One Book, One Community

Reserve your spot now to participate in the 2010 One Book, One Community History Book Discussion. This year's title is For the Love of Murphy's by Jason Togyer. It is the behind-the-counter story of a great American retailer. G. C. Murphy Company was headquartered in McKeesport and had a huge presence in Western Pennsylvania.

Five-and-ten stores were immensely popular in the twentieth century, selling cheap, dependable good to people from all walks of life. Though not the largest store chain, nor the first, G. C. Murphy's is remembered today as a commercial trailblazer, a corporation run with honesty and integrity, and, at its peak, a retailer with more than 500 stores.

Participation in the One Book, One Community History Book Discussion is free, but pre-registration is required to reserve a copy of the book to read prior to the discussion. The discussion will be lead by a moderator from the Westmoreland Heritage. It will be held at the library on Wednesday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to register for a free bus trip to meet the author and visit the McKeesport Heritage Center on Saturday, August 28th.

The One Book, One community History Book Discussion program is sponsored by the Westmoreland Federated Library System and Westmoreland Heritage.

Re-Readables Gift Certificates Now Available

Get Mom a gift certificate from Re-Readables, Ligonier Valley Library's bookstore. Certificates are available in $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 amounts. Call ahead (724-238-6451) for a custom designed certificate for a specific amount or special occasion.

Re-Readables is operated by volunteers and features gently-used donated books, DVDs, videos, audio-books and magazines. All proceeds benefit library operations.

Coal & Coke Industry of the Ligonier Valley

The Pennsylvania Room will host a program titled, A Brief History of Mine Lighting presented by Gil Flint on Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.

"From the days of oil-soaked reed lights up to our modern Flame-Safety-Lamps, gradual developments have continually improved light and safety in the mining industry."

Retired mining engineer Gil Flint will discuss the history of lighting in the underground areas where coal is mined and the advances in lighting technology which allow miners to see and remain relatively safe.

Mr. Flint has loaned some of his extensive collection of mine lamps and other artifacts for the Coal and Coke in the Ligonier Valley exhibit currently on display in the Pennsylvania Room.

Wednesday's program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Sand Pail Basket Raffle

A variety of beach bucket gift baskets are being raffled to raise funds for library operations. The baskets are currently on display at the library. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the library through the end of May. Winners will be announced on June 1.