Pennsylvania Room Hours

The Pennsylvania Room will have limited hours
during the week of May 10 - 15th.

Please call the library at 724-238-6451,
or ask at the front desk to find out if the room is open.

Thank you!

Beach Bucket Raffle Photo Gallery

As a fundraiser for the Ligonier Valley Library's operation fund, we are raffling 11 themed beach buckets.

All 11 buckets are on display in front of the library's bay window. However, if you want to take a peek right now... visit our Beach Bucket Photo Gallery where you'll find photos of each bucket along with a short description. Click on "Home" at the top of the page to return to the library's home page.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the main circulation desk. For more information on the raffle, please visit the sand bucket raffle's web page.

Raffle ends on May 29th!

Out of the Ground: Western PA's Coal Mining Heritage

Out of the Ground: Western Pennsylvania's Coal Mining Heritage. This program will be presented at tonight, Wednesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. at the Ligonier Valley Library. It is the final presentation held in conjunction with the library's exhibit, Coal and Coke Industry in the Ligonier Valley.

Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator for the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation will present and provide commentary on his acclaimed documentary film about the region's coal mining history and the life of the immigrant mine workers.

The Coal and Coke exhibit will remain on display in the Pennsylvania Room of the library through May 11.

The program and the exhibit are open to the public free of charge.

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.