September News
2026
A library card hits all the right notes!
Find your rhythm this September for National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Now is a great time to sign up for a new card, renew an old one, or start using the one already in your wallet.
Whether you want to curl up in a cozy corner with a timeless story, plug in an audiobook, check out our free databases, which include language tools, or hit shuffle for something completely new, your library card is your tuning fork. But it is also so much more than books.
You can learn brand-new skills in our Idea Lab, or connect with others at our book clubs, crafting classes, and informative talks. If you want to get hands-on, you can even explore our Library of Things to borrow tools, try out a STEM kit, or test drive a musical instrument. This September, B sharp and sign up for your library card.
SHARE THE LIBRARY LOVE!
Refer a friend to win!
Stop by the library this September to Refer a Friend. Visit the circulation desk to pick up referral cards to fill out and give to your friends. There is no limit to referrals. Once the referred friend applies for a library card (and receives library swag while supplies last) and returns the referral card to circulation staff, you, the referer, will be entered into our prize drawing. We will notify the winners in October.
Your participation helps our community grow, and we appreciate your support. Everyone wins when they get a library card. (But you could also win some awesome prizes!)
Best. Deal. Ever.
Join the library today to access free books, movies, museum passes, Library of Things, apps, puzzles, games, and more. $0 for life
*Library cards are free for residents of the Parkland School District.
1.4 million items at your fingertips!
Expanded Resource Sharing: The Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative (LCLC) partnered with the Lehigh Valley Library System and several Monroe County libraries. This regional partnership provides FREE access to over 20 library catalogs in northeastern Pennsylvania!
Get a Share Card for children.
It’s never too early to visit the library! The Share Card (My First Library Card) is an early literacy program that helps children build reading and language skills. Reading early prepares children for kindergarten, fostering a love of books and readiness to learn.
If you missed the Friends Annual Book Sale, visit the Book Shop. Browse through their collection of books, games, and movies, all at affordable prices. Your support helps fund library programs and services that benefit the entire community.
September 5-7
THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY.
New Catalog Coming Soon!
Featuring:
- Improved search speed.
- All available formats grouped by title.
- Easy-to-use rating system.
- Personalized recommendations.
- Sharing tools.
We are pleased to offer you an improved library experience with Aspen. Discover our updated catalog, now with new features! Enjoy a much faster search. You will see all available formats in your results. Titles will be grouped together, including audiobooks, large print, Playaways, etc. We’ve enhanced the rating system for a simple, user-friendly experience. Aspen provides personalized recommendations based on your history, along with convenient sharing tools.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the website undergoes a live update to transition to the new catalog interface. The switch will begin September 21. Please note that this transition may temporarily disrupt access to booklists.
How to log in to Aspen
User Name: (Enter your Library Card number)
Password: (your 4-digit PIN, the last 4 digits of your phone number)
Signing in unlocks saved lists, holds, renewals, and personalized suggestions, all live behind your account.
Browse by category, or search the catalog directly
Explore curated categories and scan cover images to discover titles and authors without knowing exactly what you’re after.
Catalog Search
When you know what you want, type a term, pick the search type and collection, and run it. Search puts you in control of exactly what’s matched.
Advanced Search lives in the drop-down
The Advanced Search option is found in the search-method drop-down list, where you can build more precise queries.
To preserve your account reading history, please log in by December 1. After this date, the library may no longer have access to your history. We appreciate your understanding.
Event Spotlight!
The Parkland Community Library offers a wide variety of fun and educational programs for people of all ages. These activities are perfect for curious individuals who love learning and meeting new friends. With our diverse range of topics and hands-on workshops, it’s easy to discover new interests in a friendly and enjoyable environment.
As a PA Forward Gold Star library, we deliver events, workshops, and programs that address the five literacies, support community development, and foster partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and groups. We frequently organize events focused on Basic, Information, Civic and Social, Financial, and Health Literacy.
The Friends of the PCL generously sponsor library events.
Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month
Library Card Sign-Up Month: Library Social
This Library Card Sign-Up Month, learn more about your library and explore the services we have to offer! Each discovery station will promote what makes the library a wonderful resource.
All ages, Drop-in.
VolunTEEN!
Volunteer with the library by helping our staff with library projects during these monthly meetings. All participants must fill out a teen volunteer application before attending.
For more information about this program and the teen volunteer program in general, please visit the library’s volunteer page.
Open to ages 13-17. Registration required.
Call for Submissions!
PCL is creating a community zine with art, writing, photography, and other creative work by residents. For the first issue, we’re inviting Parkland residents to submit original work for a chance to be included in print.
VOLUME 1: HERE.
Our first issue is inspired by the theme “HERE.” What does “here” mean to you? It could be a loved or missed place, your neighborhood, where you are now, or wish to be. It might also be about this community, known to all or just you. Check out our blog for details!
September is Suicide Prevention Month
If you have an inspirational zine, drop it off this month!
Your library offers information and inspiration. This month, the Zine Library supports those in need. You matter! Your actions make a difference in the world! We aim to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action on one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. Suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. Please talk about your feelings.
Hallow-Zine October
Theme: Spooky Season & Fall
If you left a September zine, we will hold it until October. We encourage fall-themed zines. Halloween, local lore, hauntings, creepy and cozy, pumpkin spice, and everything nice!
The Zine Library is located in PCL’s foyer. Leave a zine, take a zine, share your creativity with Parkland.
Sharon Novakovich: Now Showing Through October
From attending classes at the Greensburg Art Museum and Seton Hill College to studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Sharon found joy in expressing ideas and emotions through color and creativity. She pursued her own artistic path, eventually establishing a successful mural and faux-finishing business. After retiring to spend time with her grandchildren, she was inspired to teach them to paint. Watching their talents grow has been a joy. Sharon remains grateful for every chance to learn, create, and share art.
The Parkland Art League will rotate artist displays every two months at PCL. Head to the right of the Zirkel Meeting rooms to our gallery space. The public is welcome to view the gallery at any time the library is open. Purchase inquiries can be made through the Parkland Art League.
We Recommend
Using your library card, you can enjoy complimentary access to all the fantastic eResources and streaming apps we offer at PCL. Plus, our databases are accessible on all your devices, making it easy to explore and learn wherever you are!
Kanopy and Hoopla are free at-home streaming apps, courtesy of your library, available only to Parkland School District and paying nonresidents.
With Hoopla, patrons can borrow, stream, and download content on iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and more. hoopla offers access to a vast collection of books, videos, and music, all free with your library card.
Catalog Features
Welcome to Aspen We are excited to introduce an improved Aspen library experience. Explore our updated catalog with new features! Enjoy faster searches and see all available formats in your results. Titles are now grouped by format, including audiobooks, large print, Playaways, and more. Aspen has upgraded the rating system for a straightforward, user-friendly experience.…
October News
2026 It is time for spooky season! Be sure to visit and explore our collection of spooky tales and eerie stories this season. Whether you want a terrifying read or a spectral adventure, we have options for every fan of the macabre. Join us at the Parkland Community Library this fall for all the fun…
The Local Fold
A PCL Communizine: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS What is Parkland making? Parkland Community Library is creating a community zine filled with art, writing, photography, and creative work made by the people who live here. For our first issue, we’re inviting Parkland residents to submit original work by November 30, 2026, for a chance to be included…