January 2023

Celebrate the 150th Anniversary With Us

Sewickley Public Library was Founded in 1873

The people of Sewickley Borough recognized the need for a community library nearly 20 years before Andrew Carnegie began gifting libraries to local neighborhoods, making Sewickley Public Library the oldest library in Allegheny County. In 1873, the shenanigans of some young men in a whiskey boat on the banks of the Ohio prompted community leaders

to think they needed "a place for more rational amusement and selfimprovement." The Young Men's Library Association was formed and rented rooms at various locations within the village until the current building at the corner of Broad and Thorn was constructed in 1923 when a gift of $50,000 by Mr. W. L. Clause, then president of Pittsburgh Plate Glass, made the construction of a permanent library building a reality. In a beautiful coincidence, this year also marks its 100th anniversary.

Today, the library remains an asset to the Quaker Valley School District, and a centerpiece of community connection, providing lifelong learning opportunities to patrons of all ages. It employs more than 40 staff members who are dedicated to providing access to a world of ideas and imagination through its educational resources, enrichment programs, and welcoming environment that invites more than 100,000 visitors each year.

ll be celebrating with special events all throughout the year beginning on February 7th, the exact date of our founding 150

display cases, a merch shop where you can find some SPL swag, and some fun giveaways for patrons who visit us that day. We look forward to celebrating this momentous year together with our donors, patrons, funders, and library family in our historic building where we have provided Great Stories Since 1873.

Quaker Valley Middle School Auditorium Families are invited to join their friends and neighbors to help us create the biggest storytime ever presented by the Children’s Department. Get ready for interactive reading fun and an epic celebration of 150 years of great stories!

The 150th Anniversary Campaign

Take a step back in time on this exact date of the 100 of our 1923 building and join us for the premiere of a film highlighting the Library Sewickley history showcased in our historic Reference Department. Q&A to follow.

Sewickley Public Library belongs to us all, a shared community asset, that requires continued love and care to ensure its presence in the lives of neighbors, friends, and loved ones for generations to come. In recognition of the visionary leadership that has made our library possible, our board of directors has created Anniversary Campaign. The gifts we make to the library this year are a testament to the value we find in its storied history, creating a partnership between us and the community members of our past who gifted us with this beautiful library. Please consider helping to write an extraordinary chapter of that history in 2023 with a gift of your own. Campaign brochures and giving envelopes can be found at the library circulation desks, or make your gift online at sewickleylibrary.org/donate

sewickleylibrary.org/2023

Navigating Disinformation in Our Lives

Disinformation - intentionally misleading false information - threatens our health, undercuts our security, and undermines our democracy. The Sewickley Public Library invites you to join us for a special series of programs focused on navigating the disinformation we are presented with in our day to day lives. The library will host four presenters to address the topics of: personal and financial security, election information, health and wellness information, and news and social media.

Navigating Disinformation Series:

Protecting Yourself from Frauds & Scams

Thursday, January 19th 1-3pm

Election Disinformation: How to Identify It, What to Do About It, Why It Matters

Wednesday, February 22nd 1-3pm

Stop the Spread: How to Recognize and React to Health Misinformation

Wednesday, March 22nd 1-3pm

Navigating Misinformation in News and Social Media

Thursday, April 20th 7-9pm

This program is a collaboration between the Sewickley Public Library and the University of Pittsburgh Disinformation Lab. Registration for each program is required.

A RAD-ical Solution to Beat Winter Boredom

Don’t let the long, cold days of winter leave you bored and blue. Discover your ticket to culture in the city with RAD Pass!

RAD Pass connects Allegheny County library cardholders to the region’s vast array of cultural assets. Access free or discounted tickets to regional attractions, such as museums, theaters, and concerts.

RAD Pass is available to any Allegheny County library cardholder over the age of 18 with a valid library card. To get started, users can visit radpass.org and click on “Reserve a Pass.” Enter your library card credentials to view available passes. Browse for passes by date or venue, then make your reservation directly through the site. You can choose to download & print your pass or access the mobile pass option.

Please note that passes are in high demand and supplies may be limited. RAD Pass partners make ticket offers based on availability and may only have a limited number of passes to offer at a given time. If passes are not currently showing for your favorite amenities, check back soon!

Visit radpass.org for full details regarding participating organizations, availability, restrictions and other frequently asked questions. RAD Pass is brought to you by the Allegheny Regional Asset District, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Library Association.

Winter Is More Fun When You’re Reading

Why let summer have all the fun? Join the 2023 Winter Reading Program and log your reading for chances to win grand prizes. Set your own goal of reading minutes between January 23 – March 24, 2023

Log your entries online by entering the minutes you read each day. Use the handy Beanstack App to track your reading sessions, earn milestone badges, and access your account details. You can even use the app to manage your family’s accounts all in one place & log reading sessions for all readers at one time.

