Ligonier Valley Library

Triassic Reading Challenge
2026-02-01 - 2026-04-30
Travel 251 million years into the past and explore the supercontinent of Pangea with us from February through April.
Register on Beanstack to join the Reading Challenge and start your 2026 Library Journal. Each time you complete an activity—reading, quests, scavenger hunts, or book reviews—you can add a new page to your journal. By the end of the year, you’ll have a full record of everything you’ve explored and created at the library.
Earn raffle tickets by logging daily reading, completing activities and quests, participating in the monthly scavenger hunt, and writing book reviews. Tickets can be entered toward real-life prizes like new books, ice cream, art supplies, and more.
Raffles are held every two weeks, so be sure to log your reading and activities in time.

Family Story Time
2026-02-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-03 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Story Time: Stories, Songs, and Play
Children and caregivers are invited to a lively, interactive story time designed for ages 0–5. Expect stories, songs, movement, and a craft.
Each session ends with free playtime, giving children a chance to explore while caregivers connect with other local families. Wiggles & older siblings are always welcome.
Supports early literacy, social skills, and a love of books in a relaxed, playful setting.

Teen Art Club
2026-02-03 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-10 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-17 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-24 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Smart Room, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA, 15658, United States
Teen Art Club for ages 12–18.A relaxed, creative space for teens to hang out, make art, and work on personal projects.
Start something new or bring a work-in-progress—supplies like paint, markers, colored pencils, modeling clay, and more are provided. Feel free to bring your own materials, too.
Run by teens, for teens. | Drop-in program. | Tuesdays, 4–6 PM

Readers' Choice Book Discussion Group - Novellas
2026-02-03 17:30 - 18:45
Take the lead in your reading! Each month, pick a book that fits our theme—or choose from our library suggestions if you need ideas. At the meeting, share your book, hear what others are reading, and enjoy a relaxed discussion about your different takes on the theme.
We meet the first Tuesday of each month, starting February 3rd. For our first meeting, we’ll be reading a novella, a short work of fiction that’s longer than a short story but shorter than a novel—perfect for a quick read or a cozy sitting.
For our February 3rd kickoff meeting, we invite you to choose any novella that catches your interest. If you’re not sure where to start check out our curated list of suggestions from the library collection to help spark ideas. Pick something new, revisit an old favorite, or try a genre you’ve never explored—the choice is entirely yours! Registration is suggested.
Whether you love discovering new authors, revisiting favorites, or just chatting about books with fellow readers, Readers’ Choice is a welcoming place for all!

Mahjong
2026-02-04 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-25 13:00 - 15:00
Join us every Wednesday afternoon in the Smart Room for an engaging game of Mahjong! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, all are welcome to participate from 1 to 3 pm.
While the library provides one set, we encourage players to bring their own if possible. Don’t miss out on the fun and camaraderie as we gather to enjoy this timeless and strategic game together. See you there!

Chess Club
2026-02-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Smart Room, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA, 15658, United States
Monthly Chess Club for ages 17 and under.
Drop in for casual games, practice strategies, or try out new moves at your own pace. Players of all skill levels are welcome, and families can play together.
No registration required. | Drop-in program. | Come when you can!

Virtual Author Talk: Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for an unforgettable experience as we chat with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. For twenty years, Jacquotte raids the Caribbean as Jacques, hiding her gender. When her fellow pirates decide to increase their profits by entering the slave trade, Jacquotte must make a change. Thursday, February 5th at 7 PM ET via digital live-stream or watch on-demand after the video premieres!
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/upcoming

PA Room Closed 3/19
2026-02-10 08:00 - 17:00
The Pennsylvania Room will be closed today, Thursday, March 19. The room will return to regular operating hours on Friday, March 20th.

PA Room Closed 4/3 and 4/4
2026-02-10 08:00 - 17:00
The Pennsylvania Room will be closed Friday and Saturday April 3rd and 4th. The room will reopen during its regular hours on Tuesday, April 7th.

Virtual Author Talk: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:00
Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions. This book is a love letter to the real magic Black women used, their herbs, food, textiles, song, and dance, used to sow rebellion, freedom, and hope. Thursday, February 12th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream or watch on-demand after the talk premieres!
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/upcoming

Family Crafts Studio
2026-02-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Smart Room, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA, 15658, United States
Monthly open crafts studio time for families with children preschool age and up.
We provide a variety of craft supplies for self-guided creativity.
Families may start a project, bring in works-in-progress from home, or return each month to continue building over time.
An optional featured craft is sometimes available.
Adult participation required. | Drop-in program. | Come when you can!

Teen Advisory Board Meeting
2026-02-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Ligonier Valley Library, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA
Want a say in what happens at your library? Need volunteer hours? Looking for a fun way to get involved and make new friends?
Click here to apply.
Apply to join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)! This collaborative group of teens (ages 12-18) works together to shape the library’s teen programs, suggest new books for the collection, help decorate the library, and more.
What does TAB do?
Right now, our members are:

Planning fundraisers
Planning a TAB newspaper
Running a Teen Art Club
[Your idea here!]

