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Sewickley Public Library

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Last Chance: Deadline for National Novel Writing Month is Today

The writing project challenges teens to complete an entire novel in just 30 days.

Here's the challenge: successfully complete the seemingly impossible task of writing a novel in just one month. The Sewickley Public Library, Penguin Bookshop and the Sewickley Valley YMCA OASIS programs are teaming up in November to present National Novel Writing Month for teens to help do just that in conjunction with NaNoWriMo. "This November, we aim to help young writers develop and hone their craft by encouraging them to try writing an entire novel in 30 days," said Emily Fear, teen librarian. The program is in conjunction with the official NaNoWriMo organization and its Young Writers Program. Teens who take on the annual November novel writing project get to lock away their inner editors, let their imaginations take over, and just …

Stephanie Brea Talks Creative Writing, Courage and Community

Stephanie Brea of Word Farm Workshops helps students develop writing skills and techniques. She is slated to participate in the upcoming National Novel Writing Month. talks creative writing, Word Farm Workshops and the Young Writer's Program.

Stephanie Brea of Word Farm Workshops works to grow young writers and sprout creative communities. She is also one of the writing professionals pegged to help teens hone their writing skills this year as part of the National Novel Writing Month for teens. Brea will take part in the kickoff event Thursday at the Sewickley Public Library. She will also offer guidance on Nov. 8 during a second week writing session at Penguin Bookshop.  Patch recently had the opportunity to interview Stephanie Brea about her love of writing and the Young Writer's Program, an initiative in conjunction with the official NaNoWriMo. Here's what she had to say.    PATCH: Who inspired you or started you writing? What helped shape your writing style?  I have been …

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Union Aid Society Begins Annual Community Thanksgiving Program

Pluck a “turkey” from a gift tree and purchase a grocery store gift card to benefit a family or individual in need.

The Union Aid Society is organizing its annual Thanksgiving food program for 2012.  Participating is easy. Simply pluck a “turkey” from a gift tree and purchase a grocery store gift card to benefit a family or individual in need. Union Aid Society is counting on the continued generosity of the community to help neighbors this holiday season. “Turkey Trees” will be located this season at the Sewickley Valley YMCA, the Sewickley Public Library, the Ultimate Pastry Shop and Safran’s Supermarket. The trees will be in place through Nov. 10. Send donations by Nov. 10 to the Union Aid Society office, 601 Thorn St., Sewickley, PA 15143. Donations can also be made online by clicking here. The Union Aid Society is a local non-profit that has been …

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Savoring Sewickley Dishes Out Culinary Delights at Annual Library Fundraiser

About a dozen chefs have confirmed for Savoring Sewickley, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Sewickley Public Library.

If you don't have tickets, it's not too late to get them for the 13th annual Savoring Sewickley event at the Sewickley Public Library.  The culinary extravaganza, hosted by the Friends of the Sewickley Public Library, runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, and includes some of Sewickley's finest chefs and caterers.  More than a dozen will serve up one or two--and in some cases three--of their signature dishes for guests to sample at the annual dining fundraiser.  "It's just one of the most fun evenings that I know of in the community," said Wayne T. Murphy, president of the library's Board of Trustees. "It's just a delightful evening."  The theme of this year's event celebrates the library's four-star status. Murphy said the Sewickley …

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Fall Gallery Walk: A Night for Artists and Art Lovers in Sewickley

The annual Gallery Walk continues today in downtown Sewickley.

A decent crowd came out Friday night to visit the exhibited works of some talented artitsts as part of Sewickley's Fall Gallery Walk. Timothy Hadfield of the Sewickley Arts Initiative, said 115 people came through the gallery doors to see SAI's Rebound exhibit about halfway through the evening.  Some of the artists included Lily Hoy of Pittsburgh and Margaret Hollander of Sewickley, whose books of art are included as part of "Rebound: Reconceptualizing Our Notion of the Physical Book." Hollander's book is made from sheets of mica and uses print, feathers and ferns to give it a certain touch. One of Hoy's books is made from recycled materials, and another "Words for Women," includes drawers. She said the book was crafted as a joke between …

Friday, September 28, 2012

Art, Art and More Art: Sewickley's Fall Gallery Walk is Here

Gallery spaces on the annual walk include International Images, Ltd., Big Bang Comics and Collectibles, and SAI's 'Rebound' in the former Chico's space..

