724-226-3491 | alleghenyvalleylibrary.org 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights, PA 15065
October 2026
A Publication of Community Library of AlleghenyValley
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm; Friday 10:00am-3:00pm; Saturday . 9:00am-4:00pm; Closed Sunday
October Special Events!
Rabkin Japanese Garden Tour! Join us for a special evening at Tarentum’s beautiful Rabkin Gardens! The Rabkins are opening up their authentic, private gardens, so this is a chance to see the care that has gone into creating this hidden gem.
Enjoy mocktails and light appetizers as you tour the gardens. Please register for the 5:30 or 6:30 tour. All funds raised go directly to the library. Register at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org or by phoning 724226-3491. Located at 419 E 2nd Avenue, Tarentum. Parking & entrance on 3rd Avenue
Community Collections: Shoes, Socks & Warm Coats See page 7 for how you can help our community partners with our collections this month!
& Teens (Ages 12-18)
Teen Programs Join our teen librarian Maddie for these free, fun programs open to grades 5-12. Please register to attend. Visit our teen area of the library to check out our collection of young adult books and for our monthly crafts.
Youth Programs Bam! Pow! Kid’s Comic Fun Thursday, October 1 5:30-6:00 pm
Read to Noel! Saturday, October 3 10:00 am-12:00 pm
STEM: Witches Brew Thursday, October 29 4:30:00-5:30 pm
Discover the fun of graphic novels! Each month we read a graphic novel, discuss, & enjoy an activity. We kick off with Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best? For kids grades K–2 who love books filled with pictures, humor, and imagination. Books do not have to read before the program. Registration required.
Read to "Noel", a certified therapy dog. For young readers ages 5-12 - beginning readers to those looking to practice their skills with a furry, kind companion. Bring your books or read one of ours. 15-minute slots available for a oneon-one reading session. Registration required.
Can you create the perfect bubbling witch's brew? This hands-on STEM challenge combines science, creativity, and a little Halloween magic for a fun-filled afternoon of discovery! Registration required. This free program is for kids grades 3-5
Local History Department Hours Self Service During Regular Library Hours Please contact the local history department for an appointment if you require assistance. Call the library at 724-226-3491 to schedule appointments. Questions and appointment requests my also be emailed to: CLAVhistory@alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
Our longtime, local historian, Kathy Bollinger, shares her wealth of knowledge in her Who Knew presentations, on the third Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 pm! The popular presentations take a deep dive into people, places, and events that have helped shape our area. Follow us on Facebook and sign up for our emails to see what topics she will be exploring each month.
Friends of the Library Thurssday, October 1 10:00 am Our Friends of the Library meets the first Thursday of the month at 10:00 am. Members support the library by fundraising and volunteering at our events. Open to all. Please join us to see how you can help.
Sip & Stitch (& Small Crafts) Wednesday, October 14 4:00-6:00 pm
Enjoy provided refreshments and friendly conversation, while you work on your needlecraft projects or small, laptop crafts. Please register by calling 724-226-3491 or online.
Anime Club Monday, October 12 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. Please register to attend. 50 Book Club Challenge Tuesday, October 27 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.
The Kitchen Sink Book Club Reading a little bit of everything, one book at a time. The Kitchen Sink Book Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00 pm, unless noted otherwise. Pick up a copy of the current month’s book selection at the circulation desk and join us for lively conversation, tea, and a sweet treat!
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Wednesday, October 28 5:30-7:00 pm
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Wednesday, November 18* 5:30-7:00 pm *NOTE: November meeting is the 3rd Wednesday of the month due to Thanksgiving.
Who Knew?
On the Road!
Community Collections Community Library serves as a collection site for several local organizations. These civic groups help and improve our immediate communities and beyond. Consider donating the next time you check out a book or attend a program!
Ongoing Eyeglass Collection & Soft Plastic Recycling Donate your gently worn, used eye glasses for reuse Prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses (both children's and adult sizes).
Recycle your clean, soft plastic here! Sponsored by the Highlands Area Rotary Club and Tarentum Lions Club, the plastic is recycled and kept out of landfill with the NexTrex program.
Special Collections
Through the end of October, we’re collecting these items: Shoes Help us raise funds by donating your gently worn, used & new shoes! ALL styles of shoes: men’s, women’s, children’s, dress, & casual! Warm Coats, Hats, Scarves & Gloves Drop off your gently worn, warm coats for the Allegheny Valley Association of Churchs and the Highlands Winter Ready Rams coat drives. (Both children's and adult sizes). Gloves, hats & scarves welcome, too. Socks in Socktober! We’re collecting new socks for seniors with local nonprofit Clean & Cared For. Please drop off a pair or two if you can.
Donate Monthly
Thank You!
Here at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, every month is Love Your Library! month! Like other nonprofits, we are set up to receive recurring charges on a monthly basis. This allows you to make a donation, but spread it out over time. Recurring monthly donations offer nonprofits a reliable stream of income. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to support our library.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all who donated, purchased items or attended one of our fundraising events in September, during Love Your Library month!
From our website, just click the Donate button and check the box to make a monthly donation. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Library Hours
Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday - Closed