Mt. Lebanon Public Library’s Concerts in the Courtyard return Thursday nights in August. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free and family-friendly. In the event of rain, they will move inside.
August 3 Whether performing the masterworks of Scott Joplin or the score to Star Wars, Martin Spitznagel’s ecletic performances have left audiences across the world enthralled with America’s first popular music, ragtime. In 2011, Spitznagel was selected as the Scott Joplin Foundation’s Artist in Residence, and in May he claimed the title “World Champion of Old‐Time Piano Playing” at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.
August 10 The Jenny Wilson Trio will bring some jazz to the garden. Wilson’s original music has a European jazz influence due to her studies with mentor pianist Art Lande of ECM records. Her recordings have been featured on national radio shows including Saturday Night Jazz with Bob Studebaker on NPR and Jonathan Miles at WNJR.
August 17 The Honey Earners are a fun-loving musical duo who sing and play guitar, keyboard and various percussion instruments while performing contemporary covers.
August 24 The John and Wendy Mackin Band [1] is known for its vast repertoire of bluegrass, old time, and old-school country music. The band features close harmony singing and fine-tuned instrumental work.
August 31 The Mt Lebanon High School String Quartet under the direction of Douglas Reichenfeld, Mt. Lebanon High School’s orchestra director, will wrap up the series with some classical and contemporary show tunes.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM It’s not too late to register for the library’s summer reading program. This year’s theme is All Together Now, and the program continues until August 3. Earn prizes and a free book by reading and completing fun learning challenges. Register online [2].
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS Test your book smarts with a reading trivia competition. Open to kids entering fourth or fifth grade, contestants read through a list of fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels, and then compete in a team-based trivia night filled with fun, snacks, and prizes. Trivia nights are Wednesday, July 19 and August 23, and reading lists will be available in the library one month prior to each trivia night. More information and registration at 412-531-1912, extension 4, or email [3].
BRUSHSTROKES In this hands-on introduction to art appreciation, kids study weird, wonderful works of art from throughout history, then roll up their sleeves to experiment with a variety of media, from sculpture to animation, and more! Register online [2]. For kids entering second through fifth grades.
CHESS CAMP Learn new strategies in this engaging three-day camp, 6:30 p.m., August 7-9. All levels of chess play. Players must know how the chess pieces move prior to registration. For kids entering second through fifth grade. Register online [2].
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS Each week features a different activity ranging from Wii bowling to bingo, board game night, and building challenges. Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., July 11, 18, 25 and August 1. Register online [2].
TOUCH-A-TRUCK The name says it all. Mt. Lebanon fire, police and public works trucks on display so kids (and adults) can explore. Lots of opportunity to climb in and around trucks from our community and talk to the helpers that run them. For truck lovers of all ages. No registration needed. Sunday, July 9, 9 a.m. to noon, on Alfred Street.
COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN Have a kid who’s entering kindergarten in the fall? Come to the children’s desk and ask for the kindergarten box. Have fun each week practicing kindergarten readiness skills with your child at the library. New boxes available each Monday. Starts the week of July 24 and runs through August 27.
SOCIAL SKILLS KITS Check out one of the library’s new kits focusing on social and emotional learning. Themes include anxiety, sensory, feelings, self-regulation and mindfulness. Kits include books to read with your child, parenting resources and games and activities.
STEM BOXES Each month is a new box with themes ranging from coding, engineering, math and more. Request the box at the children’s desk.
KINDLES FOR KIDS The library has two Kindles loaded with more than 200 children’s titles. The devices have a special Dyslexia Font for kids with reading difficulties. Contact the children’s library for more information.