New Sunday Hours start September 7

In response to patrons' requests, our library will change its Sunday hours for a trial two-month period beginning September 7.

The new Sunday hours will be from noon to 4 p.m. Other hours remain the same.

Back to School Reading

Soon schools across the nation will reopen soon following the traditional summer break. Check out the books on display in our main lobby to help you and your family prepare for a successful school year! Some titles include:

Teach with your heart : lessons I learned from the Freedom Writers
Gruwell, Erin 373.11 GRU

Settling your child in school : a parent's guide
Wallis, Michelle 372.119 WAL

The Mom book goes to school : insider tips to ensure your child thrives in elementary and middle school
DeBroff, Stacy M. 372.119 DEB

The bully, the bullied, and the bystander : from preschool to high school--how parents and teachers can help break the cycle of violence
Coloroso, Barbara 371.782 COL

Not much, just chillin : the hidden lives of middle schoolers
Perlstein, Linda 305.234 PER

A class apart : prodigies, pressure and passion inside one of America's best high schools
Klein, Alec 343.7471 KLE

More books about education, schools, and related topics can be found on the second floor of the library in our Non-fiction Collection.

Preview Our Featured Fall Programs

Our staff has been working throughout the summer to prepare an outstanding line-up of programs to offer our adults patrons beginning in the fall. Below you will find a brief description of each program along with the date and time. Register today to attend any of these free programs by stopping at the circulation desk or calling 724.941.9430. For a complete description of all of our programs for children, young adults and adults, visit the "Programs" page on our web site.

SONGS FROM ITALY: CHRISTINA CHIRUMBOLO IN CONCERT
Saturday, October 4 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., followed by a reception open to the public until 8:30 p.m. Called the "American girl with an Italian heart, soprano Christina Chirumbolo will perform at a special "after hours" concert at the library. She describes her music as "Italian Folk Fusion," with she explains is "...Italian music with a pop flair and an influence of jazz." Visit her web site and enjoy a sample of her music!

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL PROGRAM:
SEVEN YEARS AFTER -- THE SHAPE OF OUR WORLD
Thursday, September 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Dr. Schuyler Foerster will open the 2008-2009 International Affairs Series "Looking to the Future: the U.S. and the World" with a look at where we are as a country seven years after 9/11, and where we are going in terms of security and foreign policy. Prior to the program, the library will host an informal reception at 6:30 p.m. for Dr. Foerster to celebrate our five-year partnership with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. The public is invited to attend.

PATTY KREAMER RETURNS!
"SO MANY PAPERS ... NOT ENOUGH TIME"
Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
We all know that disorganization is emotionally draining and causes stress, delays, frustration, and -- of course -- loss of time. If you find yourself with too many papers and not enough time in your life, it's time to regroup. You'll learn from Patty the perfect blend of time and paper management that will make productivity and efficiency the rule instead of the exception. Get organized for the last time! Learn more about Patty, check out her blog, and sign up for her free newsletter!


COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
Tuesday, October 14 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Parents and students are invited to this 90-minute presentation by Jim Cardinale, Regional Director, Pittsburgh Regional Office of PHEAA. Mr. Cardinale will describe all federal and PA-state financial aid programs, scholarships and FAFSA application processes. He will explain how colleges award aid to families and how financial aid deadline dates interface with the college admissions process. Loan rates and interest rates for students and parents will also be discussed. A question and answer session will follow the program. All attendees will receive a free portfolio to organize their financial aid materials.

THE nowU, PENNSYLVANIA'S 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM
Thurs., Nov. 6 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Presented by Ross C. Godlove, nowU Field Representative, PA Treasury Department.
The nowU, Pennsylvania's 529 College Savings Program (formerly known as PA TAP529), provides a tax-smart, affordable way to save for college. With the Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP), you choose the amount you want to contribute and make contributions whenever you want. Your account is guaranteed to grow so that it keeps pace with tuition inflation. The GSP account funds can be used at most colleges and career schools in the United States for almost all higher education expenses. This is a terrific follow-up program to our College Financial Aid night on October 14.

Pre-register today to reserve your seat at any or all of these programs by visiting the circulation desk or calling 724.941-9430. Bring a friend!

"O" Magazine's Summer Reading List

We've recently added to our collection just about all the books from O, the Oprah Magazine's 2008 Summer Reading List for your reading pleasure. Three titles are still on order but will be added shortly. This weekend a display was placed in the main lobby with some of the books available and a bookmark listing all the recommended titles. Email me at caweaver@ptlibrary.org, and I can send you a list of the titles for you to review and look for on your next visit to the library.

Wii Sports continues through the summer!

Due to its popularity with our patrons, the Wii Sports for Seniors program will continue on Monday mornings throughout the summer. The program dates are July 14, 21, 28 and August 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Teen Room.

If you haven't stopped by yet to give this new program a try, it's not too late! You can register at the circulation desk and stay fit at the library this summer. We have several area teens available to give you personalized instruction on the use of the Wii-mote, a lightweight, motion-detecting controller that you swing like a tennis racket, baseball bat, bowling ball or golf club. Bring a friend or two and learn how to use this new gaming experience!

Turn Your "Trash" into a "Treasure"!

Back by popular demand, Exhibit Designer Nancy Vejlstrup will return to the Peters Township Public Library to present “Trash to Treasure” on Saturday, July 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The program will demonstrate how to turn “trash” into unique gardening “treasures” by potting them with green and flowering plants.

Vejlstrup, who has designed shows for Phipps Conservatory, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh; will take items headed for the curbside and turn them into beautiful outdoor planters. One of her creations is currently on display in the main lobby of the library and will be raffled off with proceeds to benefit the library. The planters made during the program will be available for silent auction at the conclusion of the presentation.

Read more about Nancy and the upcoming program in a feature article in The Almanac!

Pre-register for this very popular program at the library circulation desk, email caweaver@ptlibrary.org, or call 724-941-9430. A non-refundable fee of $3 to cover cost of printed materials must be paid at time of registration. Persons who register for the program will automatically be entered into the raffle for the planter displayed in the main lobby.

Wii Sports video at O-R Online

On Monday we had several new people attend the Wii Sports program, including Terri Johnson and Harry Funk from the Observer-Reporter. Read Terri's feature article about the program. A terrific video showing some of our library patrons in action was created by Harry Funk and Rebecca Mack. View the video and see what Wii Sports is all about! Linda Wilson Fuoco of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined us as well, and her article was featured in the Sunday Washington edition of the paper. Stop in for our next session on Monday, June 30 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Photo courtesy of the Observer-Reporter.