• Skip to main content
Peters Township Public Library Logo
  • Catalog
  • My Account
  • Donate
  • Home
  • Services
    • Library Cards & Borrowing
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Print & Copy Services
    • Other Library Services
  • Explore
    • Youth Services
    • Makerspace
    • PTPL Archives
    • Memory Lab
    • Seed Library
  • Events & Programs
    • Events Calendar
    • Summer Reading 2025
    • Reading Challenges
    • Read Local Eat Local
    • Library News
    • Book Clubs
    • Novel November
    • Program Proposal Request
  • Resources
    • Digital Media
    • Resources – A to Z
    • Resources – By Subject
    • Resources – Youth Services
  • About Us
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Hours & Location
    • Library Administration & Mission
    • History & Timeline
  • Support Us
    • Donate Now
    • Ways to Donate
    • Peters Township Library Foundation
    • Open Bookstore
    • Volunteer
    • Cart/Checkout
Peters Township Public Library Logo
  • Catalog
  • Account
  • Donate
  • Home
  • Services
    • Library Cards & Borrowing
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Print & Copy Services
    • Other Library Services
  • Explore
    • Youth Services
    • Makerspace
    • PTPL Archives
    • Memory Lab
    • Seed Library
  • Events & Programs
    • Events Calendar
    • Summer Reading 2025
    • Reading Challenges
    • Read Local Eat Local
    • Library News
    • Book Clubs
    • Novel November
    • Program Proposal Request
  • Resources
    • Digital Media
    • Resources – A to Z
    • Resources – By Subject
    • Resources – Youth Services
  • About Us
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Hours & Location
    • Library Administration & Mission
    • History & Timeline
  • Support Us
    • Donate Now
    • Ways to Donate
    • Peters Township Library Foundation
    • Open Bookstore
    • Volunteer
    • Cart/Checkout

News

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Author Panel

January 7, 2025 by Sydney Krawiec

Join five local Fantasy and Sci-Fi authors as they share information about their craft and answer questions from the audience. A panel discussion will be followed by light refreshments, book signings, and opportunities to purchase books from authors.

1 to 2 p.m., Panel Discussion – Limited Seating, Click here to register online (starting Feb. 1) to reserve your seat.

2 to 3 p.m., Book Signing & Reception

View the Authors and their works below.

Joshua David Bellin

Pittsburgh native Joshua David Bellin has been writing novels since he was eight years old (though the first few were admittedly very short). A college teacher by day, he has published numerous sci-fi novels, including the Survival Colony 9 series, the Ecosystem series, and the time-travel thriller Myriad. His published works are characterized by immersive world-building, intricate plotting, and shocking conclusions. As a publisher, he has produced the three volumes in the Accidental Time Travelers Collective series, each of which features 12 time-travel-themed short stories by an international group of authors.

Josh is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). A popular speaker at conferences and book festivals, he mentors aspiring authors in a variety of genres, including speculative fiction, literary fiction, and Young Adult fiction. Catch up with Josh on his website, where you can subscribe to his monthly e-newsletter: https://joshuadavidbellin.blogspot.com/

Frederic S. Durbin

FREDERIC S. DURBIN studied mythology, classical languages, and English literature at Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois, and graduated summa cum laude. For over twenty years, he taught ESL and creative writing at Japan’s Niigata University. He has been professionally writing fantasy for grownups and children for over twenty-five years. His short work has appeared in Cricket, Cicada, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Weird Tales, Black Gate, and in various anthologies. His first novel, Dragonfly, was published first by Arkham House in 1999. His most recent, A Green and Ancient Light (Saga Press) received the Realm Award for Fantasy and was named a Best Fantasy of the Year by Publishers Weekly and a Reading List Honor Book by the American Library Association. His historical fantasy The Country Under Heaven (Melville House) is forthcoming in May and was placed by Publishers Weekly on its Top Ten picks for speculative fiction books to watch for in Spring 2025. Durbin co-edited the five-volume Cold Hard Type fiction anthology series (Loose Dog Press) and teaches creative writing at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. He and his wife live in western Pennsylvania.

J.V. Hilliard

Born of steel, fire and black wind, J.V. Hilliard was raised as a highlander in the foothills of a once-great mountain chain on the confluence of the three mighty rivers that forged his realm’s wealth and power for generations.

His father, a peasant twerg, toiled away in industries of honest labor and instilled in him a work ethic that would shape his destiny. His mother, a local healer, cared for his elders and his warrior uncle, who helped to raise him during his formative years. His genius brother, whose wizardly prowess allowed him to master the art of the abacus and his own quill, trained with him for battles on fields of green and sheets of ice.
Hilliard’s earliest education took place in his warrior uncle’s tower, where he learned his first words. HIs uncle helped him to learn the basics of life—and, most importantly, creative writing.

Hilliard’s training and education readied him to lift a quill that would scribe the tale of the realm of Warminster, filled with brave knights, harrowing adventure and legendary struggles. He lives in the city of silver cups, hypocycloids and golden triangles with his wife, a ranger of the diamond. They built their castle not far into the countryside, guarded by his own two horsehounds, Thor and MacLeod, and resides there to this day.

