NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 VOLUME 38 ISSUE 6 Library News PLS J
2 steubenvillelibrary.org Featured Adult Events Celebrate the Holidays With PLSJ! Professional Cheese Carving Schiappa Branch, November 8 at 11 a.m. Move over pumpkins, we're carving cheese! Watch Gus Smithhisler make something beautiful from a block of cheese. Gus has been a professional sculptor for more than 20 years, starting with pumpkins. He has applied his sculpting skills to many different foods including a variety of fruits and vegetables, cheese, butter, and chocolate. He also does permanent sculpture work in foam, metal and fiberglass. Register to watch and learn. Native American Artifacts Schiappa Branch, November 11 at 6 p.m. Alan Fitzpatrick will display and discuss his collection of Native American artifacts. This hands-on talk and demonstration brings to life the history and material culture of 18th century Native-American people living in what was called the Ohio Country. Stop by to get a more complete understanding of who those people were and how they lived. Author Visit: Christopher Ruckman Tiltonsville Branch, November 6 at 5:30 p.m. Local author Christopher Ruckman will discuss and sign copies of his book Failure at Fifty: How Alcohol and Mental Illness Nearly Destroyed Every Aspect of My Life. Stop by to hear Chris share his personal struggles with alcohol and schizophrenia. Victorian Candlelight Concert Main Library, December 4 from 5-7 p.m. Step back to the 1880s with local artists Faire May in the historic Carnegie section of the library. Enjoy traditional and modern holiday music performed on period instruments in a festive candlelit setting. Call or stop in to register. Books and Brews Main Library, November 13 from 5-7 p.m. Join PLSJ in collaboration with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce for Books & Brews! Sample craft beer from Hightower Brewing Co. paired with a charcuterie board while enjoying a guided tasting and presentation about beer styles and the brewing process. The evening also includes trivia and a chance to win prizes. Tickets are $20 and available online at jeffersoncountychamber.com and on PLSJ's Facebook page (for ages 21 and older). PLSJ Live! Main Library, November 18 at 6 p.m. Listen to smooth, soulful sounds of jazz at the library. Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will bring a jazz trio comprised of Jeff Mangone on bass, Curtis Johnson on alto saxophone, and Rick Purcell on piano. Register to sit and enjoy the performance. Medicare Schiappa Branch, November 5 at 11 a.m. Tracy McManamon will share information about Medicare. Learn everything you need to know including how to properly enroll, possible penalties, and avoiding scams. Register to attend. Holiday Song Bingo Toronto Branch, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. Get ready for a festive and fun-filled Christmas bingo night! Gather your friends and family for an evening of laughter, joy, and exciting bingo games with a holiday twist! Registration is required. ONGOING PROGRAMS Newspaper Archive Schiappa Branch, December 10 1-2 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. Choose your time slot when you call or stop in to register. Explore billions of historical newspaper articles from 47 countries on the Newspaper Archive database. Sign up to learn how to navigate this valuable eResource. Now accessible from home with a PLSJ library card! Author Visit: Robin Yocum Schiappa Branch, December 3 at 6 p.m. Robin Yocum will discuss his new book The Last Hitman, set in Steubenville. The story follows street-tough Angelo as he makes his way up through the ranks of the Fortunato family. The story documents his climb, while following Angelo through the summer of 2019, when the FBI is at his door and he must decide the direction of the rest of his life. *Purchase a copy at BookMarx Bookstore in downtown Steubenville. Limited seating. First come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Make & Mend Monday Main Library, November 24 & December 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. PLSJ, Re-Craft Steubenville, and Strong Towns happily welcome all crafts at all stages. Bring your current work in progress or a new craft and join us for a monthly night of crafting or mending. 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, November 18 & December 16 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.
