December 2022

Sewickley Public Library Will No Longer Charge Late Fees

Sometimes the best gifts don’t cost a penny, and that’s the case this year for the Sewickley Public Library! We want to make sure everyone has access to library books, movies, and resources regardless of circumstances. So we’re removing the barriers that keep folks away from the library!

Starting December 1, 2022, the Sewickley Public Library will no longer charge late/ overdue fees on any of items we lend. Books, movies, audiobooks, music there will be no fees if you return them late.

Any items checked out at the Sewickley Public Library will not have overdue fines, even if you return them to another library.

And any materials returned to SPL will not have overdue fines, even if you checked them out from another library.

Already have an existing overdue fine on your account? Not anymore! We’re waiving all overdue fines for users who live in the

Library is Going “Fine Free”!

Find Holiday Cheer at the Library on Light Up Night

Quaker Valley School District starting Dec 1 to give all of our users a fresh start.

Does this mean you can keep items forever? No. Fine free does not mean consequence free. If you lose/damage/never return materials, the library will still charge replacement fees for those items.

What this does mean for many of our library users is that we are removing barriers. We understand that our users are busy. Life can get in the way and sometimes returning library books on time isn’t a top priority. We want to make sure library users can continue accessing the library’s valuable resources without fear of racking up a debt in fines if they are a few days late. (Here’s looking at you Children’s Picture Books!)

But doesn’t the library need the money for it’s budget? Less than .05% of the library’s budget comes from overdue fines. The mission of Sewickley Public Library is to “serve as a center for lifelong learning by providing free access to informational, educational, cultural and recreational library resources…” We believe this action will better help us serve our mission by eliminating barriers to access for users that need our services the most. We continually explore additional ways to supplement the library operating budget. Will people still return their materials in a timely manner? Evidence shows yes! At least 29 libraries in Allegheny County are already fine free. Launched as a pilot in 2019, the fine free initiative has shown increased circulation and patron registrations, with no significant change in the rate of items that are overdue. Too often, patrons that accrue high overdue fines never return to the library and never return the items. By going fine free, the Sewickley Public Library aims to get both our patrons and materials back in the library.

For more information about SPL’s Fine Free program, visit sewickleylibrary.org/fine free

Kick off the holidays with fun and good cheer at the library! Sewickley’s annual Light Up Night returns Friday, December 2nd! The Sewickley Public Library welcomes you to stop by the library for festive fun between 5-8pm!

We invite you to warm up inside with some jolly tunes from Chris Burgh’s Middle School String Students. Following the performance, you can also belt your heart out to holiday hits at our karaoke station in the Reference Department. For a truly memorable moment, stop by our holiday photo booth where you can pose for pics with your family and friends in front of holiday inspired scenes.

Little ones can spend the evening creating their own tokens of holiday cheer at the kids craft stations throughout the Children’s Department.

The library will close at 4pm to prepare for the event & reopen again at 5pm. This festive evening of merriment and delight is sure to start your holiday off right!

Call for Library Memorabilia

The Sewickley Public Library will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2023! In order to tell the full story of the library, we’re in search of memorabilia related to the library’s lengthy history.

Do you have photographs of the library from your childhood? Did your parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, have any keepsakes or souvenirs from their time spent at the library? Were you a member of the Friends of the Library or Board of Directors who held on to interesting artifacts? We’d love to display them!

If you have memorabilia you’d like to share for the historic occasion, please snap a photo of the items and email it to clearym@sewickleylibrary.org. Please send all submissions by Friday, December 23rd. We will let you know if we can include it in our display in 2023!

SEWICKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Executive Director Set to Retire After 25 Years

Cthe Sewickley Public Library, has announced her plans to retire in early 2023. Carolyn’s career spanned 35 years in public library service. She joined the Sewickley Public Library in 1998 and has spent the last 25 years overseeing a beloved community asset.

Carolyn, a native of Bethel Park, developed a love of books and libraries from a young age. After starting out working in retail, she decided to go back to graduate school for library science in her late 20s. Before coming to Sewickley, Carolyn worked for nine years as the director of the Castle Shannon Public Library.

From the outset of her time at Sewickley, Carolyn was tasked with overseeing major change. Under her direction, the library completed a major construction project expanding the library from 8,800 to 23,800 square feet. The expansion added a second floor with a children’s department, meeting rooms, and space for growth. That growth came in the way of larger collections, an expanded staff, and space for programming for all ages. She led the library through a period of exponential growth in library circulation and visitors yearly. Carolyn and her staff worked to make the library a welcome place for everyone in the Quaker Valley and surrounding communities. Annual circulation of materials doubled between 2001 and 2021. The library now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually.

Carolyn has become a well known “face of the library” and a pillar of the civic community in Sewickley over her career. She has worked with the library board of

Valley School District, local nonprofits and businesses to ensure that the library reflects the community that helps fund it.

“I was welcomed into the Sewickley community where I raised my daughter, Lindsay, in the Quaker Valley School

Sewickley

hands, and know that they will continue to serve the community well.”

Please join us in congratulating Carolyn on her distinguished career and thanking her for her service to the Sewickley community. Carolyn will be missed by her staff and all those library users who’ve gotten to know her over the years!

The board of directors will soon begin their search for Sewickley’s next director. They plan to introduce the new director in early 2023. For those who would like to honor Carolyn’s long and distinguished service to the library, the board suggest gifts be made to the library’s endowment in her honor, ensuring library staff has the necessary operating resources required to carry her legacy far into the future.

District” says Toth. “It is a special place where people care about education, and consistently show their love and support for the library. They made my job an easy one to love.”

The last 25 years has seen dramatic shifts in how we get information, consume media, and use technology. Carolyn helped lead Sewickley Public Library as it adapted to these changes. Adopting the latest technologies and hiring staff who could assist the public with them was crucial. She saw the importance of diversifying the library collections as media formats have changed. In 2021, eBooks accounted for more than 20 percent of the library’s overall circulation. Toth says, “I believe in hiring good people, and the secret to the library’s success is the strength of our

SEWICKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

“[The

community] made my job an easy one to love.”

Executive Director, Carolyn Toth, joined the Sewickley Public Library in 1998.

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE

Tuesdays | 10am, 11am & 1pm

Build your baby’s reading readiness skills through music, stories, and movement in this nationally acclaimed early literacy program for babies and toddlers. For children 0 3 years old with a caregiver. Weekly registration required.

STORIES FOR TWOS & THREES

Wednesdays | 10am & 11am

Stories, songs, rhymes, and more help build early literacy skills in this thirty minute class. Children 30 months to 48 months (2 ½ to 4), with a caregiver. Please, no older children. Weekly registration required.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Thursdays | 10am

Join us for reading, singing, and learning together in this thirty minute class for preschoolers. Ages 4 entering Kindergarten, without a caregiver. Weekly registration required.

FAMILY BLOCK PARTY

Saturdays | 10:30am-12pm (No program 12/10 or 12/31)

It’s a Block Party! PLAY, BUILD, READ and LEARN together with blocks. Develop hand eye coordination and learn STEAM concepts. Birth age 6.

HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING

Thurs | Dec 1 | 4-5pm

The Village Garden Club of Sewickley will show us how to make our own holiday wreaths, from grapevine frames, using fresh evergreens. Please bring a bow or a small holiday decoration for your

STORIES IN ART WITH SWEETWATER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Thurs | Dec 8 | 6:30-7:30pm

Join the art educators from Sweetwater Center for the Arts for an art class at the library! This class will combine the art of storytelling with art! During these classes’ children will be introduced to different styles of art, and have the opportunity to use various art mediums and materials to create marvelous masterpieces based on our storybook theme!

GRADES 2 5.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE EVENT

Thirty minutes of activities that includes music, creative movement and fun, all with one colorful parachute! AGES 2 5, WITH ADULT. Registration required.

FAMILY STORY TIME AT OHIO TOWNSHIP NATURE CENTER

Mon | Dec 5 | 10am

Sewickley Public Library is hosting a family storytime inside the Ohio Township Nature Center. Join us for stories, songs, and a craft kit to go for the whole family. Weekly registration required. Family program.

TREE LIGHTING AT OHIO TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY PARK

Tues | Dec 6 | 5:30 8:30pm

Sat | Dec 10 | various times New this year, we have 4 time slots to choose from: 11am, 11:45am, 12:30pm OR 1:15pm

You supply the imagination we supply the fixings! Decorate your own Gingerbread House made with graham crackers, Royal Icing and plenty of sweets! Please bring a shipping box to transport your creation home. Registration required. Family program.

Winter Break: No Storytimes December 19 - January 8

Celebrate the holidays with our friends at Ohio Township Community Park. Miss Bridget will be there passing out crafts and free books. There will be other fun activities like the Holiday StoryWalk, a lit tree trail, meet Santa and more!

Sun | Dec 11 | 2

Certified Therapy Dogs LOVE to be read to! Come pick out a picture book of your choice and snuggle up with a furry reading companion. Join us for a 15 minute time slot to read to a dog. GRADES K 5. Registration required.

LEGO CLUB

Thurs | Dec 15 | 6:30 7:30pm Put your building skills to work by

HOLIDAY MOVIE – HOME ALONE

Thurs | Dec 29 | 1-3pm

Looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year’s? Join us for an afternoon of holiday movies & popcorn! Don forget to bring your blanket & pillow for movie time. Home Alone (Rated PG) Family Program.

Save the Dates

building awesome Lego creations. We supply the Legos, you supply the creativity. No registration required, just drop into the Children’s Department at any time during Lego Club to show off your skills! GRADES 1 5.

WINTER CRAFT TO-GO KITS

Sat | Dec 17 | starting at 9am Stop by the Children’s Department to pick up a winter themed Craft To Go Kit! Supplies and instructions are included. These kits are geared for children preschool to 2nd Grade. Available while supplies last.

TODDLER DANCE PARTY

Sat | Dec 17 | 10:30-11am Little ones learn so much through movement! Join us to dance, jump, shake, clap & more! For children 1 3 years old with a caregiver. Registration required.

CHESS CLUB FOR KIDS

Sun | Dec 18 | 1:30-2:30pm Brand new to chess and want to

learn? How about a seasoned chess master? Come to learn, expand your knowledge, and just have fun in our Chess Club for kids in Grades 1 7. The library will provide some chess sets. Registration required.

A MOUSE CHRISTMAS

Tues | Dec 27 | 2-3pm

Celebrate the holiday with your favorite mouse. Join us for a craft, snack, and viewing of If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie (Not Rated). Family Program.

TWELVE BEFORE TWELVE

Sat | Dec 31 | 11am - 12:30pm Ring in the New Year at the library! Join us for a very special New Year party as we celebrate twelve hours early! There will be activities, stories, and food for the whole family!

Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs after the new year!

Preschool & Kindergarten Open House

Wednesday, January 25 from 6:30 8pm (snow date Wednesday, February 1 from 6:30 8pm)

Battle of the Books 4/5 Grade

Parent Zooms:

BOB 4th Grade Parent Meeting on Zoom

Thursday, January 26 from 6:30 7:15pm

BOB 5th Grade Parent Meeting on Zoom Thursday, January 26 from 7:30 8:15pm

Battle Dates:

4th Grade Battle of the Books April 11 at 7pm at Sewickley Academy

5th Grade Battle of the Books April 13 at 7pm at Sewickley Academy

Holiday StoryWalks at Ohio Township Nature Center & Henle Park

Tuesday, December 6 Saturday, December 31

Celebrate the season with two very special Holiday StoryWalks at Ohio Township Nature Center and Henle Park. Take a stroll through the StoryWalk at Henle Park to find out who Bear stays up for then wander through Ohio Township Nature Center to read all about what Snowmen do at night. A StoryWalk places pages from a children’s picture book along a walking path so that children and their caregivers may enjoy nature and reading together.

OHIO TOWNSHIP NATURE CENTER (325 Nicholson Rd)

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

HENLE PARK (the corner of Beaver St and Ferry St, Leetsdale)

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

TAKE A WISE WALK

Thursdays | 9:30 11:30am

Wise Walks is ideal for active 50+ adults who are interested in a lively social exercise program. Meet at the library and walk between 1 3 miles before returning to the library for a healthy snack. There is no need to sign up and new walkers are always welcome!

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Thursdays| 2 3pm

Do you have an intermediate knowledge of French? Are you looking to improve your conversational skills?

Join us for a discussion! This group meets in person and online. Register for the Zoom link. (No meeting 12/22)

WRITE NOW!

Fridays | 10am 12pm

Participants enjoy writing from prompts in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. This group meets in person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

SAHAJA MEDITATION

Saturdays| 11am-12pm

Enjoy the silence, peace, and stress release that is always free with this weekly meditation program. Newcomers welcome.

TEA & INSPIRATION

Thurs | Dec 1 | 7pm

Gather on the first Thursday of each month to read, reflect and explore a different inspirational theme each month. Share uplifting quotations gleaned from the world’s Scriptures and other wise sources all over a cup of tea and a sweet tidbit. December’s theme: Social Justice

CONVERSATION SALON

Wed | Dec 7 | 10am All are welcome to join this engaging group

of adults in person or virtually for great discussions. Newcomers always welcome! This group meets in person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

SPL KNITTERS GROUP

Wed | Dec 7 & 21| 10:30am 12pm

New to the hobby or have years of experience, everyone is welcome! Join us in the library to work on current projects or come to learn tips. Meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month.

MYSTERY BOOK GROUP

Tues | Dec 13 | 7pm Christmas Cookie Murder by Leslie Meier

DIY CRAFTS FOR ADULTS

Tues | Dec 13 | starting at 10am

Want to try a new DIY project? Grab one of our DIY Crafts for Adults kits! Find the supplies & instructions you need inside our kits to make your own craft project at home. While supplies last.

HOLIDAY CARDMAKING CLASS

Wed | Dec 14 | 10am 12pm OR 1 3pm

Everyone's favorite Christmas card is coming from you this year! Come for the carols and creativity and leave with 3 handmade holiday cards. Class size limited to 5. Registration required to ensure your class packet. $10 materials fee payable at class.

SPANISH CONVERSATION

Wed | Dec 14 | 2 3pm

Looking to practice your Spanish speaking skills? Join our new Spanish convo group! Meets the 2nd & 4th Wed. of the month. Meets in person and online. Register for the Zoom link. (No meeting 12/28)

TECH ASSISTANCE MEETUPS

Wed | Dec 14 | 12-2pm

Drop in at the library for help with your phone or tablet device from one of our librarians. No need to register.

12pm Help with iPhones/iPads 1pm Help with Android Devices

BROWN

BAG BOOK GROUP

Thurs | Dec 15 | 11:30am

Ordinary Grace by William

EVENING FRENCH

Mon | Dec 19 | 6:30pm

Ken Krueger

Join the conversation with our evening edition of French Conversation! Improve your speaking skills when you join the discussion. This group meets in person and online. Register for the Zoom link.

ERESOURCES FOR EVERYONE

Wed | Dec 21 | 12 2pm

Your library card gives you access than more than just books. Come learn about all of the digital resources your can use with your library card. You can save hundreds of dollars a month by taking advantage of these resources that are provided by Sewickley Public Library and Allegheny County Libraries. Registration required.

LET’S TALK ABOUT MURDER

Mon | Dec 19 | 7pm

Calling all True Crime fans! Join us to talk about murder and other crimes. Come with a story to share based on this month’s theme: HOLIDAYS. No need to register. Meets in person in the Community Room & virtually via Zoom with this link: tiny.cc/ ltamdec22

HOLIDAY MOVIE AFTERNOONS

Fri | Dec 9, 16 & 23 | 2 4pm

Celebrate the yuletide season with weekly screenings of heartwarming, made for tv holiday romance movies at the library! Enjoy a cup of cocoa as you cozy up for great afternoons of holiday love stories.

HONOR GIFTS

The Podroskey Family In Honor of Ellie Neal’s 7th Birthday

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Daniel Weiner In Memory of Aviva L. Katz MD

Beverly McCormack In Memory of Margaret M. McCormack

Michael and Melanie Oyler In Memory of Clara Jane Oyler

Cathy and Tony Renda In Memory of Walt Reuter

SPL GIFTS

Rachel and Brian Allen

Elizabeth Andrews

Stanley and Judith Brown Mary Florence Brown

Robert and Gretchen Burnham

Jennifer Keating

Juergen and Julie Kloo

Terry and Marilyn Newton

Dan and Elaine Park Proteus Foundation

Thomas and Nancy Rostek

Sewickley Civic Garden Council

Ken and Mary Urish

The Elsbeth and Kirk Vincent Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation

FRIENDS

OF SPL GIFTS

William and Patricia Ferguson

In 2022, the Sewickley Public Library lost two dear members of the library family.

We mourn the passing of dedicated library staff member, Heather Summers this past September.

Heather worked at the library for 7 years as a clerk, in technical processing, and as our in house craft guru.

Heather had a love for reading and an equal passion for scrapbooking and cardmaking. For many years, her homemade cards were on sale at the library.

Heather will be remembered for her bright smile, outgoing personality, and kind heart.

Additionally, the library lost a dedicated library volunteer, Mary Walker. Mary served as a member of the Friends of the Library for decades and was best known as the “Queen of Book Donations.” She could usually be found arranging displays on what was warmly dubbed the Sale Table (MST). sparkling personality and sense of humor made her well loved by all who knew her.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Heather and Mary. They will forever be in our hearts and will be greatly missed.

Mary Walker

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Have you made your list? Are you checking it twice? Has Sewickley Public Library been nice? In this seasonal time of giving, you can give the gift of library services to your entire community. Many of your friends and neighbors, some of whom you don’t even know, come to the library for educational resources, job assistance, internet access, and most importantly, connection with one another. Including the library on your holiday gift list expands the reach of your generosity far wider than you could accomplish independently. It’s the ultimate pay it forward gift. We are grateful for the partnership between our donors who make quality programming and services possible, and our staff who steward that funding into a remarkable selection of offerings for our patrons that meet the right need at the right time. It makes it possible for great stories to be told here. Make your gift before December 31 to be included on our 2022 list of donors in our published annual report. Donation forms are available at the circulation desk, or online at sewickleylibrary.org/ donate.

NEW Resources Give More Access to

National news

News helps keep us informed of the changing events, issues, and characters in the world. We are pleased to announce the addition of two news resources, free for Sewickley Library users. gives you full digital access to the Post online. You can access these from a library computer or from your own device at home. Along with these resources we also continue our access to The New York Times and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (in library only). To access these resources please visit sewickleylibrary.org/newspapers