Are you a music lover always on the hunt for a new artist, song, or genre? Have you ever thought about learning to play an instrument—or introducing your child (or yourself!) to the joy of making music? Libraries offer countless ways to explore, create, and celebrate music at every age. Here are just a few of the many reasons. 

• Music is available in various formats by checking the online catalog. For instance, the Beatles Abbey Road is available on CD and vinyl. Depending on the artist, some music may also be available on cassette.
• Digital music content is available on Hoopla and discography, biography and genre charts are accessible in the AllMusic database. These are both free in the eLibrary for cardholders.
• The Library of Things offers a wealth of musical instruments and players for entertainment and enjoyment. There are different types of guitars and ukuleles to auto harp and dulcimer. Additionally, CD and record players are also available. Restrictions may apply to these items, so visit your local library to learn more.
• Libraries also offer musical programming. It may vary depending on the location and intended age group. For example, Mt. Lebanon Public Library offers Guitar Class for Adults and Musical Moments Storytime among other programs; Robinson Township Library offers Musical Storytime; Monroeville Public Library offers Music with Grammy Sue; and Shaler North Hills Library offers Musical Moments Storytime. 
• Continue to watch library calendars for special partnerships and collaborations with local music organizations or school bands and choirs that also enhance the programming offered within this genre.  

This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield highlights music in the library, specifically at Cooper-Siegel Community Library. To watch the full segment, click here. The book for this month’s segment is Because of Winn-Dixie, a beloved children’s classic that recently celebrated 25 years. It is a perfect read-a-loud about friendship, community and overcoming your past. Check ACLA Youth Services on Facebook for a parent tip sheet regarding this book. 

See full job posting below:

 The circulation clerk position is part-time – currently hiring for Mondays, 9-5, Wednesdays 2-7 PM, and 2 or 3 Saturdays per month. The candidate selected will need to obtain PA Child Abuse/FBI Clearances and successfully pass a criminal background check. Paid time off given after the successful completion of the 90 probationary period.  Starting pay is $15/hour.

 To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Diane Illis, Director at [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

katrina intro TK

–Katrina Mink, BSW/MSW, Social Work in Libraries Program Coordinator

Maddie Gonzalez, CLP – Hill District

What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?

I am currently a senior at the University of Pittsburgh working towards a bachelors in Social Work. I also worked in customer service, as a swim instructor with children, and a peer mentor at the Jewish Community Center!

What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?

I have been very fortunate to have traveled around and experienced many different cultures and ways of life. This has shaped my perspective on meeting people where they are at in life, and understanding different life philosophies. My work with neurodivergent children and teens navigating their transitional years has taught me valuable skills that I can apply to my work meeting with members of the library community.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

I believe in the good and important work of the public library system. Libraries are valuable spaces for the community to connect, share resources, learn, and relax. I personally feel connected to the libraries, and I wanted to share in that comfort with others!

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

A social worker’s presence in the library is so useful for meeting people who may require assistance, but do not know where to begin. That’s what I love about being in the library! I also understand that sometimes, all people need is to chat with a member of their community. That’s what I think is most special about this program. I have the opportunity to just be available for the people around me!

McKay Brooks, Andrew Carnegie Free Library

What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?

Political science and peace and justice studies bachelor’s degree. I had interned as a legislative intern at the Utah State Legislature, and as a research assistant for the public policy institute at my university.

What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?

A lot of the principles for peace building discussed in my undergraduate degree are the same principles we use in social work practice.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

I was drawn to libraries as public institutions and community hubs.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

Social workers help libraries more effectively meet the material needs of their patrons in addition to the higher level needs they fulfill through community activities and educational resources.

The Allegheny County Library Association launched its first book vending machine at the Allegheny County Jail in June. The initiative strives to provide all kids with access to books, including those that might be in a tough situation. Since then, the organization has added book vending machines in other locations that might be difficult or challenging spaces for a child or teen, including Allegheny County Family Court, Jeremiah’s Place and The Children’s Home. 

Any child or teen visiting that visits these spaces receives a token to choose a free book from the book vending machine. The book selection includes a variety of classics (Goodnight Moon, Because of Winn-Dixie), formats (picture books, graphic novels, chapter books) and titles where the child or teen might see themselves reflected in the main character as noted in more detail below. 

• Allegheny County Jail: This book vending machine features three titles with an incarcerated parent, a title in Spanish and did have autographed editions of Wicked Marigold by local author, Caroline Carlson.  

