Westmoreland County Libraries

05/31/2026

05/13/2026

Starting May 20, 2026, Amazon is ending support for Kindle and Fire tablet models released in 2012 or earlier, preventing them from accessing the Kindle Store to download, buy, or borrow books.

Affected devices, include:
* 1st/2nd Gen Kindles, Keyboard, Touch, and 1st Gen Paperwhite, will still function for existing content.
*Affected Kindle E-Readers (No Longer Supported - May 20, 2026)
Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
Kindle 2nd Generation (2009)
Kindle DX & DX Graphite (2009-2010)
Kindle Keyboard / 3rd Gen (2010)
Kindle 4 (2011)
Kindle 5 (2012)
Kindle Touch (2011)
Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)
*Affected Fire Tablets (No Longer Supported - May 20, 2026
Kindle Fire 1st Generation (2011)
Kindle Fire 2nd Generation (2012)
Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)

Key Details for Affected Users:
No Store Access: You cannot buy, borrow, or download new content, including via Libby.
Existing Books: Books already downloaded will remain, but if you factory reset or deregister the device, you cannot re-register it.

Alternatives: You can continue reading on the Kindle app on smartphones, tablets, or newer Kindle devices.

Got an older Kindle? Don't throw it away or rush to upgrade—I'll show you how to keep it alive and safeguard your books after the May 20 cutoff date.

04/27/2026

One of our member libraries, Scottdale Public Library, caught the attention of People.com!

Scottdale Public Library staff and volunteers created a wedding dress from damaged books to promote their annual book sale and highlight how books can be used for different purposes.

04/26/2026

Fun story completed by patrons at Mount Pleasant PA Public Library to celebrate National Library Week!

04/18/2026

Though libraries are typically quiet spaces, they aren’t always the most sensory friendly spots for people with special needs, according to Elle Kisiday, an occupational therapist at nonprofit Achieving True Self. Now, though, visitors might find the New Kensington and Lower Burrell People&rsq...

04/14/2026

♟️Congratulations to the winners of the WCL Countywide Chess Tournament! ♟️
🏆 Senior Division
🥇 1st Place: Kristofir
🥈 2nd Place: Khalil
🏆 Intermediate Division
🥇 1st Place: Keshav
🥈 2nd Place: Pranshul
🏆 Junior Division
🥇 1st Place: Connor
🥈 2nd Place: Jonathan

Thank you to all the players who participated in the countywide and local library tournaments! Thank you to the incredible judges who make the library tournaments possible! And thank you to the staff from multiple Westmoreland County Libraries for organizing the entire library chess season!
We are looking forward to seeing you all again next year. ♜

04/10/2026

There's still time to register for the April 15, 2026, 10:00 AM, virtual author visit with Jessica Shaw, author of The Great Cookie Kerfuffle, the 2026 PA One Book selection!

Gather the children in your early learning program for a fun, interactive storytime experience and a chance to connect with the author behind this year’s featured book. It’s a wonderful way to spark early literacy, imagination, and joy in reading.

Register your early learning program at Meeting Registration - Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_UEpiGIXTGKFMBw-He-rTQ #/registration

01/18/2026

📣 Monday, Jan. 19, 10am-3pm – Join the Museum for a special day of programming to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through reflection, creativity, and community connection. This is a free community event. https://ow.ly/1GQL50XNs6s

Experience powerful performances that honor Dr. King’s vision and impact, including a unity candle-lighting ceremony and an interactive drum circle with the Ibeji Drum Ensemble. Visit community tables hosted by local organizations and enjoy a variety of engaging art-making activities suitable for all ages. This year’s celebration features a poster contest showcasing artwork by the fifth grade classes of Roy A. Hunt Elementary School in New Kensington. Plus, take one final opportunity to explore the Winter Tales immersive experience.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program.

Sponsored by Aetna Better Health Kids, a CHIP Health Plan.