Ligonier Valley Library

Mahjong
2026-07-29 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-02 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-09 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
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!

Family Story Time
2026-08-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-25 11:00 - 12:00
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.

Virtual Talk: Julia Child's Kitchen
2026-08-04 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space on Tuesday, August 4th 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/102286

Teen Art Club
2026-08-04 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-11 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-25 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-01 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-08 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-15 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

Foothills Writers: Monthly Writing Group
2026-08-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Smart Room, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA, 15658, United States
The Foothills Writers are dedicated to inspiring and encouraging people with a passion for writing. Our objective is to meet writers’ needs regardless of their skill level or chosen genre. This is accomplished through mutual sharing, constructive critiques, and the exploration of writing topics.

The group meets monthly on the first Friday of each month from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in the library’s Smart Room (first floor).

Drop by to meet the members, learn more about the group, or simply enjoy a visit. Each meeting focuses on a new topic and may include guest speakers, such as authors or other experts who can provide insight into the many dimensions of the writing process.

You are also welcome to join the social hour before the meeting from noon–1:00 p.m., when members can bring a packed lunch and enjoy the fellowship of the group.

Family Crafts Studio
2026-08-13 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-10 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!

Great Decisions
2026-08-15 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

Powdermill Nature Explorer Series
2026-08-18 17:30 - 18:45
Presented by Powdermill Nature Reserve
Explore the plants, wildlife, and natural systems of western Pennsylvania through this engaging, all-ages lecture series. Each month, scientists and educators from Powdermill Nature Reserve share insights into the forests, fields, streams, birds, mammals, insects, and native plant communities that shape our region. Learn how species interact, how habitats support biodiversity, and how ongoing research is helping us better understand and care for the landscapes around us.
Held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30–6:45 PM, each session features an accessible presentation followed by time for questions and conversation. Designed for curious minds of all ages, these talks offer an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the natural heritage of western Pennsylvania in a welcoming, community setting.
Upcoming Topics:
June 16 – Why do Powdermill Scientists Collect Poop?
July 21 – Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a moth!
August 18 – Newts!

Silent Book Club
2026-08-20 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

Virtual Author Talk with Beronda Montgomery
2026-08-25 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy on Tuesday, August 25th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream or on demand after the event.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/186040

Virtual Author Talk with Lucy Foley
2026-08-27 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel on Thursday, August 27th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream or on demand after the event.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/186702

Lego Club
2026-08-27 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!

Death in the Stacks Book Discussion Group
2026-08-28 11:00 - 12:00
Death in the Stacks is a book discussion group for mystery and thriller lovers, exploring everything from cozy mysteries and hard-boiled detectives to psychological suspense and spy thrillers. If you enjoy great reads 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!
Sign up for the Book Discussion Groups eNewsletter to learn more about this group and the library’s other monthly book discussion groups.
