News

“The Gallery” Photography Exhibit returns

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The Peters Township High School Photography Classes will exhibit their work in the main lobby of the library from March 9 through 23 during library hours. “The Gallery” is a display of hundreds of student photographs from the classes and club at the high school.  An opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  All are welcome to attend.

Matted photographs and canvases will be on display. The Photography Club officers include President Ashley Lesniakowski, and Board Members Tessa Beaumariage, Emily DeNunzio, Lindsay Pendergast, Samantha Szewczyk and Cassidy Tom.

For more information about “The Gallery,” contact the club sponsor, Erin Boni, at bonie@pt-sd.org.

Solving Crimes with Forensic Science

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With the help of DNA forensics, the 1979 murder of a secretary is solved 34 years later using evidence that had been stored for more than three decades.  What sounds like a plot from an episode of CSI:Crime Scene Investigation is actually a true story detailed in the book Justice Delayed: The Catherine Janet Walsh Story by Dr. Steve Hallock.

The Peters Township Public Library will welcome Dr. Hallock, Dr. Raymond Hsieh and students from the California University of Pennsylvania Forensic Science Club for a captivating evening to discuss Justice Delayed: Solving Crimes with Forensic Science on Thursday, March 2 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Register online or call 724.941.9430 #1 to attend. A book signing will follow the program. Due to the nature of this topic, this program will contain images that some viewers may find disturbing.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. members of the Forensic Science Club from California University of PA will demonstrate fingerprint techniques and present multiple panels on the topics of Digital Forensics, Forensic Anthropology, Crime Scene Imaging, Forensic Pathology, Cold Cases, and Evidence Collection and Preservation. The displays will be available to view following the program.

Dr. Steve Hallock, author of the book Justice Delayed: The Catherine Janet Walsh Story, will speak about the effects of murder on a small close-knit community of friends, relatives and neighbors in Monaca, PA. Dr. Hallock is director of the graduate studies program for the School of Communication at Point Park University and has a Ph.D. in Journalism from Ohio University.

Dr. Raymond Hsieh will discuss the role of Forensic Science in solving the Janet Catherine Walsh case. Dr. Hsieh will explain what makes up trace evidence and biological evidence. Dr. Hsieh is a Professor in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science at California University of Pennsylvania and Director of Justice Studies. He is certified as a Computer Forensic Examiner and holds numerous professional forensic certifications.

Angela Novak is President of the California University of Pennsylvania Forensic Science Club and will facilitate the student participation for this event.

PA Forward Star Library Program Launch

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Your Peters Township Public Library is participating in the PA Forward Star Library Program as part of the Pennsylvania Library Association’s 21st Century Literacies Initiative, PA Forward. This statewide initiative places the spotlight on Pennsylvania libraries and the important role our libraries have in the lives of citizens.

We are excited to raise awareness of our programs and offerings that help Pennsylvania citizens improve their command of five types of literacy – basic, information, civic and social, health, and financial. These literacies are essential to greater success in all vital roles of life: as students, as parents, as employees, as consumers, as citizens.

As part of the program, logos on our event flyers and marketing materials will identify which specific literacies the events support. PA Forward encourages all Pennsylvania libraries to use cohesive branding and marketing tools to frame communications to key stakeholders – elected officials, community leaders, donors, patrons, board, Friends, and employees. Libraries use PA Forward’s five literacies as a guiding framework for setting service priorities, identifying potential community and funding partners, structuring strategic plans, and building well-rounded, multi-skilled boards.

We hope you will visit our library to take advantage of our exciting programs and events we have planned for 2017 and become part of moving PA Forward!

About PA Forward

The Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries initiative was conceived to give voice to what the library community already knows, and what other states throughout the nation are also recognizing: With the right support, libraries are ideally positioned to become the community centers of information, technology, and learning that will fuel educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens.

Libraries have moved far beyond just being book repositories. They’re agile institutions serving real-life needs. Libraries can be key to powering progress and elevating the quality of life in PA by fueling the types of knowledge essential to success: Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy.

For more information: PAForward.org; facebook.com/paforward

Take steps NOW for tax filing season

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Get ready today to file your 2016 federal income tax return. Read this information from the IRS web site:

Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

What You Need to Know

  • Processing delays are likely for filers with expired Individual Tax Identification Numbers.
  • There are two reasons an ITIN would expire December 31, 2016:
    • If you have not used your ITIN on a U.S. tax return at least once for tax years 2013, 2014 or 2015 or
    • If your ITIN has the middle digits 78 or 79 (9NN-78-NNNN or 9NN-79-NNNN)

What You Need to Do

  • You can renew your ITIN now if it expired and you plan to use it on a U.S. tax return.
  • No action is needed by expired ITIN holders who don’t need to file a tax return next year.
  • There are new documentation requirements when applying for or renewing an ITIN for certain dependents.
  • To avoid delays, ensure accurate W-7 and valid ID documents are submitted.
  • Find more information at IRS.gov/ITIN.