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, November 12 at 6 p.m. December 10 at 6 p.m. Arts, Crafts, and Creative Activities Fall Wreath Adena Branch, November 3 at 5 p.m. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch, November 17 at 5 p.m. Craft a beautiful fall wreath out of paper. Registration is required. Decorative Angel Adena Branch, December 15 at 5 p.m. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch, December 16 at 5 p.m. Create a decorative angel with mesh for your tree or a wreath! Registration is required. Toronto Branch, November 15 at 1 p.m. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch, December 13 at 1 p.m. Main Library, December 20 at 1 p.m. PAINT 'N SIP Relax while you enjoy painting a seasonal scene. Light refreshments and supplies are provided. Registration is required. Light Up Night Toronto, November 29 from 5-8 p.m. PLSJ is glowing with excitement to be involved in this year's Light Up Night with Inspire Toronto. Look for the Bookmobile and Skimmer to be a part of the activities. Senior Angel Tree Schiappa Branch, starting November 24 The holiday season can be tough for seniors who are alone. Spread holiday cheer by stopping by the library branch to pick a senior angel. Each angel on the tree represents a senior in need and includes their size and interests. You can drop off your purchased gift to Job and Family Services. The Jefferson County Senior Coalition will wrap and deliver the gift in time for Christmas. Tree Ornament Toronto Branch, November 18 at 5:30 p.m. Paint and decorate a clear ornament for your tree. Registration is required. Wrapped Rope Santa Main Library, November 25 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy making this fun Santa craft just in time for the holidays. Registration is required. Ornament Making Station Main Library, December 5 & 6 from 9-5 p.m. Stop in to make holiday ornaments—anything from your initials, holiday shapes, and hand prints and then paint them at home! All ages are welcome! Get ready! This year, Light Up Night will include Build-A-Bear activities. The Toronto Branch will have a Build-A-Bear-themed Tot Time on November 19 at 4 p.m. and a Build-A-Bear movie will be shown on November 22 at 1 p.m. Register for one or both events. Children's Angel Tree Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch Your act of kindness can make a child's Christmas merry and bright this year! PLSJ is partnering with the Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Lions Club to provide presents for children in need. Stop in or call to find out how you can donate to this program!
4 steubenvillelibrary.org Book Clubs Call to join. Main Library November 4 & 18 at 5:30 p.m., Deep Dive Book Club, The Giver by Lois Lowry November 10 at 11 a.m., Mystery Book Club, Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke November 19 at 10:30 a.m., Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell December 2 & 16 at 5:30 p.m., Deep Dive Book Club, Psalm for the Wild by Becky Chambers December 8 at 11 a.m., Mystery Book Club, We Wish You a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany Brilliant Branch November 24 at 6 p.m., The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown December 29 at 6 p.m., Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch November 18 at 10 a.m., Flying Angels by Danielle Steel December 2 at 10 a.m., Thriller Book Club, House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen December 16 at 10 a.m., A Christmas Memory by Richard Paul Evans Schiappa Branch November 25 at 6 p.m., Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Tiltonsville Branch November 11 at 10 a.m., What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty November 25 at 5:30 p.m., Thriller Book Club, Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger December 9 at 10 a.m., Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas December 30 at 5:30 p.m., Thriller Book Club, A Christmas Memory by Richard Paul Evans Toronto Branch November 11 at 10:30 a.m., The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner December 9 at 10:30 a.m., The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews Books on Tap Book Club Hightower Brewing Company, Rayland, OH November 30 from 6:30 - 8 p.m., Gods of Jade and Sorrow by Silvia MorenoGarcia December 28 from 6:30 - 8 p.m., Title TBA 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. Nutcracker Tea Party Don’t miss our most festive event of the season! Dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy, enjoy a holiday Story Time and a hot chocolate bar. Free tickets are required and will be available online starting November 16 at noon on the PLSJ Facebook page. Act fast—tickets for this event go quickly! December 13 & 14 Leonardo's Coffeehouse 3-5 p.m. November 25-January 9 The Nutcracker StoryWalk is back! Stroll down Steubenville's 4th Street alongside the life-size nutcrackers and read the pages of The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore. Begin your adventure by picking up a treasure map at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse or BookMarx, complete the story, and then bring your map to the Main Library for children to receive a nutcracker surprise! Beatty Park StoryWalk December 1-January 9 Cold by Tim McCanna Explore the winter StoryWalk as you stroll through Beatty Park and enjoy a seasonal story perfect for the holidays. Families can walk the trail, read the story page by page, and experience the beauty of the outdoors together this winter. Once you’ve completed the book, visit the Main Library for children to collect a prize! Nutcracker StoryWalk
Library News 5 WHAT'S HAPPENING at the library PLSJ Closings November 27 December 24, 25, & 31 January 1 What's Cooking? NOVEMBER 4 Don't forget to vote! PLSJ proudly announces the expansion of its services, programs, and collection with the opening of a new branch location in the Village of Bergholz. The Bergholz library branch is expected to open in the summer of 2026. It is located at 270 2nd Street. The building sits near the Bergholz Museum. Amy Richards of The Bergholz Community Foundation and its board of trustees approached Library Director Mike Gray about establishing a library branch in the community. "Two years ago, the Bergholz Community Foundation received a large bequest from a lifelong resident of Bergholz, said Amy. The trustees agreed that the income from this gift would be used strictly to fund projects that would directly impact the Village of Bergholz. We were looking for a project that would make a difference in the lives of the residents and improve the village." The foundation has partnered with the Village of Bergholz to help provide the funding necessary, through grant opportunities, to make the $1.6 million revitalization project possible. In addition to a library, other areas of improvement include a health and resource center, an outdoor courtyard, green space in neighboring lots, and more. Grandma's Sugar Cookies (from Grandma's Sugar Cookie by Rose Rossner—available on Hoopla Digital) Ingredients 23/4 cups all- purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup of butter, softened 11/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons of GIGGLES 1 whole heart full of LOVE Directions 1. Have Grandma preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Sing a song together as you mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a small bowl. Give Grandma a high five, and set the bowl aside for later. 3. In a large bowl, blend the butter and sugar until smooth. Next, add in one egg and a splash of vanilla—and do a little spin! 4. Now stir in the dry ingredients one spoonful at a time. Can you count the spoonfuls with Grandma? 5. Once the dough is all mixed, sprinkle flour on a table and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough with Grandma. Then, use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. Don't forget to make a heart! 6. Place all the cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for eight to ten minutes, or until slightly golden. 7. Have Grandma take the cookie sheets out of the oven. Be careful—the cookies will be hot! Let the cookies sit for two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks. 8. It will feel like a long time 'til the cookies are ready to eat, but you could re-read this book with Grandma while you wait! 9. Now it's time to decorate! Have fun with frosting, sprinkles, and other candies to make the best cookies ever. Which one is your favorite? 10. It sure was sweet baking together! Give Grandma a big hug and say, "I love you!" Bergholz Branch DIY Makerspace Gifts Schedule your appointment to visit the Schiappa Branch Makerspace to use the laser engraver, 3D printers, Cricut, and button maker to create memorable gifts this year for your family and friends! This holiday season, take advantage of our Makerspace equipment to create unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. •Customize ornaments & coffee mugs with initials •Engrave a cutting board with a picture or a favorite family recipe •Create custom labels for homemade recipes with dry ingredients like hot cocoa, cookies, and soup mixes •Decorate with wooden ornament cutouts •Engrave natural wood slices and coasters •Create gift tags
