Ligonier Valley Library

Historic Ligonier Guided Walking Tour
2026-05-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join Spencer Pfrogner from the history-minded YouTube channel Redoubt Productions for an hour-long journey into the past, right in the heart of downtown Ligonier. This experience highlights the heritage of several landmarks surrounding the town square. Incredible true stories that you will learn span from the era of the horse-drawn stagecoach, the age of steam railroading and into the rise of the automobile. Guests will walk away learning about the people who continually molded The Diamond in parallel with the ever-changing direction of U.S. History.
Guided Tours will be offered at 10 AM, 12 PM & 2 PM. Tours are free to attend and begin outside the main entrance of the Library building. Tours are outdoors and circle The Diamond with the use of sidewalks and crosswalks. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather as tours occur rain or shine, with exceptions for severe weather.
For more information about Spencer’s work visit https://redoubtproductions1754.com/.
Visit https://www.ligonierlibrary.org/historic-walking-tour/ for more information about the historic sites featured on the walking tour.

Family Story Time
2026-05-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-19 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-26 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-09 11:00 - 12:00 | PA
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 Author Talk with Dr. Vivienne Ming
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:00 | PA
Join us for a timely conversation on AI, humanity, and the next steps towards building a better future with self-proclaimed “mad scientist” Dr. Vivienne Ming as we discuss her new book, Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People on Tuesday, May 12th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream or video-on-demand after the talk premieres.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/upcoming

Teen Art Club
2026-05-12 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-19 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-26 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-09 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

Mahjong
2026-05-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-03 13:00 - 15:00 | PA
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 Crafts Studio
2026-05-14 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!

Virtual Author Talk with Nir Eyal
2026-05-19 14:00 - 15:00 | PA
What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible… was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his new work, Beyond Belief. Join us Tuesday, May 19th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream in or video-on-demand after the talk premieres.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/upcoming

Powdermill Nature Explorer Series
2026-05-19 17:30 - 18:45 | PA
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:
April 21 – See Them Before They’re Gone! Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers
May 19 – Fly By Night: The Magic of Bird Migration
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
2026-05-21 17:30 - 18:45 | PA
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

Titles and Talk Book Discussion Group
2026-05-22 11:00 - 12:00 | PA
Titles & Talk Book Discussion Group delves into a wide variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction. So, be prepared to push your comfort zone (possibly) as this includes everything from classics to biographies to science fiction to historical fiction to adventures. If you love both reading and talking about what you read, then this is the book discussion group you’ve been waiting for!
The group meets from 11 am to noon on the 4th Friday of March, May, July, and September, and the 3rd Friday in November. 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 The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman. Register here to reserve your copy.
Sign up for the Book Discussion Groups eNewsletter to learn more about the Death in the Stacks and Titles & Talk book discussion groups.

Library Closed 5/25
2026-05-25 | PA
The library will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

Genealogy Forum
2026-05-26 17:30 - 18:45 | PA
Have you ever wondered who you might be related to, or how your family came to the United States or, more specifically, to Pennsylvania or Ligonier?
The Ligonier Valley Library’s Genealogy Forum will help you develop the tricks and tools needed to trace your family lineage, start your own family bible, or just learn more about family history in general. Each forum meeting focuses on some aspect of family research and occasionally features a guest speaker. Programs are led by or organized by the library’s Pennsylvania Room Archivist.
The Genealogy Forum meets the 4th Tuesday of January, March, May, September, and October.
Genealogy Forum meetings are free and open to the public.
For more information, call the library at 724-238-6451 or email paroom@ligonierlibrary.org

Lego Club
2026-05-28 17:00 - 18:00 | PA
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
2026-05-28 17:30 - 18:45 | PA
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.

Quilting Workshop: Bury Yourself in Boro Stitching
2026-06-02 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-06-04 17:30 - 18:45 | PA
Join textile artist Peggy Black for a hands-on workshop exploring the beauty and history of this traditional Japanese mending technique. Rooted in resourcefulness and creativity, boro uses layered fabric scraps and simple running stitches to repair and strengthen worn textiles—transforming them into something both functional and artful.
Over the course of four sessions, participants will learn foundational layering and stitching methods while creating their own small, quilted patch. Your finished piece can be transformed into a framed artwork, a decorative pillow accent, or a one-of-a-kind patch for clothing.
All supplies are provided—just bring your curiosity and creativity.
This four-part workshop will be held June 2, 4, 9, and 11 from 5:30–6:45 PM. Please plan on attending all four sessions to complete your project.
Open to ages 16 and up. The workshop is currently full.
This workshop is made possible by the generous support of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art’s Artist Residency Program.

Virtual Author Talk with the Smithsonian: State Fairs
2026-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 | PA
Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more, on Wednesday, June 3rd at 2 PM ET via digital live stream or video-on-demand after the talk.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/161069

Therapy Dog Story Time
2026-06-03 15:00 - 15:30 | Ligonier Valley Library, 120 W Main St, Ligonier, PA
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon story time with a licensed therapy dog from Top Dog Therapy Team. Gracie Lou will join us as we read picture books, and children may gently interact and pet her during the stories.
Best for: Preschool–early elementaryNo registration required
