May 2023

Monday - Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

9AM - 9PM 9AM - 6PM 9AM - 5PM 1PM - 5PM

(412) 741-6920 | www.sewickleylibrary.org

The library will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

In this issue Summer Boredom Busting Page 3 Escape the Ship! Page 4

Spring Into the Sewickley StoryWalk Where Stories and Nature Connect The Sewickley Public Library invites you to experience self-guided walking tours that pair books with nature. At the five Sewickley StoryWalk locations, storybooks are placed along a walking path for all to enjoy. Bring the whole

Serving Up A Fresh Menu of New Reads Page 5

family to read spring-themed picture book stories at each site. The Spring Sewickley StoryWalk runs from April 21 – May 14, 2023.

Visitors are encouraged to pick up a Sewickley StoryWalk Passport during

their visit to a StoryWalk location or in the Children’s Department. Visit at least three (3) Sewickley StoryWalk locations in 2023, fill out the info on your passport, and bring it back to the Sewickley Public Library Children’s Department to be entered to win one of the StoryWalk books! More than 20 Prizes to give away – enter often! Drawing will be held October 15, 2023.

Get all the details about the StoryWalk locations and what books are featured at

each at sewickleylibrary.org/storywalk.

Construction Beginning: Changes to Library Hours and Services Our long-awaited project to replace part of our roof, ten of our

access and session times may be limited periodically. The

historic windows, and the air conditioning system for the entire

library anticipates periodic closures of certain areas within

library is scheduled to begin May 1. This is a large-scale

the reference department as work continues.

construction project that will cause some disruption to library

• Beginning May 1, our parking lot will close for the duration of

programming and services.

the project through September 30. We expect the book drop

The following information is subject to change; updates may be

in the rear of the building to remain open with the exception

found on our website.

of periodic closures for loading and unloading of construction

• Scaffolding will be installed around the exterior of the library

materials.

on Monday, April 24.

• Beginning in late June, we expect interruptions to our library

services with possible reduced hours and restricted access

• The library patio will be closed during the duration of

when we may not have air conditioning in the building while

construction.

the new units are installed. Updates about this phase of the

• Weather permitting, roof demolition begins Monday, May 1.

project will be provided in our June newsletter.

Some closures of library spaces are possible this first day of

Construction updates and closure information can be found by

construction, most especially the reference department.

visiting sewickleylibrary.org or by calling 412-741-6920; our

Please call the library or check the library website before

librarians may be reached the same way to provide assistance

visiting for the latest updates.

and requested materials.

• The reference department, including the computers,

Thank you for your patience as we preserve our beautiful historic

nonfiction collection, and audiobook collection, will be our

library and prepare it for its next 150 years of service.

most impacted service area. We intend to move our public computers to a more accessible area of the library; computer

Kits to Bust the Boredom Planning a trip this summer? Grandkids coming

All Together Now for a Summer of Fun

for the week? Order your Vacation Kits and

We’ve got loads of prizes to give away this summer!

Grandparent Kits from the Children’s Department! Just answer a few questions for us about what you’re looking for and we’ll create a kit just for you. Pick-up your bag full of books,

All you have to do is read for your chance to win awesome prizes...including grand prizes up to $150! Register for Summer Reading 2023 between May 8 - June 9 to be eligible for early registration

MP3 players, books on CD and/or DVDs and

prizes. Visit sewickleylibrary.org/summer-reading

start your summer adventure!

for details!

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SEWICKLEY STORYWALK through May 14 (See details on page 1.)

FAMILY STORY TIME AT OTNC Mon | May 1 & 8 | 10am We’re hosting a family storytime inside the Ohio Township Nature Center. Join us for stories, songs, and a craft-kit to go for the whole family. Family Program.

FAMILY ACTIVITY NIGHT Tues | May 2 | 6–7:30pm Turn a trip to the library to a fun family event. Stop by anytime during this program to enjoy fun games and activities your family can do together. Each month different activities will be available for families to enjoy. FAMILY PROGRAM for families with children in GRADES 1-5.

AMERICAN GIRL MOVIE AFTERNOON Sat | May 6 | 1:30-3pm Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with a special treat (cupcakes)! Bring your favorite doll and invite a friend to come along as we watch the American Girl Movie: Grace Stirs Up Success (runtime 1 hour 40 minutes). GRADES K-5.

ARTY PARTY Mon | May 15 | 4-5pm Let’s craft! This month we’re kicking off a brand-new program for Tweens, Teens and everyone in between. Together we’ll

STORIES IN ART WITH SWEETWATER Wed | May 10 | 6:30-7:30pm Join the art educators from Sweetwater for an art class at the library! This class combines storytelling with art as children are introduced to different artistic styles and given the opportunity to create their own masterpieces based on our storybook theme!