The Winter Reading Program is open to everyone - babies, children, teens and adults. There are two challenges this year, depending on age-level: Kids (0-11 years) and Adult & Teen (12+ years).

What should you read for winter reading? You can read anything - whether it’s your favorite book, an audiobook, graphic novel, the newspaper, or a bedtime story to your toddler. The more you read, the more chances you have to win.

Registration starts January 16th! Visit www.sewickleylibrary.org/winter to register.

SEWICKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

STORIES IN ART WITH SWEETWATER CENTER FOR THE ART

Wed | Jan 11 | 6:30–7:30pm

Join the art educators from Sweetwater Center for the Arts for an art class at the library! This class will combine the art of storytelling with art! During these classes, children will be introduced to different styles of art, and have the opportunity to use various art mediums and materials to create marvelous masterpieces based on our storybook theme!

This month’s book: Georgia O'Keeffe by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara GRADES 2-5. Registration required.

PARACHUTE PLAY

Fri | Jan 13 | 11-11:30am

Thirty minutes of activities that includes music, creative movement and fun, all with one colorful parachute! AGES 2-5, WITH ADULT. Registration required.

DOG TALES

Sun | Jan 15 | 2–3pm

Certified Therapy Dogs LOVE to be read to! Come pick out a picture book of your choice and snuggle up with a furry reading companion. Join us for a 15minute time slot to read to a dog. GRADES K-5. Registration required.

LEGO CLUB

Thurs | Jan 19 |

PRE-SCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE FOR PARENTS

Wed | Jan 25 | 6:30-8pm

Parents interested in learning more about pre-schools, childcare centers, and kindergartens in the Quaker Valley area are invited to attend our annual Open House. Representatives from these facilities will be available to answer questions about their programs. This is a unique opportunity for area parents to investigate educational opportunities for their

Put your building skills to work by building awesome LEGO creations. We supply the LEGOs, you supply the creativity. No registration required, just drop into the Children any time during LEGO Club to show off your skills!

GRADES 1-5.

TODDLER DANCE PARTY

Sat | Jan 21 | 10:30am

Little ones learn so much through movement! Join us to dance, jump, shake, clap & more! For children 1-3 years old with a caregiver. Registration required.

CHESS CLUB FOR KIDS

Sun | Jan 22 | 1:30–2:30pm

Brand new to chess and want to learn? How about a seasoned chess master? Come to learn, expand your knowledge, and just have fun in our Chess Club for kids in Grades 1-7. The library will provide some chess sets. Registration required.

FAMILY STORY TIME AT OHIO

TOWNSHIP NATURE CENTER

Mon | Jan 23 & 30 | 10am Sewickley Public Library is hosting a

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE

Tuesdays | 10am, 11am & 1pm

Build your baby’s reading readiness skills through music, stories, and movement in this nationally acclaimed early literacy program for babies and toddlers. For children 0-3 years old with a caregiver. Weekly registration required.

STORIES FOR TWOS & THREES

Wednesdays | 10am & 11am

Stories, songs, rhymes, and more help build early literacy skills in this thirtyminute class. Children 30 months to 48 months (2 ½ to 4), with a caregiver. Please, no older children. Weekly registration required.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Thursdays | 10am

Join us for reading, singing, and learning together in this thirty-minute class for preschoolers. Ages 3 ½entering Kindergarten, without a caregiver. Weekly registration required.

FAMILY BLOCK PARTY

Saturdays | 10:30am-12pm

It’s a Block Party! PLAY, BUILD, READ and LEARN together with blocks.

WINTER BREAK

No Storytimes January 1 - 8

family storytime inside the Ohio Township Nature Center. Join us for stories, songs, and a craft-kit to go for the whole family. Weekly registration required. Family Program.

GROSS, BUT GREAT

Mon | Jan 23 | 4:30–5:30pm

What does an owl eat for lunch? The answer lies inside an owl pellet and we need your help to figure it out! Join us along with Miss Julie from Allegheny Land Trust, as we learn all about owls, reconstruct an owl pellet and figure out the mystery of what or whooo whooo was eaten! Registration required.

WINTER CRAFT TO-GO KITS

Sat | Jan 28 | 9am

Stop by the Children’s Department to pick up a winter-themed Craft To-Go Kit! Supplies and instructions are included. These kits are geared for children in preschool to 2nd Grade. Available while supplies last.

WINTER READING PROGRAM

Get Ready for Battle 2023!

Students in 4th and 5th grade who are searching for a fun, challenging, friendly competition of wits need look no further! Join the 2023 Battle of the Books!

Interested 4th and 5th graders who would like to participate in Battle of the Books (“BOB”) should have an Allegheny County Library card and form a BOB team of 4 to 5 members led by a Team Manager (parent or caregiver 18+).