6 steubenvillelibrary.org Main Library TOT TIME Tuesdays at 11 a.m. November 11, 18, & 25 Wednesdays at 11 a.m. November 12, 19, & 26 GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT November 20, Turkey December 16, Christmas THANKSGIVING SCAVENGER HUNT November 10-15, Complete the scavenger hunt and collect a prize! For ages 5-11. FAMILY STORY TIME November 15 at 10:30 a.m. December 13 at 10:30 a.m. NORTH POLE December 11 at 6 p.m. Enjoy this interactive children's program about the North Pole! For children ages 5-11. Registration is required. CHRISTMAS MOVIE December 15 at 5 :30 p.m. Enjoy the magic of the holidays with a Christmas movie! Registration is required. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT November 1, Teepee December 1, Elf GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME November 1, Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson December 1, Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini TOT TIME November 11 at 11:30 a.m. December 9 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. STORY TIME November 11 at 5:30 p.m. December 9 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET November 20 at 11:30 a.m. December 18 at 11:30 a.m. FOOTBALL TURKEY November 20 at 5:30 p.m. Get in the fall spirit with this craft! Registration is required. CHRISTMAS TREE December 18 at 5:30 p.m. Use a paper tube to create a Christmas tree painting! Registration is required. Toronto Branch TOT TIME November 5 & 19 at 4 p.m. December 3 & 17 at 4 p.m. Registration is required. FLYING STEM November 12 at 5 p.m., Celebrate Aviation Month and join the fun when you launch a rocket and make paper airplanes! For ages 8-12. Registration is required. PLAY AND LEARN November 13 at 11 a.m. December 11 at 11 a.m. PICKLE TASTING November 13 at 4:30 p.m. Taste test pickles! For children ages 10 and older. Registration is required. BABYGARTEN November 17 at 11 a.m. December 15 at 11 a.m. Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT November 17, Autumn HOLIDAY TREATS December 11 at 4:30 p.m. Make reindeer or Santa snacks with graham crackers, icing, and sweet decorations! For children ages 6 and older. Registration is required. Adena Branch GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT November 1, Teepee December 1, Elf GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME November 1, Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson December 1, Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET November 6 at 11:30 a.m. December 4 at 11:30 a.m. FOOTBALL TURKEY November 6 at 5:30 p.m. Get in the fall spirit with this craft! Registration is required. TOT TIME November 10 at 11:30 a.m. December 8 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. STORY TIME November 10 at 5:30 p.m. December 8 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. CHRISTMAS TREE December 4 at 5:30 p.m. Use a paper tube to create a Christmas tree painting! Registration is required. Brilliant Branch GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME November 10, The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing December 15, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson PLAY-DOH CRAFT November 8 at 3 p.m. Make Forky from Toy Story out of Play-Doh! Registration is required. Tiltonsville Branch PLAY-DOH CRAFT November 8 at noon. Make Forky from Toy Story out of Play-Doh! Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO STORY TIME November 10, The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing December 15, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET November 24 at 11 a.m. GINGERBREAD CRAFT December 9 at 6 p.m. Decorate a giant gingerbread man! Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT December 29, New Year's Eve PLAY AND LEARN THE ALPHABET November 25 at 11 a.m. GINGERBREAD CRAFT December 11 at 6 p.m. Decorate a giant gingerbread man! Registration is required. GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT December 29, New Year's Eve GRAB-AND-GO CRAFT December 8, Elf December 22, Christmas CHRISTMAS SONG SCAVENGER HUNT December 1, Complete the scavenger hunt to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a stack of books! Drawing for the winner will be held on December 22! (Brilliant Branch continued) (Schiappa Branch continued) Children Schiappa Branch BABYGARTEN Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. November 6 & 20 December 4 TOT TIME Mondays at 4 p.m. November 3, 10 & 24 December 1 & 8 Tuesdays at 10 a.m. *Sign in at the children's desk before class. If the class is full, an additional class will be offered at 11 a.m. November 4, 11, & 25 December 2 & 9 Wednesdays at 10 a.m. *Sign in at the children's desk before class. If the class is full, an additional class will be offered at 11 a.m. November 5, 12, & 26 December 3 & 10 PLAY AND LEARN Thursdays at 5 p.m. November 13 December 11 Fridays at 10 a.m. November 14 December 12
