Ligonier Valley Library

Virtual Author Talk with Kate Quinn
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
You’re invited to join us for a conversation with acclaimed author Kate Quinn about her latest fantastical work, The Astral Library, which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures. Thursday, March 12th at 7 PM ET via digital live-stream or watch on-demand after the event premieres.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/114221

Family Story Time
2026-03-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-31 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.

Teen Art Club
2026-03-17 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-24 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-31 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

Powdermill Nature Explorer Series: The Great Salamander Migration
2026-03-17 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.
This month’s topic is the Great Salamander Migration.
The word migration usually calls to mind images of great flocks of birds or herds of large animals thundering across the savanna. But all sorts of creatures migrate, including some humble little salamanders. Join educators from Powdermill Nature Reserve and learn about the migration of spotted salamanders and how you might be able to spot it in your own backyard!
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.

Mahjong
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-01 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!

Teen Advisory Board Meeting
2026-03-18 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
2026-03-19 17:00 - 18:00
STEM Night is a monthly drop-in program for children ages 3 and up.
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
2026-03-19 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

Room Reservation: Smart Room
2026-03-20 12:00 - 15:00
The Smart Room has been reserved today from noon to 3:00.

PA Room Opens at Noon
2026-03-21
The PA Room will be closed from 10am-noon today to allow our archivist to attend an event off site. Thank you for your understanding.

Great Decisions
2026-03-21 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

The 60th Anniversary of the Kecksburg UFO with Stan Gordon
2026-03-21 13:00 - 14:30
On December 9, 1965, a mysterious object fell from the sky into the woods near Kecksburg and December 2025 marked the 60th anniversary of one of Pennsylvania’s most enduring mysteries. In this compelling presentation, Stan shares updated research and startling new details surrounding the incident, including reports that suggest the object may not have originated on Earth and could have contained non-human occupants. Why did the military respond so quickly? Was something alive inside? And why has the public never been told exactly what was recovered that night?
Stan will also provide updates on recent UFO, Bigfoot, and other cryptid encounters reported throughout the greater Pittsburgh region and across the state. A book and DVD signing will follow the program.

Room Reservation: Smart Room
2026-03-21 13:00 - 16:00
The Smart Room has been reserved today from 1:00-4:00.

Room Reservation: Smart Room
2026-03-24 10:00 - 11:30
The Smart Room has been reserved today from 10:00-11:30.

Virtual Author Talk with Shoshana Walter
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they chat about Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal. In this work, Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, exposes the country’s failed response to the opioid crisis, and the malfeasance, corruption, and snake oil which blight the drug rehabilitation industry. Tuesday, March 24th at 2 PM ET via digital live-stream or watch on-demand after the event premieres.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/117186

Genealogy Forum - Beyond Ancestry: Five Websites a Genealogist Will Love
2026-03-24 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.
March’s Genealogy Forum meeting, “Beyond Ancestry: Five Websites a Genealogist Will Love,” will be presented by Cynthia Hodgson on March 24 from 5:30–6:45 PM.
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

Room Reservation: Conference Room
2026-03-25 14:00 - 15:00
The Conference Room has been reserved today from 2:00-3:00.

Lego Club
2026-03-26 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
2026-03-26 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.

Titles & Talk Book Discussion Group
2026-03-27 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!
This month we are reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – Register here!
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!
Sign up for the Titles & Death eNewsletter to learn more about the Death in the Stacks and Titles & Talk book discussion groups.

Room Reservation: Smart Room
2026-03-27 12:00 - 14:00
The Smart Room has been reserved today from 12:00-2:00.

Chess Tournament
2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:00
Ligonier Valley Library Chess Tournament
Players ages of 8-18 will compete in one of three divisions, with winners from each division earning an invitation to the County-Wide Chess Tournament on April 11.
This tournament is part of a county series of eight tournaments. If this date or location doesn’t work for you, patrons are welcome to register for any of the other participating libraries across the county.
Register for this or any other local tournament here!
Registration is required. Space is limited.

Therapy Dog Story Time
2026-04-01 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

Virtual Author Talk with the Smithsonian
2026-04-02 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight. Thursday, April 2nd at 2 PM ET or video-on-demand after the talk premieres.
Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/ligonierlibrary/145335