This month’s book: Holding Her Own, The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd GRADES 2-5.

tackle a fun painting with a clever twist!

Register to participate. GRADES 4-8.

EVENING BLOCK PARTY— EVENING EDITION Mon | May 15 | 6–7:30pm It’s a Block Party Evening Edition! PLAY, BUILD, READ and LEARN together with blocks. Develop hand-eye coordination and learn STEAM concepts. BIRTH – AGE 6. Drop-in.

LEGO CLUB Thurs | May 18 | 6:30-7:30pm 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’s Department at any time during Lego Club to show off your skills! GRADES 1-5. Drop-in.

PARACHUTE PLAY Fri | May 19 | 11-11:30am Thirty minutes of activities that includes music, creative movement and fun, all with one colorful parachute! AGES 2-5, with adult.

TODDLER DANCE PARTY Sat | May 20 | 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. Family Program.

DOG TALES Sun | May 21 | 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 15-minute time slot to read to a dog.

GRADES K-5.

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE – BEDTIME EDITION Thurs | May 25 | 6:30pm 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.

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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.

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.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Thursdays | 10am Join us for reading, singing, and learning together in this thirty-minute class for preschoolers. Ages 3 ½ - entering Kindergarten, without a caregiver.

FAMILY BLOCK PARTY Saturdays | 10:30am-12pm It’s a Block Party! PLAY, BUILD, READ and LEARN together with blocks.

Develop hand-eye coordination and learn STEAM concepts. BIRTH-AGE 6.

Drop-in.

SPRING CRAFT TO-GO KITS Sat | May 27 | starting at 9am Stop by the Children’s Department to pick up a spring-themed Craft To-Go Kit! Supplies and instructions are included. These kits are geared for children preschool to 2nd Grade. Available while supplies last.

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Date CONVERSATION SALON Change! Wed | May 10 | 10am

TAKE A WISE WALK Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am Wise Walks is ideal for active 50+ adults 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. No need to sign up; 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? This group meets virtually. Register for Zoom link.

(Please note the temporary date change) 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.

CARDMAKING CLASS Wed | May 10 | 10am-12pm OR 1-3pm We're stamping flowers for this month's cards - no green thumb necessary!- and the colors of spring will guide our palette. Class size limited. Registration required. $10 material fee payable at class.

WRITE NOW! Fridays | 10am-12pm Participants enjoy writing from prompts in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

TEA & INSPIRATION Thurs | May 11 | 7pm Gather monthly to read, reflect, & 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.

May’s theme: Living Service - Using Your Gifts.

SAHAJA MEDITATION Saturdays| 11am-12pm Enjoy the silence, peace, and stress release that is always free with this weekly meditation program. Newcomers welcome.

DIY CRAFTS FOR ADULTS Tues | May 16 | starting at 10am Want to try a new craft project? Find the supplies & instructions you need inside our craft kits to make your own craft project at home. While supplies last.

TECH ASSISTANCE MEETUPS Wed | May 17 | 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

EVENING FRENCH Mon | May 1| 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 BOOK TASTING online. Register for the Zoom link.

Thurs | May 18 | 7-9pm SPL KNITTERS GROUP Looking for your next favorite book? Join us Wed | May 3 & 17 | 10:30am-12pm for a literary “taste test” & sample several New to the hobby or have years of titles specially curated by our librarians. experience, everyone is welcome! Join us in Rank your top choices and leave with a free the library to work on current projects or book and a refreshed reading list – just in come to learn tips. Meets the 1st & 3rd time for your summer reads list! Light Wednesday of the month. refreshments provided. Registration required.

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BOOK GROUPS Mystery Book Group Tues | May 9 | 7pm The It Girl by Ruth Ware

Brown Bag Book Group Thurs | May 18 | 11:30am Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper

Fourth Tuesday Book Group Tues | May 23 | 7pm Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II by Buzz Bissinger

LET’S TALK ABOUT MURDER Mon | May 22 | 7pm Calling all True Crime fans! Join us to talk about murder and other crimes. Come with a story to share based on this month’s theme: ESCAPE. No need to register. Meets in-person in the Community Room & virtually via Zoom with this link: tiny.cc/ ltammay23 MICROSOFT EXCEL BASICS Wed | May 31 | 12-2pm Get started using the Microsoft Excel program for making spreadsheets to organize and calculate data.

Registration required.

