, which he runs on to earn treats!
Steve has Bachelor and Master degrees in English literature, as well as a Bachelors in education. While, he has taught at various local colleges, his greatest accomplishment is convincing Debra to marry him 36 years ago!
Steve has enjoyed many books and movies about people living in underground bunkers to survive the apocalypse: Fallout, Logan’s Run, The 100, Silo. This has made him want to see the Greenbrier Bunker in West Virginia, a Cold War-era relic now open to the public.
Carl Sagan is the author he’d love to meet, because of his gift for making science entertaining without dumbing it down. Nonfiction science and history genres are Steve’s preferred reading of choice. His lofty goal is understanding the world as much as possible! Personal heroes include evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, zoologist Desmond Morris, and Carl Sagan.
Say hello to Steve the next time you visit the library. And if you like science and history nonfiction, he’ll be happy to offer a recommendation!
Pet Portraits
Tuesday, September 9
5:30-7:30 pm
$40 Donation
Paint a portrait of your pet & donate to the library! Cats, dogs, birds, hamsters whatever your favorite pet is. Email us a photo of your pet by Friday, 9/5 to: strzesieskij@einetwork.net
Wednesday, September 17
Tuesday, September 30
5:30-7:30 pm
$15 Donation
Join us for a fun fall paint night. Enjoy your favorite beverages and snacks while we watch a fast paced video. All supplies included.
Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Our Website www.alleghenyvalleylibrary.org Facebook @CommunityLibrary ofAlleghenyValley Instagram @clavlibrary Pinterest @clavharrisonlib YouTube @CLAVLibrary