Sewickley's Fall Gallery Walk takes place on Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29 though exhibits are ongoing throughout the month. Here is a list of galleries to visit on this year's walk:   "Rebound: Reconceptualizing Our Notion of the Physical Book."  An opening reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 419 Beaver St., the former Chico's store in Sewickley. Regular exhibit hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 6.  SAI, in partnership with the Sewickley Public Library and in cooperation with the Penguin Bookstore., will present "Rebound," works of art in book form. The exhibit explores the future of the printed book in today's digital age of the e-book, when it takes a…

Banned Books Week: What You Need to Know

Censorship is alive and well, as highlighted by Banned Books Week—and you might be surprised by who the most vocal challengers of books are.

The importance of the First Amendment and the concept of "intellectual freedom" might not always be readily apparent to most kids, but Banned Books Week is a great opportunity to make those lessons come alive for children—and adults. Banned Books Week is held annually during the last week of Sept. (Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2012). The week is an occasion for libraries and bookstores across the U.S. to help folks realize just how real and ongoing a problem censorship is. Sewickley Public Library and Penguin Bookshop are celebrating Banned Books Week by spotlighting actual or attempted book bans in the U.S.The library has a display case of books that include a list of titles to highlight some banned or challenged books. More than 11,000 books have …

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Larissa Dudkiewicz

10:07 am on Friday, September 28, 2012

Bridge to Terabithia was taken out of New Brighton fifth grade classrooms some years back because of profanity.   more ›

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Holy Smokes, Batman—It's National Comic Book Day 2012!

Whether you love Spiderman, X-Men or Batman, be sure to geek out with your favorite comics on this holiday.

To all of those who believe in Harvey Dent and Gotham City, rejoice. September 25 is National Comic Book Day. This is a day for people of all ages to enjoy, since the first-ever comic book superhero made his first appearance in 1938. While some characters have new looks, and some of their storylines have changed completely, comic enthusiasts can still share their love of their favorite characters, old and new. This geeky holiday is a great time for comic fans to honor their superhero, heroine or villain’s best stories.  Big Bang Comics and Collectibles has a wide selection of the latest comics, magazines, books, collectibles, novelties, toys and statues. Stop by the store at 437 Broad St. during the hours of noon to 7 p.m. and take your …

Friday, September 14, 2012

GET OUT

Get Out: Music Festival, Snow White or Jersey Boys

It's Friday and Patch has some picks for how to spend your weekend.

It's Friday and you need a few good ideas for your weekend. Patch has you covered.  Snow White and the Huntsman When/Where: noon Friday, Sept. 14 at the Sewickley Public Library.   Why Go: This film is the latest twist in several versions of the classic tale. And what better movie than one with a cast that includes Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.  Admission: Free.    Play Bridge at the YMCA When/Where: 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at the Sewickley Valley YMCA.  Why Go: Enjoy stratified open pair game with snacks, hot beverages and desserts. First and second overall winners receive cash awards. Admission: $6   Fern Hollow's 11th Annual Fall Music Festival When/Where: 3 p.m. Saturday at Fern Hollow Nature …

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Viewfinder

Loving Legos: Sewickley Public Library Hosts Lego Building Extravaganza

Wednesday's Lego building challenges promotes childhood creativity and innovation.

Twenty two children and their parents stopped by the Sewickley Public Library Wednesday night for a Lego-building extravaganza. The library provided the Lego bricks and welcomed children to also bring their own from home. Whether a robot or giraffe, a tiger or a dinosaur, all of the children put inspiration and imagination for each creation.  Dani Danylo, children's librarian, said the hands-on program was the first to be offered this summer and Wednesday's proved to be a success. She said the library will likely host another in the coming months, possibly in October. In addition to Lego, coloring activities, snacks, and Lego-related library materials were also provided.  -- Click through the photo gallery! Did you build an interesting …

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