Fall Fun: Mediation, Trolley Days, Computer Workshop and More at Oakmont Library

Summer may be on its way out, but programs at the Oakmont Carnegie Library are just heating up.

The library is offering a variety of new programs in September, including Meditation with Monks, a documentary film about Palestine, Trolley Days in Pittsburgh and a computer workshop for beginners.

Here's the scoop on the programs:

Meditation with Monks (6 weeks) begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.

This course on introduction to meditation is designed for beginners as a gradual training program and as a secular meditation practice. 

In six, one hour sessions you will learn how to find your seat, ways to maintain awareness with body movements, techniques for breath meditation and ways to face common challenges in meditation such as physical pains, drowsiness and distracting thoughts.

Although the instructor is a Buddhist monk, the meditation techniques that will be taught are secular and are appropriate for all adults regardless of your other beliefs or religious affiliations.

Documentary film about Palestine Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. 

This film is an inspiring documentary about the daily struggles and joys of Palestinian olive farmers. 

When a group of American ultra-marathoners sets out to run 129 miles in five days across the West Bank they discover that in replanting uprooted olive trees they are planting hope and building culture bridges.

The 70 minute film will be followed by discussion with Tina Whitehead, an Oakmont resident who has been volunteering since 2006 in Jerusalem and the West Bank with Sabeel, a Palestinian Christian Peace and Justice movement.

Trolley Days in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. 

Join George Gula, transportation historian from the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, as he comes to the library to talk about the history of trolley transportation in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.

Computer Workshop for Beginners, Friday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Are you worried that technology is passing you by? Would you like to use a computer, but don't know how to begin? Do you know how to begin, but would like to learn to set up an email account, look at digital photos, print files, and other basic tasks? Then this workshop is for you! 

Denis Rapp, from the IT department at Presbyterian SeniorCare, will be here to guide you and help you become computer capable. He will orient the class to topics of interest to the students. Bring your problems and questions!

This workshop immediately follows the library’s Senior Coffee Hour, from 9-10 a.m., a special before-hours time just for seniors to enjoy the peace and quiet and the assistance of the librarians for computer help, reference questions, or materials searches.

Free coffee and pastries are provided by Longwood at Oakmont.

There is no charge for any of the above programs. Registration is requested by calling the library or online atwww.oakmontlibrary.org.