Larry Ivkovich

Larry Ivkovich’s speculative fiction has been published in twenty-five online and print publications including Zombies Need Brains, Shoreline of Infinity, Air and Nothingness Press, and Flame Tree Publishing. He’s been a finalist in the L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest and was the 2010 recipient of the CZP/Rannu Fund award for fiction.

His four-part urban fantasy series, The Spirit Winds Quartet, is published by IFWG Publishing, and steampunk inspired SF novella, Hope’s Song, was released by IFWG in 2024. The first two books in his self-published science fiction series, The Magus Star Trilogy, are available on Amazon.
Larry is a member of SFWA, Pennwriters, and the Mindful Writers North. He lives in Coraopolis, PA with his beautiful, multi-talented wife Martha and wonder cat Milo.

Jamie Lackey

Jamie Lackey lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and their cats. She has had over 200 short stories published in places like Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, and Escape Pod. She has a novella and two short story collections available from Air and Nothingness Press, and she’s created six successful crowdfunding campaigns to self-publish a novel, two novellas, a novelette, and three short story collections. In addition to writing, she spends her time reading, playing tabletop RPGs, baking, mushroom hunting, and hiking. You can find her online at www.jamielackey.com.

Filed Under: News

World War I Program Series

August 29, 2024 by Sydney Krawiec

Update November 6, 2024: Visit the upstairs display table to view artifacts and items related to World War I. The items on display are courtesy of local resident Dennis Glover.

Local resident Dennis Glover provided World War I artifacts and items for a historical display.

Join us as we delve into the rich history of World War One with a series of engaging and informative events. This year marks the 110th* anniversary of the Christmas Truce, an unofficial and spirited cease-fire that occurred along the Western Front during World War I. Explore the Great War with us this year as we delve into personal stories, genealogy, the war at home, and a culminating talk with Todd DePastino on the events of the Christmas Truce. Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this pivotal period, there will be something for everyone.

Registration is requested for these programs, which typically open four weeks before the program’s date and time. Please click the links below or visit our event calendar to learn more.

  • WWI Strange, Interesting, & Unusual Facts, 10/17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Discover WWI: Solider Footlocker, 11/6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • WWI General Pershing, 11/18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • WWI Genealogy Searches, 11.21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Victory Gardens, 11/25, 6 to 7 p.m.
  • The 1914 Christmas Truce, 12/5, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

 

The library is also planning a Pearl Harbor remembrance event and collecting stories as part of the event. If you have a family story, either veteran or civilian, that you would like to share, please contact Sydney at the library. The program is planned for Saturday, December 7, with more information to come.

*Previous publications incorrectly stated it as the 90th Anniversary.

Filed Under: News

2024 Tween and Teen Writing Contest Winners Announced

May 16, 2024 by Beth May

The Youth Services Department held its second annual Tween and Teen Writing Contest this spring, capped with a reception honoring all participants on May 7 at the library.

This year’s theme challenged writers to explore the word “hidden.” From hidden identities to secret agents, from hidden worlds to secret crushes, the 12 teens and nine tweens entering the contest addressed the theme in a variety of creative ways. Judges–including library staff, published authors, and Peters Township Library Foundation members–scored entries based creativity, technique and theme.

Over 50 participants, family members and friends gathered at the May 7th reception for prizes, refreshments and the announcement of winners. The top two winners in each category read an excerpt of their entries at the reception and received gift baskets.

Plans are in the works for a third annual writing contest in 2025.

Select the writer’s name below to read their entry.  

Tweens:
Grand-prize winner: Dora Liu
Runner-up: Andrew Bricker

Teens:
Grand-prize winner: Eleanor Gorman
Runner-up: Hannah Crnkovich
Runner-up: Gloria Patts

Tween Participants:
Cecelia Borsani
Gemma Clark
Vijval Satheesh Kumar
Gabriella Lamb
Alaina Petrovich
Amelia Sharker

Teen Participants:
Ella Clapp
Claire Henry
Ari Nakao
Autumn Prisk
Ella Prisk 
Elivia Shaffer

Filed Under: All Ages, Announcements, News, Teens

Summer Reading 2024

May 15, 2024 by Sydney Krawiec

UPDATE: The PT Summer Scavenger Hunt is ready for you! Explore the township in the sequential scavenger hunt through the month of July. The first clue is in Beanstack of you can go to ptlib.org/ab11 to get started.

A summer of adventure is here at the PT Library! Readers of all ages can participate in library programs and log their reading through Beanstack to earn prizes. Join us at our Summer Reading Kickoff Party for all ages on Saturday, June 1! Preregistration is open on Beanstack starting May 15, and logging of activities and books begins June 1. 

Read the quick FAQ below to learn more about summer reading at PTPL. We are also hosting a summer reading info session on May 23. 

Who can participate in summer reading?
-Our summer reading program is for all ages, from birth to adult!

