WACL Kids Page

Valentine's Day Party

2012-02-15T16:54:00.004-08:00

PBS kids Go! Writer's Contest

2012-02-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Give us your best stories!

Students from this area will have a chance to win a national contest and have their AMAZING stories published at pbskids.org/read
Who can enter?
All kids from kindergarten through third grade.

To enter:
go to pbskids.org/reador stop in the library for an official entry form!

HELP, I need a book to read to my kids class!

2012-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

So, you need a book to read to your childs class? Here are some great options for preschool up through about 3rd grade. Most of these are short funny books that use audience participation. Some things to keep in mind: long doesn't always equal good, look for larger sized books so that all children will be able to see the illustrations, ask questions throughout the book to keep kids involved in the story, and ask questions at the end about the story. I will be adding on so if you have any suggestions please stop into the library and let me know.

 Allard, Harry, MISS NELSON IS MISSING
 Allard, Harry. THE STUPIDS
 Brett, Jan, THE MITTEN
 Burton, Virginia Lee, MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL
 Cronin, Doreen, CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE
 Ehrlich, Amy, PARENTS IN THE PIGPEN, PIGS IN THE TUB
 Henkes, Kevin, LILLY’S BIG DAY
 Lum, Kate, WHAT! CRIED GRANNY
 Mosel, Arlene, TIKKI TIKKI TEMBO
 Numeroff, Laura, IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE
 Seuss, Dr., GREEN EGGS AND HAM
 Shannon, David, A BAD CASE OF STRIPES
 Shannon, David, DAVID GOES TO SCHOOL
 Westcott, Nadine Bernard, THE LADY WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE
 Wood, Audrey, KING BIDGOOD’S IN THE BATHTUB

Middle Grade Programs

2012-01-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

Check out our Winter Middle Grade Programs!

Home school International Fair at the Library

2012-01-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Is your child interested in learning about other countries? Then sign them up for the international fair at the library. Each child will be asked to research a county and then present it the day of the fair. Use the attached form as your guide or pick one up at the circulation desk.

This program is for home school and cyber school students.

Wednesday, February 1, at 1:00 p.m.

International Fair Worksheet

2011-12-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Winter 2012 Children's Programs

Reader's Theater Pictures

2011-12-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry for such a long delay, but for those of you who had children participate in Reader's Theater here are the pictures. The kids did such a great job, and Carrie and I were so proud of all of their hard work. We both had a blast doing James and the Giant Peach, and can't wait for next fall.

What to do with those old books?

2011-11-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

All around Edinburgh, Scotland mysterious paper sculptures have been appearing. These one of a kind creations made out of books are amazingly detailed. So next time, instead of getting rid of those old books you could give this a try.

Read the article

Where did all of the holiday books go?

2011-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

If you stop in the children's section you will notice a few more changes. All of the holiday picture books have been pulled out and are now located at the end of the picture book section. We thought this might make it easier to find things. Christmas books will go on display starting Saturday, so stop in a pick a few out!

JUST SAY THANKS

2011-11-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

It is great to spend the holidays together as a family, but remember that children all of the country have moms, dads and siblings that are serving overseas and can’t be together. Those troops are uplifted by letters. So take time this season to show your appreciation to these men and women by writing a letter of thanks to our troops. Stop in to the Children's room and write a letter or write them at home as a family and bring it in for us to send.

Batty for Books

2011-10-07T09:01:00.001-07:00

Stop in the library and check out a spooky story. Certain Halloween books have a bat hidden inside. If you find one bring it to the front desk and claim your Halloween surprise!

Spooky

2011-09-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner and the Children's department is ready. Come and check out our spooky decorations and a great halloween book!

Last Chance

2011-09-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Friday is your last chance to stop into the Children's department to vote on our library dog's name. Next week we will anounce the winning name. While you are here check out the new changes to the room, including a new area rug and new artwork!

National Dog Week

2011-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

The fourth week of September is National Dog week. To celebrate we have a great selection of K-9 books on display ready for you to check out. Also, when you stop in write down a name for everyone's favorite stuffed library dog. We will be voting on names starting next week!

Do A Good Deed

2011-09-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

It has been ten years since the tragedies of September 11th, and everyone remembers. Turning those sad memories into a tribute through a good deed is one way to make the world brighter in honor of everyone who lost their lives that day. And, yeah, even though it's the 12th, that is no reason to stop doing good deeds.

The people from MyGoodDeed.org created the 9/11 Tribute Movement to let you share your charitable activity -- which can be anything from helping a neighbor cut the grass to walking dogs at the animal shelter to helping your mom put away the groceries. The goal is just to do something good to help others.

So go share what good things you are doing to make the world a better place!

Book Review

2011-09-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt

Summary:

"The Dump" is what Doug SwieteckPepitone is slugging for the Yankees, and the Vietnam War is raging. At home he lives with a father who has lost his way and a brother accused of robbery. And Doug's oldest brother is returning from Vietnam. Who knows what wounds his missions have given him?