Refunds

What You Need to Know

  • Expecting a refund? Some refunds must be held until February 15.
    • According to a new tax law change, the IRS cannot issue refunds before February 15 for tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit.
    • This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits.
  • The IRS will begin to release EITC/ACTC refunds starting February 15. However, the IRS cautions taxpayers that these refunds likely won’t arrive in bank accounts or debit cards until the week of February 27. Read more about refund timing for early EITC/ACTC filers.

What You Need to Do

  • Be careful not to count on getting a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying other financial obligations.
  • You don’t need to wait until February 15 to file your tax return. While the IRS must hold the refund until February 15, it will begin taking the steps it normally does to process your tax return once the filing season starts.
  • File a complete and accurate return and include all known refundable credits with your original return.
  • Check Where’s My Refund on IRS.gov or the IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, after February 15 for your personalized refund status.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

What You Need to Know

  • Some taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need to know their 2015 Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, to e-file their 2016 tax return.
  • When self-preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return by entering your prior-year AGI or your prior-year Self-Select PIN. Using an electronic filing PIN is no longer an option.

What You Need to Do

  • If you have a copy of your 2015 federal income tax return, your AGI is on line 37 of the Form 1040; line 21 on the Form 1040-A or line 4 on the Form 1040-EZ.x
  • Learn more about how to verify your identity and electronically sign your tax return at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.

Protecting Taxpayers

What You Need to Know

  • To better protect taxpayers, the IRS recently upgraded its identity verification process for certain online self-help tools. The purpose is to prevent taxpayer impersonations and account takeovers by identity thieves.

What You Need to Do

  • Because the Secure Access platform is more rigorous, it helps if you prepare to register in advance.
  • The new authentication is currently being applied to Get Transcript Online.

IRS Help

What You Need to Know

  • All IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers now operate by appointment only.
  • Many questions can be resolved on the IRS.gov website without visiting a TAC.

What You Need to Do

  • Start with IRS.gov for help including tools, filing options and other services and resources.
  • If you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone, always check IRS.gov for days and hours of service as well as services offered at the IRS TAC location you plan to visit. For most services you must call to make an appointment.

“Mother Earth” Pallet Tree Raffle

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You still have a few days left to purchase raffle tickets to win this lovely “Mother Earth” Christmas Tree hand built from pallets by Jackie Hlavinka and decorated by the Lexington Court Garden Club. Tickets are $3 each or 2/$5.00 at the Circulation Desk.

The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, December 13. Help will be available to take apart the tree for easy transport. The winner will receive instructions on reassembling the tree as well. All proceeds benefit the library.

3 Ways to Help Your Neighbors

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Peters Township Girl Scout Troup #16241 is collecting food for “Blizzard Bags” from November 28 through December 16 at the library. Peters Township Meals on Wheels provides a ‘Blizzard Bag’ to their clients in the event that meals cannot be delivered. The Girl Scouts are collecting these items to help prepare ‘Blizzard Bags’:

  • Canned Soup
  • Cracker packs
  • Cookie packs (regular & sugar free)
  • Hot Cocoa packets (regular & sugar free)
  • Fruit cups (regular & sugar free)
  • Pudding cups (regular & sugar free)

Peters Township Food Pantry is an extension of the Greater Washington Food Bank serving individuals and families who are financially at a reduced income. Drop off your non-perishable food donations during library hours in the large bin under the main staircase. They are always in need of proteins (peanut butter, tuna, stews) or personal care items (toilet paper, shampoo, paper towels, soap). The PT Food Pantry distributes on the 2nd Friday of the month, which would be Friday, December 9.

Last date to drop-off toys for Washington County Toys for Tots is December 6. The Washington County Toys For Tots was established in 2003 and is a local chapter of the National Toys For Tots Organization. Your generous contribution will help to provide a brighter Christmas season for hundreds of deserving children in our local communities. All toys donated must be new, in unopened original packaging and unwrapped. Visit the Washington County PA Toys for Tots web site for a list of suggested donations for various age groups. If any item requires batteries, please attach the appropriate size and number to the box. The last day for toy drop-offs at the library is Tuesday December 6.