Greensburg Hempfield Area Library kicks off summer programs with magic show

Greensburg Hempfield Area Library will kick off its summer programs and reading challenge with a magic show today at Greensburg’s St. Clair Park.

Set for 11 a.m., the free kickoff celebration will feature a magic show by Steve Haberman that relates to the library’s summer reading theme, “All Together Now.”

Representatives from the United Way’s “Book Stop” will offer free books to children in attendance.

The library will distribute its “Summer Swag” necklaces to youth ages 3-18.

As the summer progresses, “They get to add special beads to their necklaces to represent each program that they attend,” said Jessica Kiefer, head children’s librarian. “We offer a mini-rubber ducky to children too young for the necklaces.”

This summer’s programs include everything from science and tech story times for preschoolers to family makerspace activities, with sewing and robotics programs among other offerings.

New events include a life-size version of the Clue board game June 13 at the library and a “Then and Now” paint-and-sip program June 28 and 29. On the first day, participants will visit The Westmoreland Museum of American Art to view works depicting Pittsburgh during the Industrial Age; on the second day, they’ll meet at the library to create a painting inspired by the museum’s collection.

Registration is required for both those programs and for many others offered during the summer. Visit the library’s website, ghal.org, and click on the Events heading for more information.

A returning feature that requires no registration is a series of music- and dance-filled shows presented by the local Stage Right performance group. Beginning June 12 and continuing through July, the family-geared shows will be staged at 1 p.m. Mondays at the St. Clair Park amphitheater and at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Hempfield Park amphitheater. There will be no shows on the week of July 3.

The library has summer reading challenges for all ages, supported by the Kiwanis Club of Greensburg. To participate, download the free Beanstack app or create an account by visiting ghal.beanstack.org. By tracking their time spent reading, or by completing certain activities, participants earn virtual badges that can be used to enter prize drawings.

Prizes include items such as passes to area attractions, gift cards and art kits — donated by local businesses, organizations and community members.