But Doug has his own missions, too, and it begins when he first sees the plates of John James Audubon's Birds of America at the local library. His mission will lead him to Lil Spicer, who shows him how to drink a really cold Coke, to Mrs. Windermere, who drags him to a theater opening, and to the customers of his Saturday grocery deliveries, who together will open a world as strange to him as the lunar landscape.

Swieteck, who first appeared in Gary D. Schmid'ts Newberry Honor book The Wednesday Wars, will discover the transforming power of art over disaster in a story about creativity and loss, love and recovery, and survival.

Reviews:

"This is Schmidt's best novel yet—darker than The Wednesday Wars and written with more restraint, but with the same expert attention to voice, character and big ideas."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Reproductions of Audubon plates introduce each chapter in this stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovering and rescuing one’s best self, despite family pressure to do otherwise."—Booklist, starred review

"Readers will miss Doug and his world when they’re done, and will feel richer for having experienced his engaging, tough, and endearing story."—School Library Journal, starred review

"The book is exceptionally well written. Schmidt creates characters that will remain with the reader long after the book is done. Doug’s voice is unforgettable as he tries to help and protect his mom. . . .While there is much stacked against him, he is a character filled with hope that the reader cannot help but root for. Push this one on readers; they will not be sorry. . . .Schmidt writes a journal-type story with a sharp attention to detail, patterns in the story line, and an unexpected twist at the end."–VOYA

What the librarian has to say:

This was a wonderful book that kept you turning the pages. You will fall in love with the characters and not want to see their story end. A great read for middle grade students or as a family book. I highly recommend the audio book, but also check out the hard back for the pictures of Audubon' plates at the beginning of each chapter. I think this one has a real shot at winning the Newberry Award this year!

To hear Gary D. Schmidt discuss this book click here:
Okay For Now

CBCA Winners 2011

2011-09-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Children's Book Council of Australia recently announced their 2011 hounor books for book of the year. Here are a list of the winners, to see all honour books go to: http://cbca.org.au/winners2011.htm

Older Readers Book of the Year 2011

The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett

Younger Readers Book of the Year 2011

The Red Wind by Isobelle Carmody

Early Childhood Book of the Year 2011

Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod and illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Picture Book of the Year 2011

Mirror by Jeannie Baker

Eve Pownall Book of the Year 2011

The Return of the World Spy by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Tohby Riddle

Fall Children's Programs

2011-08-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Fall program flyers are out, make sure to register your children, space is limited.

Check out our new Middle Grade programs just for children in grades 4-7.

New Books Just In

2011-08-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of some of our newest books. They should be ready to check out by the end of the week!

Where in the world is Reading Creature?

2011-08-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

You might recognize this strange little orange creature from billboards around the city. Or, maybe you saw him on library promotional materials. Either way RC (Reading Creature) has been become the new mascot for summer reading. Here is a little article all about him:

Reading Creature

End of Summer Reading Pool Party

2011-08-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great turn out Friday night for our pool party at Hankey Farms. Over 100 peoople showed up to celebrate the completion of summer reading. Thanks to all of our volunteers who helped make the evening a success and congratulations to all those kids who completed the program.

Here are some pictures from the pool party!

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Summer Reading Prizes

2011-08-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of our winners!

1) Madeline Game: Don Tetteh
2) Flick Trix: Sammy Shields
3) Littlest Pet Shop: Rebecca Miller
4) Steelers Ball: Aaron Silvis
5) Webkins: Kali Burke
6) Cars Plate and Cup Set: Zach Lebak
7) Jonas Brothers Game: Sophia Morton
8) Hearts Desire Jewelry Kit: Morgan McElhany
9) Transformers: Cooper Simpson
10) Puzzlebug and Bubbles: Myka Wright
11) Boom Ball: Micah Ee
12) Fish Cup Set: Bailey Mccoy
13) Art Sticker Book: Sammy Lowman
14) Build A Bear: Alayna Stephens
15) Kick Ball: Jimmy Hollenberger
16) Spy Kit: Sam Fehl and Rocco Farelli
17) Cookie Kit: Mia Simpson
18) 3D Sun Catchers: Alyssa Croco
19) Disney Princesses: Camdyn Johnson
20) Sidewalk Chalk: Walker Heh
21) Hockey Stick: Nathan Athahas and Isaac Stephens
22) Barbie Designer: Abriella Swick
23) Inflatable Chair: Jessica Collins
24) Inflatable Chair: Ashlee Lebak
25) SpongeBob Water Wonders: Jacob Semulka
26) Hopping Ball: Abbie Carroll
27) Board Book: Archie Shattuck
28) Princess Castle: Avantika Rao
29) Wooden Planes: Cole Johnson
30) Dragon World: Seth Coates
31) Cars Coloring Sheets: Jake Kusic
32) Around the World Sticker Book: Emily Durkin
33) Brain Quest: Luke Sawford
34) 3D Chalk: Will Douglas
35) Clock Board Book: Ayden Shattuck
36) Dragons and Monsters: Matthew Pfeffer
37) Amigurumi Friends: Heather Rice
38) Corduroy’s Buttons: Jordan Landry
39) Fancy Nancy: Haley Probert
40) Play-Doh: Will
41) Time to Grow Eggs: Emmerson Swick
42) Judy Moody Book Set: Juliana Schuler
43) Magical Ballet Slippers Book: Katie Chandler
44) I Spy: Allison Parkin
45) Marvel Heroes: James Diskin
46) Butterfly Board Book: Jaydon Matucheski
47) Watch the Road: Luke Campbell
48) Horses Sticker Book: Shelby Rizor

