JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 39 ISSUE 1 Library News PLS J "All I want to do is pass out a few books." -Alan Hall A Lifetime of Service
2 steubenvillelibrary.org Featured Adult Events Cooking Corner Tiltonsville Branch, January 15 at 6 p.m. It may be chilly outside but inside you can join us to warm up with a bowl of soup. We will be making Ultimate One Pot Cheeseburger Soup. Registration is required. Portrayal of General George Washington Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch February 16 at 5:30 p.m. Ken Hammontree will bring George Washington to life with the true story of his depleted army and the crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day 1776 and the nine-mile walk to Trenton ending with the first victory of the American Revolution. Register to attend. Creative Visioning Workshop Schiappa Branch, January 24 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a 2 1/2 hour immersive experience designed to help you reconnect with what truly matters. This workshop blends guided reflection and mindset coaching to help you clarify your vision, uncover what’s holding you back, and take powerful steps toward the life you actually want to live. This program is facilitated by Lisa Mort of Compass Breathwork and Coaching. Register to attend. Registration for 4-H The Jefferson County 4-H organization will be at the library to share information about the organization and to register kids. Stop by to talk to a 4-H representative at your PLSJ location: January 12 Main Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Schiappa Branch, noon-2 p.m. Toronto Branch, 3-5 p.m. January 19 Adena Branch, 11-noon Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch, 12:30-2 p.m. Tiltonsville Branch, 3-4:30 p.m. Brilliant Branch, 5-7 p.m. Blind Date With a Book February 9-14 Take a chance on the unknown. Visit your library branch this week to borrow a book. Find out what the title is after checkout. Who knows, you may just fall in love and return for more. Steubenville: Then and Now Schiappa Branch, February 18 at 6 p.m. Sit back and experience some local history as we count down to America's 250th anniversary. This slideshow will feature side-by-side images displaying the everchanging landscape of Steubenville over the years. Register to attend. Murder at the Ski Mountain Schiappa Branch, January 21 at 5 p.m. Get ready for a chilling evening filled with adventure, fun, and detective work. Set in the 1970s, this hilarious murder mystery game will provide you with a night you won't forget! For adults and teens ages 16 and older. Registration is required and spaces are limited. Lucille Fletcher's Tales of Suspense, Radio Play February 17 at 6 p.m., Toronto Branch Cloak & Dagger on the Air is pleased to present a thrilling, chilling evening celebrating the works of legendary Old Time Radio playwright, Lucille Fletcher—the writer whom Orson Welles called “one of the most gifted of all the writers who have ever worked in this medium [of radio].” You'll experience three of Fletcher's brilliant radio scripts: "The Hitch-Hiker" A gripping, ghostly tale later reimagined for an episode of The Twilight Zone. "Sorry, Wrong Number" The classic suspense story that became a 1948 noir film starring Barbara Stanwyck. "The Diary of Sophronia Winters" A fascinating, highly acclaimed Gothic thriller of romance and betrayal. Register to attend. Ongoing Programs Chess Night Toronto Branch, Mondays at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Dungeons & Dragons Schiappa Branch, Mondays from 5-7 p.m. For adults ages 17 and older. Registration is required. Open Art Night Schiappa Branch, January 13 & February 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Open art night welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Bring your art supplies or use the library's. Sponsored in part by the Board of Developmental Disabilities and Jeffco Services Inc. Tai Chi Main Library, Thursdays at 10 a.m. Certified instructor Mike Turrentine leads an hour-long session of Tai Chi. Spacing is first come, first served. Chair Aerobics Tiltonsville Branch, Fridays at 10 a.m. Follow along to a guided instruction to exercise in a chair. Registration is required. All PLSJ Branches: New Year's Day -January 1- Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 19 - Open Live Online Author Talks PLSJ showcases a virtual author talk series each month featuring bestselling, awardwinning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. You can tune in live and ask questions or check out past recordings. Scan the QR code to find out who will be speaking each month or visit steubenvillelibrary.org to search for author talks.
