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General Winfield Scott Hancock & the 2nd Corps at Gettysburg
General Winfield Scott Hancock & the 2nd Corps at Gettysburg
Join us on July 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in our Community Room for a powerful and engaging presentation marking the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. This talk will explore the decisive role played by General Winfield Scott Hancock and the 2nd Corps during one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
Widely respected by both Union and Confederate leaders, Hancock was known for his fearless leadership and ability to rally troops in moments of crisis. His quick actions in stabilizing the Union line on Cemetery Hill, and his steadfast command during Pickett’s Charge—where he continued directing his men even after suffering a serious wound—cemented his reputation as one of the Civil War’s finest corps commanders.
Through vivid battlefield maps, period illustrations, and direct quotations from firsthand accounts, we will trace Hancock’s critical decisions and battlefield improvisations that helped shape the Union’s success during the Gettysburg Campaign. The presentation will also offer insight into Hancock’s early life and the personal qualities that made him such an indispensable leader to the Federal forces.
Whether you're a seasoned Civil War scholar or simply curious about the people behind the history, this talk promises to shed new light on the courage, strategy, and leadership that defined Hancock’s legacy.
About the Speaker:
Michael Giorgianni is a lifelong western Pennsylvania resident with a deep passion for American history, particularly the Civil War and the role western Pennsylvania played in it. He has taught middle school social studies in the Hempfield Area School District for over 25 years, inspiring generations of students with his enthusiasm for the past. Michael is especially drawn to the stories of Gettysburg and is excited to share his research and meet fellow history enthusiasts at this special event.
2025 Adult Summer Reading
Preregistration is open now through June 1st - then sign up any time!
Painting With Wool: A Four-Part Felting Workshop
Painting With Wool: A Four-Part Felting Workshop
Register Here WORKSHOP REGISTRATION IS FULL. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please fill out the registration form and you will be notified if a seat becomes available.
Discover the art of “painting” with wool in this hands-on felting workshop series! Over the course of four sessions, participants will create a unique felted image inspired by a favorite photograph, using both wet and dry felting techniques. The first two classes will focus on laying out the design and beginning the wet felting process, while the final two sessions will introduce needle felting to refine details and add texture.
Participants can also enhance their pieces with optional embroidery and printed imagery. All materials will be provided, and there is no charge for this workshop. Beginners are welcome—no prior experience is necessary. This workshop is best suited for adults and older youth (ages 13 and up).
The workshop will be held over four sessions: July 16, 17, 23, and 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 in the Community Room. Please plan to attend all four sessions to complete your work.
This program is generously sponsored by the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA). Learn more about SAMA at https://www.sama-art.org/
Space is limited --- the workshop is full, but you can add yourself to the waitlist! – REGISTRATION WAITLIST
About the Instructor:
Sandy Trimble is a fiber artist specializing in woven and fiber crafts. Her current focus is on loom-controlled weaving that incorporates musical scores into woven design patterns, as well as work based on traditional weaving techniques. Trimble has a strong interest in creative weave design, the use of natural dyes, and ongoing artistic growth.
In addition to weaving, she works with Shibori techniques on 100% silk and creates felted wool objects using both wet and dry felting methods. Her handcrafted wool animal puppets are made entirely from felted wool and are popular for their playful and imaginative forms.
With over 30 years of experience as an art educator, including 15 years in public schools and 24 years as a residency artist, Trimble brings a process-oriented approach to teaching. She encourages students to engage with materials freely and joyfully, believing that when the creative process is enjoyable, strong results naturally follow.
Learn more about Sandy at https://sandytrimblefiberworks.com/home.html.
Community Crafting Circle
Community Crafting Circle
Bring your current craft project—knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, embroidery, or anything else—and join fellow makers for a relaxing and social crafting session at the Ligonier Valley Library. This is a welcoming space to share ideas, get inspired, and enjoy good company while you work on your latest creation. All skill levels are welcome. Just bring your materials and your creativity!
Games at the Library
Games at the Library
Join us every second Thursday of the month from 5:00–6:30 PM for Games at the Library! We’ll have a variety of options available—board games, cards, Uno, pinochle, cribbage, chess, and more. Whether you bring your own game or pick from our collection, it’s a great chance to relax, have fun, and connect with others. Bring a group or join one when you arrive—everyone’s welcome!
Browse our collection of games available for checkout
Visit our Beanstack page to check out the different reading and activity challenges happening throughout the year. There are challenges for all ages!
Have a smartphone or tablet? Install the Beantack Tracker app. We highly recommend this as a great way to participate on the challenges! The app is super easy to use and has some fun features that are not found on the website. Need assistance? Stop in or call the Library and we'll help you.
Download the Beanstack Tracker app from Google Play or Apple.
Join us for new and fun Beanstack challenges! Visit our Beanstack landing page for more details on each challenge!
Extra fun available on Libby!
If you have used Libby to borrow eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and movies, then you already know how great the app is to use. We are excited to say that Libby is now even better!!!
Open Libby on your smartphone or tablet (or visit libbyapp.com on your computer) to find three Extras that the Westmoreland Library Network is excited to share with our patrons - The Great Courses Library Collection, Qello Concerts, and IndieFlix!
- Never stop learning with The Great Courses - from history to science to learning languages, find it all for FREE in one convenient place!
- Stream pop culture favorites, box office hits, award-winning feature films, documentaries, and shorts with IndieFlix for FREE!
- The world's largest collection of full-length concerts and music documentaries is available in Qello Concerts - literally, stream concerts from the best seat in your house for FREE!!!
These great services are available on Libby (the app is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores) or at libbyapp.com to Westmoreland Library Network patrons with an eCard and a physical library card (need one, visit Get a Library Card for more information). If you have any questions or need assistance, stop in or call the Ligonier Valley Library at 724-238-6451.
