Ligonier Valley Library

Powdermill Nature Explorer Series
2026-10-20 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-09-15 17:30 - 18:45 (America/New_York)
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!

Teen Art Club
2026-10-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-13 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-06 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-29 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-22 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-08 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

Family Story Time
2026-10-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-06 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.

Great Decisions
2026-10-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-19 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

Silent Book Club
2026-10-15 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-09-17 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

Mahjong
2026-10-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-02 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!

Family Crafts Studio
2026-10-08 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!

Foothills Writers: Monthly Writing Group
2026-10-02 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.

Titles and Talk Book Discussion Group
2026-09-25 11:00 - 12:00
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 What you are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama — REGISTER HERE
Sign up for the Titles & Death eNewsletter to learn more about the Death in the Stacks and Titles & Talk book discussion groups.

Lego Club
2026-09-24 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!

Genealogy Forum
2026-09-22 17:30 - 18:45
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