TAB is all about teamwork! We work together to come up with creative solutions and programs that fit our library’s goals and community needs. If you’ve got a vision, TAB will help you shape it into something awesome.
Why join?

Earn volunteer hours: Get credit for attending meetings and helping with programs.
Make an impact: Your voice matters! Be part of creating events and projects that benefit teens like you.
Build leadership and teamwork skills: Learn how to work in a team, take on leadership roles, and contribute to something bigger.

STEM Night
2026-02-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Children’s Wing, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA, 15658, United States
STEM Night is a monthly drop-in program for children ages 3 and up on the 3rd Thursday every month.
Kids and families explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities and special experiences.
Activities may include open exploration, guided activities, or special presentations.
The Children’s Wing is also open for play.
Adult participation encouraged. | Drop-in. | Come when you can.

Silent Book Club
2026-02-19 17:30 - 18:45
Silent Book Club is a space for book lovers who enjoy reading in good company, without the pressure of assigned books or rules around structured discussions. Whether you’re working your way through the classics or diving into a new nonfiction title, our monthly meetups offer a relaxed and quiet environment where you can read at your own pace alongside fellow readers. Join us on the third Thursday of every month from 5:30-6:45 pm. It’s BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) and all readers are welcome, including but not limited to, ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, and comic books. Afterward, you’re welcome to chat, share recommendations, or simply head home feeling refreshed. Learn more about the club here: https://silentbook.club/pages/about-us

Great Decisions
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00
The Ligonier Great Decisions group follows the national Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions’ 2026 program. A copy of the book, which includes all 8 topics that will be discussed, can be found at the Ligonier Valley Library – ask staff for assistance. If you would like your own copy, please attend a meeting and discuss getting a book with the moderator. For more information on the program, visit the national website at https://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/.
The Great Decisions group is free and new members are always welcome! Please bring an open mind and be ready for a great discussion!
The meetings are generally held on the third Saturday of each month from 10:30-12 pm at the Ligonier Valley Library. These are in-person meetings. If you are interested in attending virtually, please contact the library or the moderator, Jerry Hudson, at least 3 days before the meeting. If you have any questions, please stop in or call the library at 724-238-6451. You do not need to register for this program.
2026 Topics and Meeting Dates:

January 17, 2026: Debating America’s Global Role: America First versus Liberal Internationalism
February 21, 2026: The End of an Era: Trump’s Tariffs in Historical Perspective
March 21, 2026: US – China Relations in the New Trump Era
April 18, 2026: The Third Nuclear Age: Trump, The Order, and the Bomb
NO SESSIONS IN MAY, JUNE, JULY
August 15, 2026: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
September 19, 2026: Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
October 17, 2026: US Engagement with Africa
November 21, 2026: The Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World
NO SESSION IN DECEMBER

Virtual Author Talk with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
2026-02-24 14:00 - 15:00
Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble.
Follow the fascinating growth and development of the world’s largest museum and research complex during its first 60 years. Told in rich detail, Smithson’s Gamble reveals how, as it defined a role rooted in curiosity and exploration, the Smithsonian helped to shape the nation’s developing identity.
Take part in our conversation with Tom Crouch about the trials, errors, and incredible legacy of the Smithsonian’s foundation. Tuesday, February 24th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream or on-demand after the event.
Register and submit questions for the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/upcoming

Lego Club
2026-02-26 17:00 - 18:00
Monthly LEGO Club for children of all ages.Build with jumbo blocks, Duplo train sets, and classic LEGO bricks.
Families can drop in, create at their own pace, and return each month to continue projects or try something new.
Creations will be featured in the library’s LEGO display.
Adult participation encouraged. | Drop-in program. | Come when you can!

Community Crafting Circle
2026-02-26 17:30 - 18:45
Bring your current craft project—knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, embroidery, or anything else—and join fellow makers for a relaxing and social crafting session at the library.
This is a welcoming space to share ideas, get inspired, and enjoy good company while you work on your latest creation.
All skill levels are welcome. Just bring your materials and your creativity!
The crafting circle meets the 4th Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:45pm.

Death in the Stacks Book Discussion
2026-02-27 11:00 - 12:00
Death in the Stacks is a book discussion group for mystery and thriller lovers. From cozies to hard-boiled detectives, psychological suspense to spy thrillers, we explore a wide variety of reads. If you enjoy both reading and lively conversation, this is the group for you!
The group meets from 11 am—12 pm on the 4th Friday of February, April, June, August, and October. Registration is strongly requested to ensure that we set up enough seats and that we order enough copies for participants who wish to borrow that month’s title from us. Walk-ins are always welcome!
This month, we are reading Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR COPY AND REGISTER.
Sign up for the Book Discussion Groups eNewsletter to learn more about this group and the library’s other monthly book discussion groups.
