Allegheny County has moved into the yellow phase of reopening. Many of you may be wondering what this means for your Library—and, maybe even more so, your favorite Library program. Though we don’t have a date in mind for reopening, I promise that we are just as eager to see you as you are to see us!
We want everyone to be safe and healthy while in our spaces, though, so our reopening efforts will be slow, deliberate and will occur in stages in accordance with the Commonwealth’s guidelines in order to limit exposure and spread of the virus.
We know that during this time away from the Library, you are still looking for ways to exercise your brain. To exercise your kid’s brain. Or maybe just keep your people occupied while you binge watch your favorite TV show. I get it, trust me (as I write this post with three kids running in a circle around my kitchen table). Luckily, there are a LOT of virtual programs available to help you through.
Below is a list of some of our most popular library programs and a virtual program-alike for you to check out.
FOR KIDS:
If you miss Super Science, you should check out…
Carnegie Science Center’s Read, Watch, Do series where articles, activities, and videos of CSC staff are posted regularly walking families through cool, at home science fun.
Citizen Science Lab’s Zoom Experiment Sessions where elementary and middle school kids have replicated DNA from candy and will learn about rock cycles with crayons. These are live sessions and you can sign up at the website linked above.
If you miss Kids Club, you should check out..
Venture Outdoors Youth Explorer Button Series where kids ages 5-11, and their grownups, have the opportunity to participate in discussions and activities that build skills and earn badges in areas such as First Aid, Nature Mindfulness, and Shelter Building.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s Museum at Home, where kids can follow along with museum staff making a pinata, try out some new ways to say ‘hi’ in the age of social distancing, and even learn how to address an envelope and mail a letter.
And a library resource recommendation…
CLP’s Homework & Testing Help page, where your library card will get you connected with resources like Tutor.com, Science Online, and the Testing & Education Reference Center.
FOR TEENS:
If you miss The Labs, our creative tech programs, check out…
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Summer Studio where youth grades 5-12 will have the opportunity to explore ceramics, photography, digital art and more—online, if necessary—through their world class studio.
Westinghouse Arts Academy’s virtual classes, which offer videos of their instructors and other partners giving lessons on digital photography, jazz dance combinations, board game design, and more.
If you miss Teen Time, check out…
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Creative Connections, where you can learn to draw Japanese Kawaii, follow along with a few Capoeira moves (a type of martial arts that combines dance, acrobatics, culture and music), or practice your acting skills.
If you miss film screenings at the Library, check out…
Steeltown’s Double Feature Movie Club, part of its Steeltown Film Academy youth programming series. Participants will be assigned two movies to watch weekly, one studio and one indie film, and every Friday will meet virtually to discuss the films. Steeltown also offers intermittent film related workshops so keep an eye on their webpage for upcoming offerings.
And a library resource recommendation…
If you’re missing the library as a place to let your creativity flow, check out CreativeBug, an online collection of over 1000 crafting classes available to you with a library card. Try your hand at embroidery, watercolor painting, or even cake decorating. Need a library card to access? Get a library card from home!
FOR ADULTS
If you miss Historical Tours of Main Library, you should check out…
The Frick’s virtual experiences, where you can tour the Car and Carriage Museum, Clayton, the garden, and more, all from the comfort of your home.
If you miss the Annual Seed Swap, you should check out…
Grow Pittsburgh’s 2020 Plant Sale, though due to COVID19, a smaller collection of seedlings than is typical are available. Seedlings will be available daily at the East End Food Co-op.
If you miss language learning classes, you should check out…
The Pittsburgh Spanish Language Meetup Group is providing virtual instruction for everyone from beginners to advanced Spanish language learners.
And a library resource recommendation… even though we can’t be with you in person, take advantage of the Library’s virtual Book a Librarian experience where we’ll help you download an eBook, build a resume, sign up for an email account and more. Contact us via chat, info@carnegielibrary.org, or leave a message at 412-622-3114 to schedule an appointment with a librarian.