Those interested in applying for the 2026 Joan Brest Friedberg and Elizabeth “Betty” Segel Children’s Literacy Award should fill out an application by Friday, February 20.
Learn More
The children’s literacy award, which began in 2025, is granted to individuals, programs, or organizations demonstrating a commitment to sharing quality diverse books with children and families. Two awardees are selected annually and receive a cash award, plaque, and three books.
The awards ceremony will be held in March in recognition of National Reading Month, and will include conversations with authors, testimonials from BwB staff and volunteers, and acceptance speeches by awardees.
To apply for the award, complete the application form and submit it by midnight on February 20. To submit by email, connect with the program coordinators at wrashia@gmail.com (Dr. Aisha White) and battlecynthia02@gmail.com (Cynthia Battle).
Friedberg and Segel launched the Beginning with Books (BwB) program in 1984 after seeing the need for early literacy support in Pittsburgh. The program grew to include such projects as The Gift Book Program, Best Books for Babies, Project BEACON, the BwB Storymobile, and more.
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for September observances:
Month-Long Observances
Attendance Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month (BSM)
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
Weeks of Recognition
September 17 – 23 was Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week
Days of Recognition
September 6 was National Read a Book Day
September 26 was National Family Day
- Family Engagement Toolkit, Trying Together
- Family Guide: Family Dynamics, Trying Together
- Strategies to Support Social-Emotional Development: A Guide for Families, Trying Together
- Family Transitions and Routines: Resources, Trying Together
- Trying Together Releases Family Resources in Spanish, Trying Together
- Grandfamily Tip Sheets Provide Information on Self-Care and Youth Mental Health, Trying Together
- Navigating Sibling Relationships, Psychology Today
- Foster and Adoptive Families: Supportive Strategies, PennState Better Kid Care
- Blended Family and Step-Parenting Tips, HelpGuide.org
- Keeping in Touch With Family Can Help Keep You Healthy, WebMD.com
- Healthy Communication in Stepfamilies, National Stepfamily Resource Center (NRSC)
- Get to Know Your Stepkids, National Stepfamily Resource Center (NRSC)
Families with babies ages birth-18 months can attend and receive a two-week supply of diapers (sizes newborn – 4 available), as well as a Best Books for Babies book bundle at this event. While supplies last. No registration required.
When: Saturday, April 29 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: CLP-Hill District, 2177 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Drive-Thru Distribution
Enter distribution line at intersection of Wylie Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street and stay in line to reach the distribution site in the lower parking lot of Central Baptist Church – located across Kirkpatrick Street from CLP – Hill District.
Walk-Up Distribution
Enter walk-up distribution line through CLP – Hill District’s main entrance on Centre Avenue and stay in line to reach the distribution site in the August Wilson room. Please reserve the Walk-Up Distribution for those without cars.
To learn more, visit the Facebook event page.
Are you looking for books to read your baby? Check out the 2020 Best Books for Babies list!
About
Created by a panel of local librarians and child development experts, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s annual Best Books for Babies list is a nationally recognized guide assisting parents, teachers, and caregivers in selecting quality materials to share with babies ages birth to 18 months.
View the List
To view the list, visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s website or download this PDF.
Where to Find Them
Pick up one or more of these books at a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch near you. In addition to spending some cozy time together, you will prepare your baby’s brain to learn and grow!