Summer Reading, Coming To A Close

2011-08-08T13:03:00.001-07:00

Summer Reading is almost over, but you still have time to read and log your time at the library. Make sure to stop in by this Friday, August 12 at 4pm, for a chance to win one of our Summer Reading prizes. All winners will be notified after the library closes at 4. Join us at the pool party at Hankey Farms to collect your prize.

National Aviary

2011-07-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

The National Aviary presents Amazing Adaptations today. Stop by to learn about your favorite feathered friends and see the penguin!

2:00 pm
Community Room

Read, Read, Read!

2011-06-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

Summer Reading Club is now in full swing, so let the reading begin. Stop into the library at least once a week to claim your weekly prize, log your time and complete games and puzzles for extra tickets. Remember, for every 10 hours of reading you will earn a free book of your choice and the more tickets you have the better your chance for winning an awsome prize!

Summer Reading Kick-Off 2011

2011-06-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great turn out Monday night for our Summer Reading Kick-Off Extravaganza. A special thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers and staff for all of their hard work. Also, to Angelias Pizza for donating all of our food. Here are some pictures!

Are you ready?

2011-06-17T11:17:00.001-07:00

Summer reading club starts this Monday with the Summer Reading Extravaganza. Join us from 5:30 - 7:30 for a family fun night. We will have games, crafts, face painting, prizes, pizza and much much more. Can't wait for Monday? Stop in to the library and see the Children's room all decked out for summer reading and pick up a book so you are ready to go!

Artwork in the Children's Room

2011-06-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

We are just one week away from summer reading and here at the library we are putting on the finishing touches. Thanks to the West Allegheny School District's McKee Elementary the library has some great new decorations. Ms. March, the school's art teacher is lending the library some of the art projects that the students worked on this school year. We have them displayed throughout the children's room and they look great. Stop by and see the work of our talented kids!

Pepsi Refresh

2011-06-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Western Allegheny Community Library is pleased to announce that our project, "Revitalize the Library to Be a Modern Information Center", has been selected for participation and voting in the Pepsi Refresh Project. This is very exciting; however, the only way we will receive the funding is by getting everyone we know to vote!

Many of you know how desperately we need to replace some of the office equipment and furniture at the library, so we have created a project that revolves around replacing those items, including the computer desks, chairs, phones, and signage.

Remember that you are able to vote every day for our project. Also, voters do not need to be library patrons or even reside in the area, so please tell all of your friends and family to vote. Also, posting on Twitter, Facebook and any other social network site you use.

In addition, if you drink Pepsi, save the yellow caps, for additional votes!

Thank you for your help,!

Use the following link to learn more about our project and to vote:
Pepsi Refresh

Summer Reading Flyers

2011-06-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Summer reading is only 18 days away and at the library we are ready! Summer Reading Flyers are now available at the circulation desk. Stop in and pick yours up today and find out about all the exciting things going on at the library this summer. Don't forget, all summer programs require registration and some programs have limited space, so register early!

Get Ready!

2011-05-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Western Allegheny Community Library Summer Reading Program is a fun way to include
reading and related activities into summer family time. It helps children maintain
and improve reading skills.

One great way to keep your children reading is to have them join the One World, Many Stories Summer Reading Program.

Reading expert Stephen Krashen says:
* Children read more when they listen to and discuss books.
* Reading skills grow by reading.
* Reading helps improve children's writing.

So get ready for Summer Reading!

Get Away this Summer Without Going Far

2011-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Want to get away this summer? Where would you like to go? What if you could go anywhere you would like to go and stay there for as long you would like? How is this possible you say?

Well I will tell you. Come and journey with us this summer and escape. At the Western Allegheny Community Library we have a special program designed just for you to help you live on the edge of your seat or to relax by the beach. What you want and where you go is up to you.

Your ticket out of here is found in the Summer Reading Program this year. Enjoying the perfect getaway or adventure that you have only dreamed about is as close as a book, available here at the Western Allegheny Community Library.

Summer Reading Club 2011

2011-03-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is just around the corner and at the library we are busy getting ready for another fun filled Summer Reading Club. This years theme is "One World, Many Stories", so get ready for games, stories and programs all about the world we live in.