HONOR GIFTS Anna Podroskey In Honor of: Emery Eldridge's 7th Birthday

In Memory of William Logsdon: Donna and Gerry Fisher

Sheila Lenehan

Malachy Whalen

Brian and Mary Ellen Lukach Allison Luptak

Thor Watson's 7th Birthday Vera Webb's 7th Birthday

MEMORIAL GIFTS Martha Farkasovsky In Memory of Andrew Banas

In Memory of Donald Berman: Teela Weiner-Banker Eric Buncher Jay and Ilene Klein Larry & Lynn Lebowitz, David & Audrey Lebowitz, Sally and Milton Lebowitz (deceased) Thom and Bett Roberts Patrick and Julie Rooney Eleanor Stone

Margot Turner In Memory of Helen Peace

Members of the CAMA85 Book Club in Memory of Linda Schober: Carol Batchelor Anita Cappa

Mary Harrington Judy Hetzell

Dan and Elaine Park

Mariah Rawding Robert Regina

Stuart Stevens Mike and Amy Szuba Carol Semple Thompson

Patty Whalen

Rodney and Molly Torbic Margot Turner Ken and Mary Urish

David and Gail Becker

Tom and Saundy Waseleski

Faith Bitterolf

David and Carole-Jay Weicht

Tim and Claudia Blake Gary and Janet Chace

Robert Lavery In Memory of Teresa Lavery

John Orndorff

Patrick and Julie Rooney

Academy Place Condominium Association In Memory of

Anonymous

Mrs. Carolyn DeFuria

John Oliver and Sylvia Dallas

Jory and Melanie Richman

Nancy Sansom

Ron and Janet Vivian

Joyce D. Cortese In Memory of Dr. Salvatore DeFuria and

David Nimick

PNC Foundation

Anne Cooper

SPL GIFTS

Jill Clark

Rachel McKeown

The estate of June Nimick

Pat and Lou Tarasi

Anonymous Donor In Memory of

Josh and Jen Gould

Louis Weiss Kate and Benny Weksler

Darryn and Michelle Cleary Joyce D. Cortese

FRIENDS OF SPL GIFTS

Bill and Jane de Haven

Mark Lezama

Duquesne Light Robert Edwards

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LIBRARY CLOSED

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Adult

All Ages

500 Thorn Street Sewickley, PA 15143 sewickleylibrary.org

Phone 412-741-6920 Children’s 412-741-0937 Renewals 412-622-1895

Summer Reading Bookmark Contest It’s time for the annual Summer Reading Bookmark Contest! This year the theme is ‘All Together Now” and we’re looking for some great bookmark ideas about kindness, friendship and unity. Stop by the Children’s Department on May 1 to pick up an entry form and turn it back in by

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the 2023 Battle of the Books competitions!

4TH GRADE WINNERS 1st - Book Warriors 2nd - Cat Kid Reading Club 3rd - The Book Bandits Best Poster - We're Completely Booked

May 31! The winning designs will be the official bookmark of

Summer Reading and the

5TH GRADE WINNERS 1st - The Paragraph Puppies 2nd - Dominate Duckies 3rd - Do Not Be Shelfish Best Poster - The G.O.A.T.S. Goats

6TH GRADE WINNERS 7/8TH GRADE WINNERS 1st - Wait... We Might Have the Answer 1st - Book Hoarders 2nd - The Book Beasts 2nd - The Moo-arvelous Masterminds 3rd - RetroBooks 3rd - The Literary Ladies HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS 1st - The Knights of the Ancient Tomes 2nd - The State Library of Massachusetts 3rd - Gregory

winners will receive copies of the bookmark to hand out to friends and family!

Teen Summer Volunteer Pizza Party Teens! Help us make this the best summer ever in the Children’s Department. Join us on Wednesday, May 24 from 6:30 -7:30 pm to learn about volunteering for the Children’s Department during

Summer Reading 2023. Enjoy pizza and snacks while learning about the

Thank you to the following community members and organizations for making this year a success!

Cindy Meurer - St. James; Julie Dennen - Edgeworth; Nicole Wilkinson - Osborne; Sarah DeMicheli - Sewickley Academy; Bobbie Irving; The Teen & Children’s Librarians at Sewickley Public Library; Friends of the Sewickley Public Library; Sewickley Area Libraries; Penguin Bookshop; The Ultimate Pastry Shop; Team Managers; Sewickley Academy; Cornell School District; Miriam Klein, Rich Hollein

volunteer program and getting answers to all of your questions. For teens entering 7th grade in the fall of 2023; registration required.

SEWICKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT 8