Summer Pollinator Gardening Programs

Dr. Candy DeBerry, Associate Professor of Biology at Washington and Jefferson College, returns to the Peters Township Public Library to present two free programs focusing on pollination in gardening.

Programs to be offered by Dr. DeBerry include:

“Plant Sex: How The Birds and the Bees Are Responsible for One-Third of the Food You Eat (and What You Can Do to Help Them)” on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. will explain what pollination is, why it is important, which animals pollinate plants, and how your garden can support pollinators. Register online or at the library circulation desk.

“Plants for the Pollinator Garden” will be offered on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m. What brings joy to your garden? Hummingbirds darting among the blossoms? Butterflies flittering above the flowers? The deep drone of busy bumblebees? Bumper crops of tomatoes, squash, raspberries and watermelon? The secret to obtaining all of these will be revealed in this workshop - the very best plants to grow to attract pollinators. Register online or at the library circulation desk.

These programs are being sponsored by the library's GO Green Club.

"Pennsylvania's leading industry – agriculture – is dependent on the work of insects that pollinate 80 percent of the world's crops," explains Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig. "One-third of the food we eat is a direct result of pollination, so it is critical to remind all citizens they can and should play a role in protecting declining pollinator populations that set fruit and produce seeds for the future."

Candy DeBerry is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at Washington and Jefferson College and faculty advisor to Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society. Dr. DeBerry is passionate about ecological gardening, and her property is certified as Backyard Wildlife Habitat #48,3330 by the National Wildlife Federation and listed as a Bird Habitat by the Audubon Society of Pennsylvania.

Library welcomes Commissioner Burns for Story-time

Washington County Commissioner Bracken Burns will visit the Peters Township Public Library on Saturday, July 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. for a special story-time. Burns will share his favorite children’s stories, followed by a craft for all ages. Register to attend in the children’s department or call 724.941.9430.

Burns has served as Washington County Commissioner since 1996. This will be his final year in office as he is not seeking a fifth term. After 40 years of service, including his time spent as the county's director of emergency medical services and the director of the emergency management agency, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Kate, his two children and five grandchildren. Join us for a "great day in Washington County" as we welcome Commissioner Burns to our library!

Library Cooking Club hosts free cooking demonstration

The Peters Township Public Library Cooking Club will host a free cooking demonstration and discussion by Gina Snyder and Chef Maggie Hatten of Sunny Bridge Natural Foods at their next monthly meeting on Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at the library. All are welcome to attend but advance registration is required. To register email programs@ptlibrary.com or call 724.941.9430 by Friday, July 1st.