• Allegheny County Family Courts: This book vending machine features titles with characters experiencing foster care, adoption, and divorce, while also highlighting the diversity of families.  

• Children’s Home of Pittsburgh: This book vending machine features titles with characters in foster care or medical challenges, as well as books that prompt the reader to experience the story in other ways, such as touch, high contrast or sound. 

• Jeremiah’s Place: This book vending machine is board books and picture books since the primary audience is 5 and under. 

The hope is that these books are a bright spot for children in what might be an unknown time. 

This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield will highlight an update on the book vending machines with representatives from the Allegheny County Library Association, Allegheny County Jail and Jeremiah’s Place. To watch the full segment, click here. The book for this month’s segment is A Book of Maps for You, a picture book written and told from a child’s perspective to the child moving into their old house. Check ACLA Youth Services on Facebook for a parent tip sheet regarding this book. 

Learn more about book vending machines by following ACLA Youth Services on Facebook. 

Whether you kicked off the New Year with goals, resolutions, 26 in 2026, or a word of the year, Allegheny County libraries have the resources (all free!) to help you be your best self in 2026—with your library card as a passport to possibility. Here are just a few examples. 

READ MORE: Try an eBook or audio book from Libby or Hoopla. Join a book club at the library, such as the Cook the Book Potluck at Avalon Public Library. Participate in a reading challenge, like the Winter Reading Challenge at Scott Township Public Library. 

GET HEALTHY: Learn about new cuisines, different diets, or how to cook by checking out cookbooks. Try different forms of exercise by checking out workout DVDs. Attend a program like exercise class at Shaler North Hills Library. Borrow fitness equipment, such as resistance bands from the Library of Things. 

FIND A HOBBY: Peruse the Library of Things for items to support hobbies, like a bird watching kit or knitting machine. Find inspiration by attending arts and crafts classes using CreateBug on the eLibrary. Inquire whether your local library has a MakerSpace with open hours to use the sewing machine, Cricut and other resources, such as Oakmont Carnegie Library and Monroeville Public Library. 

MANAGE FINANCES: Find tax forms. Attend a program, like Fraud Prevention at Whitehall Public Library. Use databases like Morningstar and Financial Fit in the eLibrary. 

EXPLORE: Check out a nature backpack (keyword nature backpack in the catalog) and explore local greenspaces or an experience kit to visit local historic sites. Use your library card to obtain a RAD Pass for local arts and entertainment destinations. 

REDUCE SCREEN TIME: Play board games and do puzzles (all available to check out). Attend a family storytime or program, like the Block Party at Sewickley Public Library.  

VOLUNTEER: Give by donating your time and talents as a library board member or friend of the library. Learn more about the Talent Bank and complete the form to be connected to a local library in your comment.  

This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield highlights some of these topics. To watch the full segment, click here. The book for this month’s segment is Tidy Up Your Life: Make Space for What Matters by Tyler Moore, a perfect title to kick-off for the New Year, when everything might seem a little cluttered, including life. Here is a link to discussion questions. 

What are you waiting for? Visit the library today and get started on your year!

This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield features the Whitehall Public Library. To watch the full segment, click here and learn how the Whitehall Library, with the Allegheny County Library Association, is offering up more than just books to its readers, both young and old.

“We have something for everybody, but our seniors are a group that desperately need some of that help,” said Whitehall Public Library director Anthony DeMinico. “Whether it is tech support, learning how to use a computer, or even just internet access in general, we have that taken care of. We also work with the local senator and state representative’s offices to have satellite hours to provide assistance with anything from rent rebate forms to the transit access pass.”

The library also offers a variety of social and entertainment programs based in their Second Chapter cafe. Programs include movie and craft programs, which allow seniors an opportunity to make connections and engage in community life.

“In addition to the movies and craft programs, we also have our financial literacy programs in 2026,” said Quinn Schleider, Whitehall Public Library’s adult services coordinator. “That includes fraud prevention, social security and trusts, long term care planning.”

The Whitehall Public Library has a lot on offer for seniors, but one library can’t do it all. As part of the Allegheny County Library Association, county residents can benefit from resources at any of our 46 member libraries and more than 70 locations.

“Even if [your local library] doesn’t have the exact service or resource you’re looking for, they will know who else to reach out to,” DeMinico said. “We are always partnering with other nonprofits, local churches, and other groups that might have something you need.”

Visit aclalibraries.org to find your local library and view an upcoming calendar of events at libraries across the county.