Library News 3 CROCHET NIGHT Join us for an evening of crocheting, chatting, and snacks! Bring your current work in progress or something new to start. This is not an instructional program so a basic knowledge of crochet is required. Creative Corner for adults CRAFTS Discover your creative side and register for one of these upcoming crafts. It’s free and supplies will be provided. Schiappa Branch, January 7 at 6 p.m. & February 4 at 6 p.m. Arts, Crafts, and Creative Activities Mocktails & Masterpieces Toronto Branch, January 19 Pick up this adult Grab-And-Go art and mocktails kit to enjoy a day of painting at home! While supplies last. Adult Canvas Swap Tiltonsville Branch, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. Swap a work of art for a new painting! Registration is required. ADULT GAME NIGHT Game nights aren't just for kids! Board game players are invited to play and mingle with friends and the community. Tiltonsville Branch, January 8 at 5:30 p.m. We will be playing Yahtzee! Registration is required. PLSJ is a proud recipient of the Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM) grant. Ohio Goes to the Movies is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state in all 88 counties. A signature event of America 250Ohio, OGTTM will start mid-February and run through October – about 250 days of Ohio movie magic showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and movie making. Stay seated with us this year, as PLSJ shows a movie at each library branch and two outdoor movies in the community! Sweet As Candy Adena Branch, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. Make a candy craft for your valentine. Registration is required. Bling Book Main Library, January 19 at 5:30 p.m. Bring a book or decorate a book provided by the library with diamond art supplies! Registration is required. Sea Glass Art Toronto Branch, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. Create a stunning work of art with sea glass! Registration is required. Schiappa Branch, January 31 at 1 p.m. Tiltonsville Branch, February 19 at 5 p.m. Brilliant Branch, February 26 at 5 p.m. PAINT 'N SIP Relax while you enjoy painting a seasonal scene. Light refreshments and supplies are provided. Registration is required. OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES (OGTTM) Before we show the movie, PLSJ will start with a pre-program to share and discuss information relating to the rich history of America and Ohio! Adena Branch February 12 at 1 p.m. Guarding Tess Brilliant Branch March 12 at 1 p.m. A Man Called Otto, book discussion then movie Tiltonsville Branch April 17 at 10 a.m. The Shawshank Redemption Schiappa Branch April 19 at 1:30 p.m. The Deer Hunter Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch May 9 at 1 p.m. Captain America: The Winter Soldier Wednesdays in Wintersville June 3 at 9 p.m. Superman (2025) Main Library July 13 at 11 a.m. Unstoppable Toronto Branch August 13 at 5 p.m. The Ice Pirates Historic Fort Steuben Amphitheater September 19 at 7:30 p.m. The Rescuers Decorative Wall Hanger Main Library, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. Make and decorate a seasonal wall hanging with a wooden template created in the Makerspace. Registration is required.
4 steubenvillelibrary.org Book Clubs Call to join. Main Library January 12 at 11 a.m., Mystery Book Club, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield January 28 at 10:30 a.m., Heart the Lover by Lily King January 6 & 20 at 5:30 p.m., Deep Dive Book Club, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry February 9 at 11 a.m., Mystery Book Club, Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry February 25 at 10:30 a.m., It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover February 3 & 17at 5:30 p.m., Deep Dive Book Club, The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis Brilliant Branch January 26 at 6 p.m., Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt February 23 at 6 p.m., The Housekeeper by Joy Fielding Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch January 20 at 10 a.m., The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon January 27 at 10 a.m., Thriller Book Club, The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon February 17 at 10 a.m., The Women by Kristen Hannah Schiappa Branch January 27 at 6 p.m., Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy February 24 at 6 p.m., Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score Tiltonsville Branch January 13 at 10 a.m., The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan January 27 at 5:30 p.m., Thriller Book Club, The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White February 10 at 10 a.m., Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center February 24 at 5:30 p.m., Thriller Book Club, The Crash by Frieda McFadden Toronto Branch January 13 at 10:30 a.m., The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain February 10 at 10:30 a.m., The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta Books on Tap Book Club Hightower Brewing Company, Rayland, OH - Titles TBA January 25 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. February 22 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Ways to connect with the library Become a member of the Friends of PLSJ. Contact the group at plsjfriends@gmail.com or 740-282-9782. Join the Friends! Did you know that the Friends of PLSJ meet monthly? Check out a meeting to learn about the perks of being a friend and to find out how the Friends of PLSJ support the library. Overdue it with the Winter Checkout Challenge! JANUARY 12 - MARCH 31 Book it to your local PLSJ branch this winter to pick up your Checkout Challenge Packet! All ages are welcome to participate in the winter reading program to meet reading goals and earn chances to win amazing prizes. The Friends of PLSJ will be providing generous prizes like a Book Bundle Basket, Amazon Kindles, and more! Winter Reading Program Read 5,000 pages! Win cool prizes! Set winter reading goals!
