Upper St. Clair Library More Than Just a Quiet Place to Read

No shushing allowed! Discussion, throwing and kicking balls, even a snow ball fight, were encouraged in the on Thursday night.

Children's librarians organized Family Fun Night for families with kids ages two through eight. With the help of student volunteers, families played games and made crafts.

Debra Conn, head of youth services at the library, said she knows kids are stuck inside at this time of year and thinks it's great to provide them with some fun activities.

"I just think it gets the kids excited about reading in general," said Catherine O'Malley, who brought her four-year-old Brigid to Family Fun Night. "I hope they do it again. It's so cute, we'd definitely come back."

Mother Karleen Bileck attended Family Fun Night with her sons Owen, 3, and Oscar, nine weeks.

"We try to do a lot of the activities at the library. I want them to be able to socialize with the other children," she said. "Plus, (going to the library) is one of Owen's rewards (for good behavior), he always enjoys the library."

"We are new to the area and our last library (in northern Virginia) was just as amazing as the Upper St. Clair Library is," said Jackie Scott, who was with her two-year-old Briana. "We thrive off of the library's functions and all they have to offer. Puzzles, books, DVDs, we take advantage of it all."