School Age
Featured Programs
FALL ARTS & CRAFTS CLASS
Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fall crafting fun for children ages 2 to 12! SJ Creative will provide several age-appropriate options to allow all ages to create their own unique craft for Fall. Hope to see everyone there! Registration is required.
Registration – Registration begins October 15
DANCE THE STORY WITH THE PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATER – Alice in Wonderland
Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m.
For ages 6 to 10
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is dropping by to share an interactive story ballet program featuring a ballet story, an introduction to ballet technique, a short dance, and show and tell with costumes from the show.
Participating children should dress at their comfort level to allow for movement. Registration is required.
Registration – Registration open November 1
PASSPORT PALS – GERMANY
Wednesday, December 2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Passport Pals is back! Travelers in first through fifth grades and an adult companion may join us as we visit Germany and embark on a fun adventure.
Registration is required for each grade-appropriate child attending. One adult may register to attend with the child(ren).
Registration – opens November 15
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING – All Ages
Thursday, December 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with a sweet night of family fun at the library! Join us to decorate your very own gingerbread house while enjoying holiday music, cookies, and hot chocolate. Each registered participant will receive their own individual gingerbread house to decorate and take home, and we’ll provide all the decorating supplies, just bring your creativity!
Cost: $5 per person. Registration begins November 15. Registration and payment must be completed in person at the Ask a Librarian Desk on the second floor.
Everyone attending must register and pay the $5 fee to receive a gingerbread house. This is not a drop off event, all children must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of the program.
All ages are welcome, come create something sweet and celebrate the holiday season with us!
ROCK ON! GEOLOGY IN THE LIBRARY
Saturday, December 5 at 11 a.m.
Ages 7 to 12
Get to see a geologist’s rock and mineral collection up close and learn the basics of geology. Dig deep into the three main categories of rocks, the rock cycle, the time scale and how geologist know what rocks are under our feet!
Participants will receive a small geology kit! Registration is required.
Registration – opens November 15
COIN COLLECTING FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Tuesday, December 29th from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
Curious about coins? Members of the North Hills Coin Club will provide students from kindergarten through 12th grade with the knowledge and tools needed to get started in this fascinating hobby.
If you have attended previous programs, please bring your coin folders with you!
Registration – opens December 1
MEET AMERICAN GIRL MELODY ELLISON
Wednesday, January 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Melody likes singing in harmony, the Motown sound, and gardening. Through Melody we will learn what it was like to grow up during the civil rights movement in Detroit, Michigan in the 1960’s, a craft and a snack* that was popular during the 1960s are planned. For ages 7 to 12. Come join the fun!
Registration – opens December 15 (please register each attendee separately)
*please note any allergies when registering
STUFFIE SLUMBER PARTY
Thursday, January 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. – program and drop off festivities
Friday or Saturday, January 15 and 16 – pick up stuffies
You’re invited to wear your pjs and join us January 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of cozy activities. You’ll snack, craft, and play games, but the fun doesn’t stop when the library is closed. See what your stuffed animals get up to when you’re not around at their very own sleepover!
Recommended for ages 2 to 9, but all are welcome.
Registration is required to leave a stuffed animal, but not to attend the slumber party festivities.
Stuffies can be picked up the following day during normal library hours.
Registration – opens January 1
HOMESCHOOL FIRE SAFETY
April 23, 2027 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Jeff Wissner, the McCandless Fire Marshal, will present a fire safety program for homeschool students and their families. Because this program is being presented at an off-site location, everyone attending is expected to register.
Registration – opens April 1
Please note this program will be held at the McCandless Township Municipal Building at 9955 Grubbs Road, 15237.
Ongoing Programs
PASSPORT PALS! Get your Northland Passport stamped!
- Select Wednesdays throughout the year at 6:30 p.m.
- Rooms 148-1&2
- March 3, June 2, September 1, December 1
Families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade will have fun exploring various countries and their culture through games, crafts, and other fun activities.
– Children must attend with an adult.
– Please register each child individually.
– Register only the children attending.
– Registration is required for each date.
March 3 registration – opens February 15
June 2 registration – opens May 15
September 1 registration – opens August 15
December 1 registration – opens November 15
LAB MICE
- Mondays at 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m.
- Rooms 148-1&2
- February 1, 8, 15,22; March 1, 2027
Join us for Lab Mice! A STEAM-based hands-on storytime for children ages 3 1/2 to 6 and one caregiver.
Each week we will read a story, watch a demonstration, talk about what happened then do a hands-on STEAM activity related to what we learned. Registration is required for the first sessions only in the series.
Registration for 10 a.m. sessions
Registration for 1 p.m. sessions
Please register each attending child separately.
IT’S TIME FOR CREATIVE THURSDAY!
- Every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Room 108
- October 1 through December 17 (Except Thanksgiving Day, November 26)
- January 21 through April 29, 2027
Drop in for a cute, quick, 15-minute craft to make and take home. Creative Thursdays takes place in room 108 near the Early Reader Section in the Children’s Department. Ages 3 and up with a caregiver.
No registration is required.
STORY EXPLORERS BOOK CLUB
This program is hosted by the Girl Scouts
- Second Monday of select months from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Room 108
Calling all young readers and adventurers! Join us for a fun and welcoming group for kids ages 6 through 12 who love stories. Each meeting we’ll talk about a great book, share our thoughts, and enjoy activities inspired by the story. Whether you’re a big reader or just starting to discover new books, this is a great way to explore stories and make new friends. Come ready to explore a new story with us!
Registration is required but if the program is not full, drop ins are welcome.
STORY EXPLORERS BOOK CLUB 2027
This program is hosted by the Girl Scouts
- Every second Monday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m.
- Room 108
- January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8 and December 13
Calling all young readers and adventurers! Join us for a fun and welcoming group for kids ages 6 to12 who love stories. Each meeting we’ll talk about a great book, share our thoughts, and enjoy activities inspired by the story. Whether you’re a big reader or just starting to discover new books, this is a great way to explore stories and make new friends.
No registration required.
NORTHLAND CHILDREN’S CHESS CLUB
- Third Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Rooms 148-1 & 2
- November 18, December 16, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15
Kids in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to drop in on the third Wednesday of each month to enjoy chess puzzles and play pick-up games.
No registration is required.
Parents of children under age 12 must remain in the building during club time. Questions? Contact Kim Pierson at piersonk@northlandlibrary.org.
High school chess players: contact Children & Teen Services to see how you can earn community service volunteer hours!