Library News 5 Honoring a Lifetime of Service Library Director Alan Hall Delegate, Ohio White House Conference on Libraries, 1978 OLA Southeast Chapter Coordinator, 1987-1988 Member, Steubenville Lions Club, 1983-1992, President, 1986 Member, Legislation Committee, Ohio Library Association, 1984-1990 Member, American Library Association, 1988-2025 Member and Officer, Southeast Ohio Library Organization, 1983-2006 Board Member, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, 1984-1990 Elder, Presbyterian Church USA Librarian of the Year by Ohio Library Association, 1989 President, Ohio Library Association, 1992-1994 Alan Hall devoted 35 years of his life as director of PLSJ, leading with vision, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the library profession. We are forever grateful for his leadership that shaped the library’s shelves and the communities that grew around them. Alan was born and raised in Marietta, Ohio and began working in libraries when he was in high school. From there he went on to earn a degree from WVU in 1976 then his Masters in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University in 1977. He was director of Delphos Public Library, 1977-1983. In 1983 Alan became director of PLSJ, retired in 2018 and continued to volunteer as a cataloger for the library system until his passing in September 2025. Over the years, he guided the library through an era of remarkable change—overseeing the introduction of automation. Alan fully automated the library system beginning in 1983 and served on committees related to the automation of the SEO Library Center. In 1988, PLSJ became one of the first four libraries to join the automation network that today includes 104 library systems. Alan was also proud of expanding PLSJ's local history and genealogy collection. When he arrived in 1983, the local collection consisted of approximately 100 items. He felt that since Steubenville is an early settlement area for Ohio, the collection should have matched as such. In 1987 he moved the local history collection from the Main Library to the Schiappa Branch and appointed a staff member to oversee and grow it. Today, the Ohio Room contains more than 7,000 items and holds ownership of the Digital Shoebox Project. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan was known for his love of family, deep faith, interest in history and trains, and his quick wit. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who visit the library. Thank you, Alan, for a lifetime of service, leadership, and love for this community. Your story will forever be part of ours. Representative, American Library Association Legislative Day, Washington, D.C. 1991-1998 Ohio State University, Extension Service, Advisory Committee, 1996 Member, Steubenville Rotary Club, President 2017-2018 Board Member, Community Foundation of Jefferson County, 1996-2001 Member, Government Relations Committee, Ohio Library Council, 1998-2009 Member, Sons of the American Revolution Life Member, Jefferson County Historical Society Board Member, Secretary, Historic Fort Steuben, 2008-2015 The professional accomplishments of Alan Hall Clerk of Session, Two Ridges Presbyterian Church Instructor, Academy for Lifelong Learning 73rd edition of The Who's Who in America, named as an Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Award Winner Jefferson County Port Authority Board Member State Library Board Member, 20192022, President, 2022 Co-editor "Steubenville Bicentennial Book, 1797-1997" Co-author "Steubenville: Images of America." 2005 More than 25 library articles in professional publications and local history items Weekly columns in the Herald-Star
6 steubenvillelibrary.org Children Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 2, Snow Globe February 2, Snow Mobile While supplies last. GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME January 2, If You Laugh, I'm Starting This Book Over by Chris Harris February 2, Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright and Phil's Big Day by Liza Woodruff TOT TIME January 8 at 11:30 a.m. February 5 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. STORY TIME January 8 at 5:30 p.m. February 5 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET January 22 at 11:30 a.m. February 19 at 11:30 a.m. SNOW DAY January 22 at 5:30 p.m. Make a snow measuring stick and a winter bookmark! Registration is required. MONSTER VALENTINE February 19, Make a silly monster valentine! Registration is required. Adena Branch GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 2, Snow Globe February 2, Snow Mobile While supplies last. GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME January 2, If You Laugh, I'm Starting This Book Over by Chris Harris February 2, Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright and Phil's Big Day by Liza Woodruff TOT TIME January 5 at 11:30 a.m. February 2 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. STORY TIME January 5 at 5:30 p.m. February 2 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET January 19 at 11:30 a.m. February 16 at 11:30 a.m. SNOW DAY January 19 at 5:30 p.m. Make a snow measuring stick and a winter bookmark! Registration is required. MONSTER VALENTINE February 16, Make a silly monster valentine! Registration is required. STORY TIME is for children ages 5-10. Parent or caregiver is welcome too. Story Time shares books, songs, and an art activity. STORY HOUR is for parent or caregiver with children ages 2-6. Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and more. TOT TIME is for parent or caregiver with children ages 2-4. This is an interactive program with books, songs, an introduction to the alphabet, play, and an art activity. BABYGARTEN is a lap-sit program for parent or caregiver with children birth-2 that involves free play, songs, rhymes, and books that offer early literacy tips and help with language development. PLAY AND LEARN is for parent or caregiver with children birth-4. Encourage your children to love the library at an early age and meet other parents of young children. PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET is for parent or caregiver and children ages 2-6. Toys are set up to promote alphabet knowledge and other early literacy skills. Early Literacy Programs Brilliant Branch GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME January 5, Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda February 2, Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright WINTER PAINTING January 17 at 3 p.m. Have fun painting a winter scene! Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 19, Winter February 9, Valentine's Day While supplies last. TOT TIME January 22 at 11:30 a.m. February 19 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET January 27 at 11 a.m. February 24 at 11 a.m. Main Library TOT TIME Tuesdays at 11 a.m. January 13, 20, & 27 February 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays at 11 a.m. January 14, 21, & 28 February 11, 18, & 25 Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. January 15, 22, & 29 February 12, 19, & 26 GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 8, Winter Yeti February 18, Mystery While supplies last. BE INTERNET AWESOME! January 12, Pick up a kit with activities and information about staying safe online! For parents and caregivers to review with children ages 6-12. While supplies last. VALENTINES BINGO NIGHT February 9 at 6 p.m. Join us for a fun bingo night filled with prizes and snacks! Schiappa Branch GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 12, Winter While supplies last. BABYGARTEN Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. January 15 & 29 February 12 & 26 TOT TIME Tuesdays at 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. January 20 & 27 February 3, 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays at 10 a.m. January 21 & 28 February 4, 11, 18, & 25 PLAY AND LEARN Thursdays at 5 p.m. January 22 February 5 Fridays at 10 a.m. January 23 February 6 PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET February 19 at 5 p.m. February 20 at 10 a.m.
