Northland Public Library in McCandless holds a variety of programs

Northland Public Library in McCandless holds a variety of programs. Many require registration online at northlandlibrary.org or by calling 412-366-8100; more programs are listed on the website. Some have fees.

Special programs

e_SBlt Autism: More Than Meets the Eye: Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Symposium on the factors involved in the management of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Topics will include: How control can be achieved and the influences of mitochondria, genetics and other factors on behavior. The program will feature a number of medical and autism experts. Registration required.

e_SBlt Pittsburgh Bucket List: Aug. 10, 7 p.m.Beth Geisler, author of “100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die” will lead an interactive discussion. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing for $17, cash or check.

e_SBlt Twisted Treasure: Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Beginners jewelry making class will focus on wire wrapping techniques to make bangle bracelets. Cost is $15 and includes all supplies. Registration required.

e_SBlt Diet success: Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Dr. Christina Tarantola will discuss why 98 percent of diets fail and provide practical and encouraging solutions for a path to optimal health.

Tarantola is a licensed pharmacist, health coach and co-owner of The Diet Doc Pittsburgh North.

e_SBlt Indian Cooking: Aug. 28, 7 p.m. Cook Ann Manchella will demonstrate the preparation of the vegetarian dish Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian dessert served for festive occasions. Registration required.

e_SBlt The Hidden Message: Aug. 31, 7 p.m.Bill Acheson, an expert in nonverbal communication and faculty member of Pitt’s Department of Communication we will discuss ways to enhance body language and how to understand the hidden messages sent by others.

Computer classes

Registration is required for these free computer classes. Register online, in person at the Computer Center or by calling 412-366-8100, extension 131. Please call the Computer Center if you are registered for a class and are unable to attend.

e_SBlt Computer basics: Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Class on the different parts of a computer , common keyboard commands, typing practice and a visual tour of the Windows 7 desktop.

e_SBlt Internet use: Aug. 11, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Basics layout of the Internet Explorer web browser, browser tabs and how to use Search Engines and web addresses. Computer competence, mouse skills and some typing are prerequisites.

e_SBlt Microsoft Word 2016 basics - Part 1: Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Covers basic layout of the Word window; how to format and edit text; how to cut, copy, and Paste text, as well as how to Save a Word document. For students with no previous Word experience. Prerequisite: Must have mouse skills.

e_SBlt Microsoft Word Basics -Part 2: Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m. to noon. How to set tabs, margins, columns and use spell-check. Completion of Part 1 is a prerequisite. • Microsoft Excel 2016 basics - Part 1: Aug. 14, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Basic Excel terminology, how to move around the spreadsheet, how to make simple financial documents and use other functions. Must have strong Word experience as a prerequisite.

e_SBlt Microsoft Excel 2016 basics — Part 2: Aug. 18, 12:30 to 2 p.m. How to create lists, sort data, add codes, format numbers and work with fill series. Excel Part 1 is a prerequisite.

Ongoing programs and activities

e_SBlt Story Swap: Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Open forum to swap, practice and listen to stories.

e_SBlt Reading in alternative everything: Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Discussion about the book “Does the soul survive? A Jewish journey to belief in afterlife, past lives & living with purpose” by Elie Kaplan Spitz.

e_SBlt Conversation Salon: Aug. 11, 2 p.m.; Aug. 23, 1 p.m. Informal chats among North Hills residents on a variety of topics.

e_SBlt Steel City Wordsmiths: Aug. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Writers group working toward a published story discusses topics and provides feedback. Details: Anthony Vigliotti at avalanchepenguin@live.com

e_SBlt North Hills Genealogists: Aug. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Program titled “Researching Your Steel-working Ancestor” by Elissa Powell, who will discuss the dirty job of researching those who worked in the steel industry.

e_SBlt Booked for lunch: Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. Discussion about the book “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik CQ Backman. Bring a bag lunch, beverages provided.

e_SBlt Mystery Lovers: Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Group will dis cuss “Hostage Taker” by Stephanie Pintoff.

e_SBlt Scrabble Club: Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Club meets on the third Thursday of each month. Library provides boards, but participants can bring their own.

e_SBlt Northland Knitters: Aug. 18, 1 p.m.; Aug. 22, 7 p.m. Work on your project, share tips and patterns with knit and crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels.

e_SBlt Chess for Adults: Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Play chess and learn tips and techniques. Details: Nancy Stedeford, 412-367-6284.

e_SBlt La Leche League: Aug. 25, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Group helps with breastfeeding through mother-to-mother support. Details: lalechekim@gmail.com

e_SBlt Serious readers book group: Aug. 26, 11 a.m. Discussion about books of historical significance that have influenced and shaped the economic, political and cultural development of the United States.

Children and teen programs

• Barnyard Petting Zoo: Aug. 3, 10 a.m. to noon. Summer reading participants of all ages can meet the baby farm animals. For a small fee, children can feed the animals.

• Thursdays Under the Tree: Through Aug. 3, 10 a.m. to noon. Crafts, science experiments and other “tinkering” activities for kids of all ages.

• Backyard Carnival: Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to noon. Summer reading participants of all ages are welcome to enjoy games, crafts, face-painting, bubble-fun and other activities to celebrate the end of the summer reading program.

• Maker Monday: Through Aug. 7, 3 to 4 p.m. Teens and “tweens” in sixth through 12th grades are invited to explore their creative side through maker materials