HAPPY HORROR STORY The Pennsylvania Library Association has given Mt. Lebanon Public Library a Best Practices Award in the family/multi-generational category, for an innovative program,  Frankentoys, done at Handmade Arcade, the holiday craft fair. Participants in the free, all-ages activity took gently used stuffed animals and, inspired by the classic Mary Shelley horror novel, ripped them apart and sewed them back together in new and bizarre combinations—Frankentoys!

“The response to our booth was overwhelmingly positive,” says children’s librarian Dana Jones. “People of all ages stopped by to make Frankentoys and delighted in their creations.” The event was so popular that supplies ran out in an hour and a half. 

The library doesn’t have any immediate plans to bring back Frankentoys to this year’s Handmade Arcade but would like to do something similar in the future.

PITTSBURGH AUTHOR TALK Marie Benedict, author of historical novels The Other Einstein, which tells the tale of Albert Einstein’s first wife, and Carnegie’s Maid. Benedict will discuss her novels at 7 p.m., Thursday, September 20. Benedict is a lawyer who grew up in Upper St. Clair and now lives in Sewickley.

SENIOR HEALTH CARE NEWS Registered nurse Barbara A. Veazey will present a free comprehensive overview of senior health care in a two-part session 1 p.m., Fridays September 28 and October 5. Session 1 will cover Social Security and Medicare, including Benefits, Diagnostic Related Groups, Cost, Supplement Plans and Medigap. Session 2 will focus on Veteran’s Benefits, Medical Savings Accounts, Group Health Plans, Travel Protection and Senior Medical Patrol.

LEARN TO COMPOST Not sure what to do with your kitchen scraps, leaves and lawn and garden debris? Would you like natural, homemade compost for your lawns and gardens? At 7 p.m.,  Monday, September 17, staff from the Pennsylvania Resource Council (PRC) will show you how to set up and use a compost pile. Participants will receive an 82-gallon FreeGarden Earth Compost Bin. Cost: $70 per person/$75 per couple. Register at prc.org/programs/conservation-workshops/backyard/ or call 412-488-7490 ext. 226.