Library News 7 Teens Toronto Branch WINTER PAINTING January 13 at 4:30 p.m. Come paint a winter landscape using watercolors and salt! For ages 10-18. Registration is required. BUBBLEGUM SLIME February 10 at 4:30 p.m. Celebrate National Bubblegum Day with us and make slime that looks like bubblegum! For ages 10-18. Registration is required. Schiappa Branch CAT WORM January 12 at 5:30 p.m. Paint an adorable cat worm! Registration is required. STRESS BALL GRAB-AND-GO February 11, Pick up supplies to make a stress ball out of water beads. While supplies last. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch SNOWMAN GRAB-AND-GO January 2, Stop in to pick up a snowman tea light kit! While supplies last. VALENTINE GRAB-AND-GO February 2, Pick up supplies to make a Valentine's Day flower pencil topper! While supplies last. Main Library VISION BOOK GRAB-AND-GO January 5, Pick up this creative inspo book to sketch, glue, design, and imagine your future with color and personality! Ages 12-18. While supplies last. VALENTINE GRAB-AND-GO February 2, Make a sweet valentine from colorful pieces and materials provided by the library. Ages 12-18. While supplies last. Adena Branch SNOWMAN GRAB-AND-GO January 2, Stop in to pick up a snowman tea light kit! While supplies last. VALENTINE GRAB-AND-GO February 2, Pick up supplies to make a Valentine's Day flower pencil topper! While supplies last. Tiltonsville Branch GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME January 5, Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda February 2, Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright WINTER PAINTING January 17 at noon. Have fun painting a winter scene! Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 19, Winter February 9, Valentine's Day While supplies last. TOT TIME January 20 at 11:30 a.m. February 17 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET January 26 at 11 a.m. February 23 at 11 a.m. Brilliant Branch BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK For the month of January, choose a book without ever seeing the title or cover! You'll be given intriguing clues on a wrapped book to help you pick your story. Tiltonsville Branch BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK For the month of January, choose a book without ever seeing the title or cover! You'll be given intriguing clues on a wrapped book to help you pick your story. Toronto Branch TOT TIME January 7 & 21 at 4 p.m. February 4 & 18 at 4 p.m. Registration is required. BABYGARTEN January 12 at 11 a.m. February 9 at 11 a.m. Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT January 12, Winter February 16, Mystery While supplies last. PLAY AND LEARN January 29 at 11 a.m. February 26 at 11 a.m. WINTER STEM January 14 at 4:30 p.m., Join us for fun, winter STEM activities! For ages 8-12. Registration is required. LEGOS January 28 at 4:30 p.m. Come build with us and we will put your LEGO creation on display! For children ages 7 and older. Registration is required. With Comics Plus®, teens have unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a variety of library-friendly publishers. Every title is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — on computers, tablets, and phones. Log in with your library card to get started today!
Main Library 407 South 4th Street Steubenville, OH 43952 740.282.9782 Adena Branch 167 Hanna Avenue Adena, OH 43901 740.320.0009 Dillonvale - Mt. Pleasant Branch 192 Cole Street Dillonvale, OH 43917 740.314.4310 Brilliant Branch 103 Steuben Street Brilliant, OH 43913 740.314.4309 Schiappa Branch 4141 Mall Drive Steubenville, OH 43952 740.264.6166 Tiltonsville Branch 702 Walden Ave Tiltonsville, OH 43963 740.314.4280 Toronto Branch 607 Daniels Street Toronto, OH 43964 740.537.1262 Bookmobile Service 407 South 4th Street Steubenville, OH 43952 740.282.9782 Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County 407 South Fourth Street Steubenville, OH 43952 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Steubenville, OH 43952 Permit No. 187 PLSJ @plsjlibrary plsjlibrary @plsjlibrary
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