New this year, Battle Books registration forms will be available on the SPL Children’s Department website. Online registration begins, Wednesday, January 4th. All teams should be registered by January 26. Visit kids.sewickleylibrary.org to sign up!

Team Manager Meeting - This meeting is just for the adult Team Managers to go over the procedures for Battle of the Books. Teams will also receive the booklist at this time. Zoom links will be sent to the Team Managers.

TEAM MANAGER ZOOM DATES:

4th Grade Meeting on Zoom Thursday, January 26 from 6:30 – 7:15pm

5th Grade Meeting on Zoom Thursday, January 26 from 7:30 -8:15pm

BATTLE DATES:

4th Grade Battle of the Books Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00pm at Sewickley Academy

5th Grade Battle of the Books Thursday, April 13 at 7:00pm at Sewickley Academy

Early Literacy Bags for Babies

“Grow a Reader” at Sewickley Public Library! We believe in helping all children develop the skills they need to become successful readers. Early literacy isn’t just about learning how to read. It is the natural development of skills through the enjoyment of books and the positive interactions between babies and caregivers. There are five practices you can engage in with your little ones from birth to help build these skills: playing, singing, reading, writing, and talking.

Not sure how to start? We’re here to help! Starting the Children’s Department to pick up an Early Literacy swag bag for newborns up to 12 months old to welcome them to the library. Each kit includes items to reinforce the early literacy practices: a board book, high contrast flash cards, egg shaker, chalk egg, silk play scarf, song sheets from our Mother Goose on the Loose program, reading lists and all to get your little one started on the path to literacy. Kits are available while supplies last; 1 kit

Thank you to Allegheny County Library Association, Heritage Valley Pediatrics and Steel City Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this program.

who are interested in a lively social exercise program. Meet at the library and walk between 1-3 miles before returning to the library for a healthy snack. There is no need to sign up and new walkers are always welcome!

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Thursdays| 2-3pm

Do you have an intermediate knowledge of French? Are you looking to improve your conversational skills? Join us for a discussion! This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

WRITE NOW!

Fridays | 10am-12pm

Participants enjoy writing from prompts in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. This group meets inperson and online. Register for the Zoom link.

SAHAJA MEDITATION

Saturdays| 11am-12pm

Enjoy the silence, peace, and stress release that is always free with this weekly meditation program. Newcomers welcome.

CONVERSATION SALON

Wed | Jan 4 | 10am

All are welcome to join this engaging group of adults in-person or virtually for great discussions. Newcomers always welcome! This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

SPL KNITTERS GROUP

Wed | Jan 4 & 18 | 10:30am-12pm

New to the hobby or have years of experience, everyone is welcome! Join

us in the library to work on current projects or come to learn tips.

Meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month.

TEA & INSPIRATION

Thurs | Jan 5 | 7pm

Gather on the first Thursday of each month to read, reflect and explore a different inspirational theme each month. Share uplifting quotations gleaned from the world’s Scriptures and other wise sources - all over a cup of tea and a sweet tidbit. January’s theme: Eternal Truths

EVENING FRENCH

Mon | Jan 9| 6:30pm

Join the conversation with our evening edition of French Conversation! Improve your speaking skills when you join the discussion. This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

WINTER CARDMAKING CLASS

Wed | Jan 11 | 10am-12pm OR 1-3pm

Cozy texture, classic winter images, and a triple time technique are on our stamp table this month to create 3 all-occasion cards. Class size limited. Registration required to secure your class packet. $10 materials fee payable at class.

TECH ASSISTANCE MEETUPS

Wed | Jan 11 | 12-2pm

Drop in at the library for help with your phone or tablet device from one of our librarians. No need to register. 12pm - Help with iPhones/iPads 1pm - Help with Android Devices

DIY CRAFTS FOR ADULTS

Tues | Jan 17 | starting at 10am

Want to try a new DIY project? Grab one of our DIY Crafts for Adults kits! Find the supplies & instructions you need inside our kits to make your own craft project at home. While supplies last.

MICROSOFT POWERPOINT BASICS

Wed | Jan 18 | 12-2pm

Are you interested in learning how to create a professional PowerPoint

presentation? This class covers the basics of using this popular presentation software. Registration required.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM FRAUDS & SCAMS

Thurs | Jan 19 | 1-3pm

Last year in Allegheny County, over 12,000 people lost nearly $8 million dollars from various scams. A thief can come at you in many ways: by phone, mail, at your door, and on the Internet. Learn about the “Fraud Squad” and how you can help your community be aware of fraud in your area. Presented by Joseph Giuffre, a Senior Advocate with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. Registration required.

THE AT-HOME BARISTA

Mon | Jan 9 | 7pm

Love the latte but hate the wait? Cost-cutting your daily caffeine fix? Whether you were gifted a fancy espresso machine for Christmas or you’re just looking to get out of the Starbucks line, join Ruthie Neely for one hour of demos & recipes to get the most out of your at-home coffee experience! Space is limited.

