The holidays might look a little different this year.
The holidays might look a little different this year. How about in italics? The holidays might look a little different this year. Did I mention the holidays might look a little different this year?
Although the holidays might look a little different this year, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is striving to support its communities, as we do every year. The Library is known for a lot of things, such as its vast variety of books, online resources, and friendly, welcoming staff. These things are still here, stable, and supporting you.
The Library’s contactless curbside & walk-up services are open and ready for you! For a list of locations currently offering this service, as well as times, phone numbers, and addresses, visit here.
Staying under a blanket next to a space heater more your style? Same. Check out our stream and download options, such as OverDrive / Libby, Hoopla, and Naxos Spoken Word Library. You can get step by step device instructions for each app on our website here. More so, we have expert librarians on staff who are more than happy to assist you in using any of these streaming services. You can chat, call, and text the Library. All at the same time, if you desire!
Real-time assistance is available from Library staff 7 days a week.
Monday – Thursday | 10 am – 7 pm
Friday – Sunday | 10 am – 5 pm
Call! 412.622.3114
Chat! Click the “How can we help?” icon our website.
Text! 412.775.3900
Alright—one more time for good measure? While the holidays might look different this year, many organizations around Pittsburgh are bringing joy through holiday programs and events. Let’s see what free, unique programs you and your family can dive into this month.
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is bringing the magic of the holiday season right to your screen. From the comfort of your home, you can watch the virtual production of Fireside Nutcracker. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has adapted this timeless ballet for film, featuring PBT dancers, classic Nutcracker characters, and Tchaikovsky’s music.
There is no cost to watching the video, which runs from December 17—December 31, 2020. Additionally, you will have unlimited views! Fireside Nutcracker before bedtime, in the car, and during breakfast? Sign me up!
The video will be shared through YouTube and can be accessed through any device. A link will be provided once you register. Click here to read more about the performance, read about accessibility options, and to register.
The Creative Nonfiction Foundation is hosting a free, 8-week writing workshop for teens titled Writing the Tough Stuff. During this multi-week workshop, teens will have the opportunity to write about difficult topics and challenges ranging from personal to political, big or small. Teens will also be able to share and reflect on the writing process, explore one’s life, and own their personal experiences.
This workshop is open to any residents of Allegheny County in grades 9—12. Meetings are scheduled to run from 6:00pm—8:00pm on eight Thursdays: Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, and 25.
Applications can be found here and are due by January 15, 2021.
For more information on the format of the workshop, the author who is leading the group, and more, visit the website here.
Take a stroll down the Strip District Terminal to look at the Winter Window Displays. Local nonprofits came together to create a festive display in the storefront windows. Wear your favorite, warm scarf and grab a hot cocoa while you take in their displays. The winter displays will be so wonderful, you won’t even realize you’re exercising!
Each window includes a QR code to scan using a smartphone to get more information on each organization or make a donation. The Winter Window Displays will be up through December 31.
Participating organizations include: Animal Friends, North Hills Community Outreach, Literacy Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Foster Love Project, 412 Food Rescue, InVision Human Services, St. Vincent de Paul—Pittsburgh, Apraxia Kids, Millvale Tool Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, PULSE, Grow Pittsburgh, Prime Stage Theatre, American Cancer Society of Pittsburgh, Nonprofit Talent, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
The Strip District Terminal is located at 1701 Smallman Street.
Bloomfield continues its Winter Market on the first and third Saturdays each month, December through March. For more of a seasonal twist, visit in December for their Holiday Market. It is open from 11am—2pm at 5050 Liberty Ave.
There are various vendors where you’ll find baked goods, hydroponic lettuce & greens, meat, apples, honey, prepared hot foods, and more! For a list of vendors by category, visit their website here. Additionally, SNAP benefits are accepted.
Bloomfield Development Corporation is taking various safety precautions; therefore, masks are required.
For directions, safety precautions, and other frequently asked questions, click here.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are hosting Virtual Stories with Santa on select evenings in December. The story time sessions are free and will be winter-themed, read by Santa himself!
The story times take place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at either 6:00pm or 7:00pm.
The featured stories are Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story written and illustrated by Salina Yoon. This story will be read in Tuesday sessions. Snowmen at Night written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner, will be read in Thursday and Friday sessions.
Although the event is free, you must register a date and time to receive the link. You can register and read more about the events on their website here.