PITTSBURGH — The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) is kicking off October with knitting and crocheting workshops, film screenings, digital skills courses, author panels, and more.
A matinee showing of Angels in the Outfield is Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CLP’s Woods Run location.
The Create and Connect Series
Create and Connect: Knit and Crochet is a weekly event where residents can build community with artists, use library resources, and work on independent projects. The event starts Saturday, Oct. 4th, at the Mount Washington branch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other Create and Connect activities this fall will include wreath-making, button-making, painting, printmaking, writing, needle felting, and more, with artists available to guide and assist participants.
Embroidery 101
Les Is More 894, a Wilkinsburg-based embroidery company, will lead an Embroidery 101 workshop Sunday, Oct. 5th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland branch. The course covers the history of the craft, beginner-friendly stitches, and how to create art out of sustainable materials. Another session will return Saturday, Nov. 1st, at the Knoxville location from 1 to 3 p.m.
30 Books in 30 Minutes: Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual celebration centered around the right to read, literacy, and fighting against censorship. “Censorship is So 1984. Read for Your Rights” is the theme for the library this year.
CLP’s Hazelwood location will hold a 30 Books in 30 Minutes event Saturday, Oct. 4th, from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Library staff will race against a timer to share their favorite banned book recommendations. The goal of the event is to inform participants about what books are censored and highlight the importance of the freedom to read.
“Censorship comes in many forms, whether it be outright banning, restricting access to a book, or relocating its place on the library’s shelf,” library staff said in a statement. “By highlighting these books, we raise awareness about how censorship impacts our communities and limits access to knowledge.”
Ongoing Programming
CLP also hosts regular courses, events, and workshops centered on writing, literacy, crafting, developing digital skills, and socialization. Storytime, Kids Club, and Teen Choice are workshops where students engage with hands-on creative learning materials.
The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and ProjectArts regularly host events where they assist students in creating art, developing stronger fundamental writing skills, and engaging with emerging AI technologies.
Library staff also host an array of language and reading workshops for English, Korean, Japanese, Italian, and more.
