COURTYARD CONCERTS Mt. Lebanon Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard Series return, at 7 p.m., every Thursday in August. In the event of rain, the concert will move inside.
August 1: The Riversong String Ensemble is a group of lighthearted and talented musicians who originally formed as part of the Pittsburgh Mandolin Society. They will take you on a musical journey, explain how the instruments of the mandolin family were utilized by classical composers, the gondoliers of Venice, the ceilidh bands of Ireland, the romantics of Latin America, the inhabitants of America’s Appalachian Mountains and, of course, the musicians who played in the heyday of the traditional mandolin orchestra.
August 8: Subha Das Trio. Subha Das is a professional percussionist/music educator. In 1998, he joined the staff of the award-winning Mt. Lebanon High School Percussion program, where he holds the title of principal assistant director. He has performed in the Olga Watkins Band, playing soul/blues/R&B, and Steel City Calypso, playing Caribbean jazz and global fusion music. Expect an evening heavy on percussion, with jazz, funk and Brazilian music.
August 15: Bertha and the Belles feature tight harmonies and wicked fiddling. Singing, guitar, banjo uke, and “Bertha” the bass provide a solid backdrop for an exciting mixture of country, swing, spiritual, old-time and other folk music.
August 22: Mingo Creek Band is a mix of folks from different backgrounds and ages, coming together for the love of music. They cover a wide variety of songs popular in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s from disco to country to psychedelic (White Rabbit).
August 29: The Mt. Lebanon High School String Quartet always closes out the series with an evening of classical and contemporary show tunes.
SENIOR TRIPS Jane Millard, Mt. Lebanon Public Library’s senior services librarian, has begun organizing excursions for seniors. In June, Millard led a trip to the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Millard’s goal is to schedule about four trips per year. She is considering options for a holiday-themed trip. Although the trips carry a price tag, Millard says they are subsidized by the Friends of Mt. Lebanon Public Library to keep costs lower.
“I’m grateful to the Friends, and Friends president Susan Tracey, who has good local knowledge and good information on what older patrons are interested in,” Millard said.
Other programs for seniors include an expanded outreach to assisted living facilities and homebound deliveries, and a drop-in session for patrons who need help with tech devices.
JULY AND AUGUST LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Register for programs by visiting the events calendar section of the library’s website, mtlebanonlibrary.org.
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
International Family Playgroup
11:30 a.m., Tuesdays in July, Story Room
Children of all ages welcome. Registration is required for each session. Snacks provided.
Wild About Books
10 a.m., Tuesdays in July, Story Room
The focus is on literacy and fun in this interactive program for children ages 4-6. Register for each session individually. Registration opens one week in advance of each session.
Book Babies
9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 a.m., Wednesdays in July, Story Room
Learn early literacy skills through stories, rhymes and songs in this fun, interactive program for babies birth-2 years old with a caregiver. One registration per family. Registration opens one week in advance of the program.
Stories to Solve
10:30 a.m., Story Room, July 12, 19 and 26
For mystery lovers entering fourth through sixth grades. Come to the library to see if you can crack the codes, solve the puzzles and break out of the box. Register for each session or for all three. Registration closes on July 12.
Summer STEAM
4 p.m., Thursdays in July
Learn about circuits, coding, animal science and more. For kids entering fourth through sixth grades. Register for each session individually. Registration opens one week in advance of the program.
Pokemon Party
4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, August 15, Meeting Room A
Celebrate all things Pokemon. Drop in anytime during the party to watch a classic Pokemon film, make Pokemon art, hone your trainer skills with themed activities, enjoy active Pokemon Go modules at the library Pokestops, battle it out in Pokemon games, and more.
PROGRAMS FOR TEENS
Teen Beginner Yoga with Brittney
Noon to 1 p.m., Mondays in July, Meeting Room B
Tarot Card Journaling Class with Melissa of Well-Oiled Metaphysical Shop
1:30 p.m., Monday, July 15
For teens entering sixth grade and up
Blend Your Own Tea With Cutting Root Farm!
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 17 and August 14
For teens entering sixth grade and up
Zoo Careers with the National Aviary
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 24
For teens entering sixth grade and up
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
Literacy Pittsburgh English Conversation Class
10 a.m., Wednesdays, Meeting Room B
Literacy Pittsburgh students can practice their English in an informal setting. Register with Miranda Pino at mpino@literacypittsburgh.org. or 412-531-3004 to participate. Presented in cooperation with Literacy Pittsburgh. No meeting on July 10.
International Women’s Conversation Circle
10 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, Meeting Room B
Threshold Singers of the South Hills practice
Noon, Wednesday, July 10, Meeting Room A
Threshold Singers of the South Hills is a member of the not-for-profit Threshold Choir network which honors an ancient tradition of women singing a cappella at the bedsides of people who are dying or experiencing a difficult life transition. Any woman who enjoys singing and can carry a tune is welcome to explore membership by attending a practice. Please contact 412-344-4162
Drop-In Technology Help
1 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, July 11 and August 8, Learning Lab
Feeling frustrated with your device? Experiencing tech issues? Stop by the learning lab every second Thursday of the month during our drop-in hours to receive tech help from Senior Services Librarian Jane Millard. Patrons can expect to spend 5-15 minutes with the librarian; first come, first served.
Examples of topics this program covers: basic navigation for smartphones, eReaders, tablets and computers; how to use the library’s digital resources; general internet usage and research.
Examples of topics this program does NOT cover: setting up a new device; fixing a broken device; entering private information for you (bank info, social security number, etc.). Registration not required.