When is the Summer Reading program?
-Summer Reading runs for 10 weeks from June 1 through August 10.

How much do I have to read?
-Different age levels have different goals for the summer
—Birth to PreK: 200 books, an average of 3 books a day
—K to 2nd Grade: 1500 minutes, an average of 25 minutes a day
—3rd to 6th Grade: 2500 minutes, an average of 40 minutes a day
—7th to 12th Grade: 3000 pages, an average of 45 pages a day
—Adult Readers: The more the merrier!

How do I log my reading?
-Readers can join their age-specific reading challenges on the Beanstack app and log books on mobile devices or online. Paper trackers are also available by request.

Is there more than just reading?
-Yes! Look for activities and challenges in Beanstack that award badges and points for attending library programs and checking out community events. You can view library programs on our event calendar.

How do I win prizes?
-Youth Readers earn points by logging their reading and completing activities. A halfway prize is ready when they reach the halfway point goal. Readers who complete the challenge are entered to win an end-of-summer prize basket.
-Adult Readers earn a prize when they get a bingo. They also earn virtual tickets by completing activities and logging their reads. Tickets can be entered through Beanstack to win prizes, which will be drawn at the end of the summer.

Filed Under: News

Update: Bookmark Contest Winners!

April 3, 2024 by Sydney Krawiec

Congratulations to all of our Bookmark Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who participated! The library received 135 entries to our first-ever bookmark contest. A team of judges from the library and 84 Lumber Sign Shop picked 2 winners and 2 runners up for each of the 4 age categories. The runners up received a pack of their bookmarks and a certificate of recognition. Winners also received a certificate, a pack of their bookmarks, and an acrylic award designed by the team at 84 Lumber Sign Shop. All entries will be displayed in the Youth Services Department, and copies of the 16 finalists’ designs are available at the library this summer, so come grab a bookmark and read with us!

PreK-2nd Winning Designs
Winners: Felicity W. & Cora J.
Runners Up: Lucy D. & Annmarie S.

3rd-5th Winning Designs
Winners: Alexandra H. & Cecelia B.
Runners Up: Alaina M. & Vivianna W.

6th-12th Winning Designs
Winners: Ashley H. & Autumn P.
Runners Up: Claire S. & Richa K.

Adult Winning Designs
Winners: Erin G. & Allyson W.
Runners Up: Megan M. & Bill S.

Thank you again to everyone who participated and to the 84 Lumber SIgn Shop for designing, printing, and making this contest possible!

 

The Peters Township Public Library is launching a Bookmark Contest to celebrate National Library Week. We invite creative individuals of all ages, from PreK to Adults, to design a bookmark to celebrate the Summer Reading program’s theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”

Entries will be judged based on the prompt “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Participants can create their designs by hand or digitally. A panel of judges comprising library staff, board members, PTL Foundation members, and 84 Lumber staff will select the winners. The library should receive entries by May 1, 2024, and participants can drop off their forms at the library during open hours or email their digital artwork to skrawiec@pt-library.org.

Participants are allowed to submit only one entry, and they must possess a WAGGIN Library Card to be eligible to win. All entries become the property of the Peters Township Public Library, and only original characters and creations are allowed. Copyrighted characters and images are not permitted. Incomplete forms will be disqualified.

Click here to view the entry form online as a PDF
or visit the library to get your entry form!

The winners will be announced on Saturday, June 1, at 11:30 am at the Summer Reading Kickoff. One winner and two honorable mentions will be selected for each category, and the library will display the winners and honorable mentions’ designs throughout the summer. The winners will receive a commemorative award and copies of their bookmarks. Winning designs will also be printed and available at the library throughout the summer.

This contest is sponsored by the 84 Lumber Sign Shop. The Sign Shop provides graphic design, printing services, promotion, and awards for this contest.

Filed Under: News

2024 Teen and Tween Writing Contest Announced

February 6, 2024 by Lacey Love

The library is holding its second annual teen and tween writing contest this spring. This year’s theme is “Hidden.” Entrants can submit an original work of fiction between March 15 and April 15. A panel of judges will score each entry based on three main criteria:

~ Creativity/Originality
~ Technique
~ Theme

Winners will be announced at a library reception on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. Families and friends are encouraged to attend this event, which will include light refreshments and recognition of all contest participants.

Click here to register for the reception.
Click here for contest entry form and rules.

Contact Beth May at emay@ptlibrary.org with questions about the contest, or if you’re interesting in joining one of our tween or teen writing groups.

Filed Under: News

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 21
  • Go to Next Page »

Let's Stay In Touch

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Never miss a beat at the PT Library with our email newsletter!

SUBSCRIBE!

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm
Friday: 9 am to 4 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Address

616 E. McMurray Road
McMurray, Pennsylvania 15317

Phone

724.941.9430

We are a . . .

WAGGIN Library
WCLS Library
PA Forward Gold Star Library
Supporter of PT Character Counts

Power Library Logo

We are members of the . . .

McMurray Rotary
PT Chamber of Commerce

© 2020 Peters Township Public Library. All Rights Reserved.