Library News 7 Teens Toronto Branch WOODEN ORNAMENTS November 11 at 4:30 p.m. Paint seasonal wooden ornaments in time for the holidays! For ages 10-18. Registration is required. PINECONE OWL December 9 at 4:30 p.m. Create an adorable fuzzy owl using a pinecone! For ages 10-18. Registration is required. Schiappa Branch BOOK SWAP November 3 from 5:30-7 p.m. Bring up to 3 YA books (in nice condition) to trade for a new read! TEEN MANGA CLUB November 20 from 6-7 p.m. Join other Manga fans to read and discuss My Hero Academia Volumes 1, 2, & 3! Registration is required. For ages 11-17. NUTCRACKER PAINTING December 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit while painting a small nutcracker! Registration is required. Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch ORIGAMI SANTA GRAB-AND-GO December 1, Looking for a fun craft to work on while you listen to your favorite Christmas tunes? Pick up supplies to fold and decorate an adorable Origami Santa! While supplies last. Main Library MUSHROOM GRAB-AND-GO November 3, Add a touch of forest magic to your fall decor when you paint these mushroom-themed wooden ornaments. Ages 12-18. SOOT SPRITE IN A JAR November 17 at 5:30 p.m., Inspired by the mischievous little creatures from Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, you will create a tiny, magical scene featuring a fuzzy soot sprite. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. BOOKISH ORNAMENTS GRAB-AND-GO December 1, Fill a clear ornament with your favorite miniature YA book covers and add a vintage-style library card tag. Ages 12-18. Adena Branch ORIGAMI SANTA GRAB-AND-GO December 1, Looking for a fun craft to work on while you listen to your favorite Christmas tunes? Pick up supplies to fold and decorate an adorable Origami Santa! While supplies last. At all branches: November 24, Magical Keychain Pick up a craft kit including everything you need to make a magical keychain! While supplies last. December 15, Prophecy Ball Ornament Get in the holiday spirit by making your very own ornament. Elf on the Shelf: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 17: Elf packages arrive from the North Pole NOVEMBER 28: Elves officially arrive! December 8: Magic Elf Moving Glove Grab-and-Go December 23: Elves head back to the North Pole GRAB-AND-GO MAGIC ELF MOVING GLOVE Everyone knows Elf on the Shelf can't be touched or they will lose their magic. This take-home craft will allow you to create your own magic elf moving glove. The kit comes with gems and glitter glue to decorate your glove. Once you decorate, follow the directions for the "magic spell" and your glove will be ready! You can then use the glove to safely touch or move your elf! These kits are intended for children ages 5-12. Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas by Robert E. Barry: A sequel to the classic 1963 tale, featuring Barnaby Bear and friends on an adventure to find Mr. Willowby's perfect Christmas tree. The 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration for Fans by Tiffany Garland: A modern twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas honoring Taylor Swift and her fans. With glittery illustrations and song references, it’s a delightful gift for young fans. (Ages 5+) Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams: This book celebrates Kwanzaa, educating readers on the holiday's significance, with a glossary and pronunciation guide included. (Ages 4+) The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett: Theo and his dog Ariadne go on a hike in a special Christmas sweater made by Yiayia. The sweater’s significance grows when they get lost, highlighting their bond. (Ages 4+) Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John: The Big Cheese's holiday party faces challenges just before the event, raising questions about the true spirit of Christmas. (Ages 4+) Candy Corn Christmas! by Jonathan Fenske: Candy corn wants to celebrate Christmas, despite being told it doesn't belong. What will bring all of the sweet treats together? (Ages 4+) Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker by David Ezra Stein: The little red chicken disrupts a performance of The Nutcracker, bringing laughter and excitement as she tries to save the day. (Ages 4+) Matzah Day! by Charlotte Offsay: A family celebrates Passover with lots of matzah and fun in this rhyming story. Information about Passover and matzah, as well as matzah recipes are included at the back of the book. (Ages 3+) A Dance With Santa Claus by Sandra Boynton: A bunny child dreams of dancing with Santa on Christmas Eve, inspired by a song from Boynton's album. (Ages 4+) Give the gift of books! At all branches: HARRY POTTER GRAB-AND-GO CRAFTS
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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