SUMMER READING RETURNS The Mt. Lebanon Public Library’s Summer Reading Program begins on Monday, June 8, with a bunch of fun stuff, and continues through August 1.

This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story.” The kickoff party will feature crafts and activities, including a visit from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s mini-museum from 2 to 6 p.m. The mini-museum brings genuine and replica dinosaur fossils, geological samples, dinosaur models and lots more.

Participants can register through beanstack.com, or go old school and fill out a paper form.

“Families can choose which they prefer and what is helpful and motivational for their children,” said children’s librarian Rachel Blier. “A lot of families prefer their kids to be screen-free, so this is one less thing to do online.”

After Day One, the library still has a lot of plans in the works, including a visit from The Bug Man, and from Allegheny County Parks’ own Mr. McSlithers, a black rat snake. Readers can earn “brag tags,” keychains that feature either dinosaurs or scenes from Jory John and Pete Oswald’s popular picture book, The Bad Seed.

Also in the planning stages is a Battle of the Books trivia contest for kids entering the upper elementary grades, a cave painting activity and a dinosaur puppet open mic show.

“If you’re shy, you can do whatever your routine is behind a screen,” Blier said.

Blier and other children’s librarians will be visiting schools this month to talk about summer reading. If you’d like to find out more about this or any other upcoming library programs, the library has online newsletters for adult and children’s programming. Sign up at mtlebanonlibrary.org/493/eNews-Sign-up.

PLANT SALE The Friends of Mt. Lebanon Public Library’s spring plant sale is on Saturday, May 9, at the library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition to a wide variety of annuals and perennials, the sale features houseplants, birdhouses and crafts. Plus, you know the Book Cellar will be open!

ON HOLD  The planned renovation of the library means that some programs will not take place this year. The Midsummer Festival, which happens in June, and the Jolabokaflod celebration in November will be shelved this year.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Library is closed May 24 and 25. More program information and registration at mtlebanonlibrary.org.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Book Babies

Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 a.m.

Learn early literacy skills through stories, rhymes and songs for babies ages birth to 2 years with a caregiver. Please register individually for each session. Registration opens at 9 a.m.,
one week prior to the event.

After School STEAM

Thursday, May 7, 4:30 p.m.

Learn about circuits, coding, animal science and more. For kids entering in fourth and fifth grades. Register for each session individually. Registration opens one week in advance of program.

Crazy for Comics

Thursday, May 21, 6:30 p.m.

For kids in third, fourth and fifth grades. Discuss graphic novels and analyze the comic book format, then engage in cool maker projects.

Registration for all clubs occurs when the book is checked out. Book club books are available at the Children’s Desk one month prior to the meeting date.

Pajama Storytime

Thursday, May 28, 6:30 p.m.

For ages 3 to 6. Enjoy interactive stories and creative activities in this family storytime. Please register once per family.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Spanish Group

Monday, May 18, 7 p.m.

For teens and adults. Spanish speakers of all levels are invited to this monthly group to practice their Spanish in an informal, fun environment.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Green Reads Book Club

Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m.

Looking to read books on nature and our role in the environment? Books are available at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library’s circulation desk in advance of the meeting. May’s book is Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.

Career Counseling

Thursdays in May, Garden Study Room 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WorkAble combines the services of career counselors, regional employers and volunteers to provide seamless services in geographically diverse locations throughout Allegheny County. Funded through the United Way of Allegheny County, services include career counseling and assessment, guidance in resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, networking, interviewing and connection to other resources to assist with barriers to employment.

By appointment only. Call 412-904-5993 to schedule or visit workableac.com.

Creative Citizens @ MLPL

Wednesday, May 13, 10:30 a.m.

In partnership with Creative Citizen Studios, adults with developmental disabilities (caregivers welcome) will engage with a community of teaching artists, and one another, to explore their artistic talents and creativity. No experience necessary.

Workshop meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Registration required.

Grief Support Group

Thursday, May 21, 1 p.m.

Grief comes in all shapes and sizes, and can be difficult to manage alone.

This discussion-based group is facilitated by Senior Services Librarian Jane Millard. The goal of this group is to provide a supportive, confidential environment to connect patrons with each other and offer resources for coping with grief.