Armstrong County Libraries
Below are descriptions of all the programs FCPL offers. While not every program will always be offered on the current schedule, we put great effort into offering programs for all ages that are consistently attended by members of our community.
Programs for Children *Adult supervision is required for all children under 10 years of age.
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Library Playgroup (Ages 0+)
Every Thursday at 1:00pm
Feel like you're stuck at home with the kids? Every Thursday at 1pm, parents and caregivers are welcome to sit together and chat (with other adults!) while their children play, learn, and socialize in the library's children's area.
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Littles Lapsit (Ages 0-2)
Every Friday at 11:30am
Littles Lapsit is a simple early liteacy program held every week. Miss Katie will read a short story aloud while parents follow along and point out words and pictures for their own little one.
Baby Bookworms (Ages 0-2)
1st Saturday of the Month at 10am
Baby Bookworms is a designated hour in the library's children's area for littles ones to play, learn, and explore. Soft mats with age appropriate toys and books will be set up along with a featured sensory activity each month. This is an opportunity for both littles and parents/caregivers to meet, play, learn, and socialize!
Storytime (Ages 3+)
Every Wednesday at 11:30am
Storytime is a weekly 30-45 minute program for children ages 3-5 with adult supervision required. Miss Katie will lead the Storytime with songs, puppets, a story and a simple craft. MIss Katie does take seasonal breaks from storytime for planning purposes – so please check our calendar for more information! During the summer, Summer Storytime is open to children of all ages.
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Story Night (Ages 3+)
2nd Thursday of the Month at 6pm
Patrons ages 3+ are welcome to attend a story reading and a family-friendly craft or activity. A perfect opportunity for families with busy schedules to incorporate reading into their night! Feel free to come in your PJs!
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LEGO Club (Ages 6+)
3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6pm
Put your building skills to the test at LEGO club! We'll have design inspiration, challenges, and more set up and ready for builders.
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Afterschool Book Bites (Ages 8-12)
2nd Thursday of the Month at 4pm (Odd Months)
Find the next book to sink your teeth into! Children age 8-12 are invited to join us every other month for a sampling of books related to those you have likely already read and loved. Registration required.
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"I Survived" Book Club (Ages 8-12)
During Summer Reading, I Survived Book Club will meet 3 times and featured 3 different I Survived stories and related activities.
American Girl Book Club & Parties (Ages 8-12)
During Summer Reading, American Girl Book Club will meet 3 times and feature 3 different American Girl stories and related crafts. Throughout the year, Miss Katie hosts American Girl Holiday Parties with snacks, activities, and crafts related to an American Girl's story.
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Homeschool Hangout (Ages 8-18)
Meet up with other homeschooling families every Tuesday at 2:00pm, for different activities, projects, and prompts, plus a special presentation, demonstration, or guest speaker each month on Discovery Day! You can also compete in our Homeschool Reading Challenge from September through April!
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Divine Redeemer Library Hour
Reserved and dedicated time for Divine Redeemer students to utilize the library. Day/time varies depending on DRS needs.
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Programs for Teens
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Homeschool Hangout (Ages 8-18)
Meet up with other homeschooling families every Tuesday at 2:00pm, for different activities, projects, and prompts, plus a special presentation, demonstration, or guest speaker each month on Discovery Day! You can also compete in our Homeschool Reading Challenge from September through April!
Teen STREAM (Ages 10+)
Reading meets reality; create and experiment throughout the Summer with different activities and topics reflected in our Young Adult collection.
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Friday Night Game Time (Ages 12+)
Every Friday from 3-6pm, the library's Wii and PS4 are available for teen* use. Board games, chess, checkers, card games, and more are also available in the reading room and study lounge for us by all ages. *Minor patrons will need a parent/guardian approved pass to access the computers/Wii/PS4.
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STEAM Saturdays (Ages 12+)
On the second Saturday of each month, explore your engineering skills with a new STEAM activity, set up in the Makerspace all day long.
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Banned Book Club (Ages 14-18)
Teens are invited to read come together each month for discussion of books that have been challenged or banned across time. Registration and a library membership are required to borrow a copy of the book. Ages 14-18
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Programs for Adults
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Bestsellers Book Club (Ages 18+)
2nd Tuesday of the Month at 6pm
Bestsellers Book Club is our general book club for great discussion! Contact the library to join!
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Weigh-to-Go Wednesday (Ages 18+)
Every Wednesday at 6pm; Weigh-ins start at 5:30pm
Meet up with others on their weight loss and healthy living journeys each week for talk, tips, and much needed support weekly in the library’s reading room.
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Wellness Wednesday (Ages 18+)
On select Wednesdays at 6pm following Weigh-to-Go Wednesdays, the library will feature professionals to educate on a variety of health and wellness topics.
Legends at the Library (Ages 18+)
1st Thursday of Every other Month at 6pm
At Legends at the Library, a new local history topic will be explored, through books, artifacts, pictures, videos, and also guest speakers. Contact the library to join!
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Historical Book Club (Ages 18+)
1st Thursday of Every other Month at 6pm
Historical Book Club meets to discuss a selected text of historical or local interest. Contact the library to join!
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DIY Thursday (Ages 18+)
3rd Thursday of the Month at 6pm
Miss Katie presents and guides you through a new DIY project! DIY Thursday is an adult program, but patrons under 18 years of age are permitted with adult supervision. Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited! A library membership is not required to participate in DIY Thursday and there is no charge unless otherwise noted.
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Programs for All Ages
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Maker Night (All Ages)
1st Tuesday of the Month at 6pm
Put your creativity and engineering skills to the test with our featured STEAM project in the Makerspace area. Instructions and supplies for the featured project are provided.
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Special Events
Ford City Public Library is proud to host a wide variety of guest presenters, seasonal programs, and special events! Unless otherwise noted, children are welcome to attend any program - parental supervision is required for children under age 12.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!
What is it? 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide initiative to help toward kindergarten readiness and bolster early literacy skills. Libraries, schools, and organizations throughout the country partner with the program their own way.
At FCPL, we offer each child participating in the program a booklet to keep track of the books they read, stickers to congratulate them for every 100 books read, a free book for every 200 books read, and a backpack, certificate, and annual graduation ceremony in late spring for children who have completed reading all 1,000 books!
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Stop in at the library today to grab your booklet and get started. You may also utilize the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app on your smartphone or computer. For more information, ask a library staff member or visit the official 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten website.