BOOK GROUPS

Mystery Book Group

Tues | Jan 10 | 7pm

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

(Continued on page 6...)

Brown Bag Book Group

Thurs | Jan 19 | 11:30am

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Fourth Tuesday Book Group

Tues | Jan 24 | 7pm

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

LEARN ABOUT REIKI

Thurs | Jan 19 | 6:30-7:30pm

Come learn about Reiki – the Japanese healing meditation. Reiki is a centuries old practice of using therapeutic touch to transfer energy for the purpose of peaceful meditation. It is a mind, body, spirit practice that helps with stress management, physical healing, and spiritual awareness. Please register.

MICROSOFT EXCEL BASICS

Wed | Jan 25 | 12-2pm

Get started using the Microsoft Excel program for making spreadsheets to organize and calculate data. Registration required.

LET’S TALK ABOUT MURDER

Mon | Jan 30 | 7pm

Calling all True Crime fans! Whether you're a diehard Ann Rule reader, an obsessive viewer of Investigation Discovery, or a true crime podcast fanatic, this is the discussion group for you! Each month we'll pick a theme. Come with a story to share based on the theme. Local legends, unsolved mysteries, famous cases - all are welcome! This month’s theme: COLD BLOODED. No need to register. Meets in -person in the Community Room & virtually via Zoom with this link: tiny.cc/ ltamjan23

HONOR GIFTS

Alice A. Davis In Honor Of: Ed Hofler

Geri Welden

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Laura Burke In Memory of Amy Chalmers

Robert and Mary Lea Gray In Memory of Susan Craig

Pat and Judie Vescio In Memory of Gary McQuone

William Obenour In Memory of William and Helen Obenour

Ethel Adams and Friends In Memory of Sally Tomana

Joyce D. Cortese In Memory of Mary Walker

SPL GIFTS

David and Andrea Aloe

Chevron

Matt and Sandy Cooper Ann Dickson

Norman and Linda Diebold

Robert and Gail Garlitz

Glen Osborne Borough

Tom and Ingrid Goff

James L. Hamilton, III

Tyrus and Carinne Houston

Eleanor Howe

Michael and Kimberly Jehle

Tom and Cathie Johnson

R. Craig and Mary Kirsch

Donna M. Korczyk

Mary Ann Kostkas

Tyler Koziar

Hugh and Eliza Nevin

The Query Club

Mariah Rawding

Dr. Carol Ronk Regueiro

Joel and Maria Swanson

Lin and Brook Swinston

Carol Semple Thompson

Wabtec Foundation

FRIENDS OF SPL GIFTS

Renato and Sandra Bacchi

Greg and Margot Curran

Dominion Foundation

Ludmila Ellison

500 Thorn Street Sewickley, PA 15143 sewickleylibrary.org

Children’s 412-741-0937

Renewals 412-622-1895

Have You Heard the News? Sewickley Public Library is Now Fine-Free!

The Sewickley Public Library wants to make sure everyone has access to library books, movies, and resources - regardless of circumstances. So we’ve removed the barriers that can keep folks away from the library!

The Library no longer charges late/overdue fines on any of items we lend. Books, movies, audiobooks, music you will not be fined if you return them late.

Already have an existing overdue fine on your account? Not anymore! We’ve waived all overdue fines for users who live in the Quaker Valley School District to give all of our users a fresh-start.

Does this mean you can keep items forever? No. Fine-free does not mean consequence-free. If you lose/damage/never return materials, the library will still charge replacement fees for those items.

What this does mean for many of our library users is that we are removing barriers. We understand that our users are busy. Life can get in the way and sometimes returning library books on-time isn’t a top priority. We want to make sure library users can continue accessing the library’s valuable resources without fear of racking up a debt in fines if they are a few days late.

By going fine-free, the Sewickley Public Library aims to get both our patrons and materials back in the library to better serve our entire community. For more information about SPL’s Fine Free program, visit sewickleylibrary.org/fine-free

A Blend of Form and Function

From mid-December through the end of January, library visitors can view the work of Taylor A. Mezo on display. A ceramic artist from Illinois who currently resides in Pittsburgh, Mezo works primarily in sculptural and functional ware, using red earthenware to create vessels utilizing a mixture of wheelthrowing and handbuilding techniques.

Mezo’s ceramic work is the outcome of both a mental and physical process. Vessels are made from earthenware slabs, paddled slightly and connected at the edges to make plump forms. Their work is inspired by Retro fashion, flora and fauna, Lisa Frank, classic cars, drag performers, mid-century modern furniture, and even cartoons from the 90s. Mezo notes, “It is important to me to maintain a sense of fluidity in my work. I am constantly playing with the challenges of function, while preserving a childlike sense of vibrancy.

SEWICKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT