Northern Tier Regional Library sets monthly schedule

The Northern Tier Library and Richland History Group have partnered to bring you an informational presentation of local history 1-3 p.m. Feb. 5.

Keynote speaker Daniel Barr, professor of history at Robert Morris University and local author, will discuss colonial life in Western Pa., including the indigenous people there, the politics that led to the French and Indian War, and the settlement of Pittsburgh. Eric Brown, a history teacher in the Pine-Richland School District, will delve into George Washington’s life, his character, and his visits to Western Pa.. Ginny Neff Campbell, vice president of the Richland History Group and retired teacher, will talk about the Washington/Christopher Gist Winter 1753 journey to Western Pa., including where they hiked through Richland Township.

Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required, and will be limited to 40 attendees. Masks are required for this program.

The science of fear

Have you ever wondered why people might want to be scared? Or why people line up and wait for hours to go through a haunted attraction, or gather with friends to watch a scary movie? Join Northern Tier Library for a virtual presentation 6 p.m. Feb. 16 where Margee Kerr will share what she has learned through her travels around the world along with findings from her own research that offer insight into how and why people might want to scare themselves. Margee Kerr is a sociologist and author of “SCREAM: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear,” named as a must-read by The Washington Post. Find out more at margeekerr.com. Registration is required to receive the Zoom meeting invitation link.

Take-home crafts

Feb. 8: Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy a simple, weekly take-home craft! Please call or register online to reserve a supply kit that can be picked up on Tuesdays and enjoyed at home.

Makerspace Take-home Kit

Feb 7: Fidget Bracelet Make a moveable beaded bracelet

Feb 14: Origami Heart Fold a festive heart bookmark

The library will offer a Makerspace take-home kit on Mondays that can be picked up and enjoyed at home. Each kit will feature directions and materials. Call or register online to reserve a take-home kit. Registration is required to account for supplies.

The Weekly Project

Feb. 8: The Weekly Project features a variety of activities like cooking, crafting, art and STEM. Each week will showcase a different project for children to work on with their families. Call or register online to reserve a supply kit that can be picked up on Tuesdays and enjoyed at home.

Family Story & Playtime

Join in Wednesday and Thursday mornings on the library’s lower-level for an indoor story and playtime! Sessions are available on Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. and on Feb. 3 and Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

We request all attendees (ages 2 and up) to wear a face covering and to bring a blanket to sit on. Your blanket will be on a carpeted floor, and will be your area to maintain social distance while sitting down to enjoy the program. Registration is required and encouraged to be early, because only 12 families will be able to attend any given session. Please make sure to attend if you register. We want everyone to have an opportunity to participate, but space will be limited.

This program is for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families.

Natureology: Bugs

Right under your feet are thousands of animals. Some with six legs, some with more, much more, and they’ve lived here long before we did. Talk about bugs with Tony Palermo 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 8. Registration is required, and face coverings are encouraged for attendees over 2 years old.

Kids Valentine’s Day craft bundle

Request a take-home bundle to discover a variety of Valentine’s Day crafts. Kits will be placed in the library’s lobby Feb. 11 for pickup. Registration is required to account for supplies.

Maker Mondays at The Pine Center

Hey teens! Join us on the last Monday of the month at our Pine Center location for Maker Mondays, a program where you can create fun projects related to arts, crafts, electronics, sewing and more. This month’s craft will be 2:45-5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 from at the Pine Center location, and will feature crochet basics where you can learn some simple crochet stitches.

Robotics and Coding Club

Stop by the library to engage with a variety of toys and tools that allow you to develop your skills in robotics, programming, and coding. We’ll offer access to educational items that will encourage kids, and adults alike, to learn the basics of coding and programming. This self-guided program will be open to patrons 4:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. This is a drop-in program for all ages, but we ask for registration so we know you’re coming. Face coverings are encouraged for attendees over 2 years old.

Love notes

Make a personalized Valentine for that special someone in your life. This take-home kit will be available for pickup in the library’s lobby after 1 p.m. Feb. 9. Registration is required to account for supplies.

Kisses and coffee

Enjoy a cup of coffee and chocolate with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day! Thanks to a generous donation from the Starbucks and Giant Eagle in Gibsonia, this take-home kit has two packs of Via Instant Coffee and some chocolates included. Kits can be picked up in the library’s lobby Feb. 14. There is a limit of one kit per family, and registration is required as kits are limited.

Foundations Of Investing: Virtual Seminar

Learn about rules for investing in this virtual seminar 6-7 p.m. Feb. 22 presented by Richard Olszewski, a financial adviser from Edward Jones. Find out how to develop a strategy, choose quality investments, diversify your portfolio, invest for the long term, and focus on what you can control. Registration is required to receive the Zoom meeting invitation link.

Bridget’s Book Club

Local librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the 30-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother. To save the library and books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too. Join Bridget’s Book Club 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 for a discussion of “The Last Chance Library” by Freya Sampson.

Technology help

Get help with technology. In these one-on-one, 30-minute sessions we can focus on basic skills in using computers, smartphones, eReaders and more.

• Wednesdays, Feb. 2-23, 2 -4 p.m.

•Thursdays, Feb. 3-24, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Registration is required. Please include the specific topics you need assistance with during registration.

Conversation group

The conversation group is a place to share ideas and hear what others have to say. Join us on the library’s lower level on 1-3 p.m. Feb. 10. Spirited conversation is guaranteed! Masks are encouraged.

Knit Lit

Do you knit, crochet, or craft in any way? If not, would you like to learn? Beginners are invited to come and learn; experienced crafters are invited to bring a project to work on. Everyone is encouraged to bring their latest book to talk about! This group will meet 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 23 inside the library in the new book section. Registration is required.

Switching from Overdrive to Libby

On Feb. 23, the OverDrive app will be removed from the Apple, Google Play and Microsoft app stores. New users will only be able to download the Libby app going forward, so OverDrive recommends switching to Libby for all of your digital reading and listening needs. Need help figuring how to make the switch or understanding the Libby app? Visit our reference desk for assistance, and we can help you get set up.

Used book sale

It’s that time of the year! Mark your calendars for Northern Tier’s annual Used Book Sale. The 2022 Used Book Sale will be held April 7-11. In preparation for the big sale, the library is accepting gently used book donations at this time.

Library hours

The Pine Center will be closed Feb. 21-22 for Pine-Richland High School in-service days.

The Northern Tier Library aims to provide resources that inspire, inform, educate, and entertain the public.

Library hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; closed Sundays.

For details: 724-449-2665 and northerntierlibrary.org