March 20, 2023 Best Books for Babies Diaper Distribution-CLP Hill District 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.
October 21, 2020 Best Books for Babies Diaper Drop Are you interested in receiving free diapers and a bundle of books for babies ages birth to 18 months? Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank on Saturday, October 24 for the “Best Books for Babies Diaper Drop.” About At this drive-up event, families with babies ages birth to 18 months will receive one box of diapers and a Best Books for Babies 2020 book bundle. Families may drive up to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Woods Run Parking Lot by entering onto Minott Street from Central Avenue. Follow signs and staff directors through the line to receive a book bundle and one case of diapers between sizes zero and three. Each family may select up to two sizes of diapers, but event hosts ask that each car represent only one family. Registration Registration is not required to attend this event. However, please note that this event is drive-up only, while supplies last. Walk-up participants will not be able to receive the diapers and book bundle. More Information For questions, contact the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at 412.622.3114 or events@carnegielibrary.org. Share this flyer with your network.
October 13, 2020 Talking About Race and Justice With Children Are you interested in using children’s books to engage young children in critical conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice? Join EmbraceRace on October 22 for “Using Books to Engage Young Children in Talk about Race & Justice.” About During this online event, Aija Simmons, Sara Rizik-Baer, and Savitha Moorthy will describe Mirrors, Windows, and Glass Doors*, a community-focused effort from Tandem, Partners in Early Learning that uses children’s books as a departure point for expanding the capacity of families with children under five years old to engage in critical conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Presenters will explain the factors that led to its creation, how it continues to evolve, the questions the working group is actively grappling with, and what they hope to accomplish. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and comment. Registration To register, visit the event webpage.
April 15, 2020 Picture Books Featuring Black and Indigenous People and People of Color If you are a parent or caregiver who understands the importance of finding picture books that feature Black and Indigenous People and People of Color (BIPOC) – offering children, as Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop phrased it, “mirrors and windows” to the world – it can still be challenging to know how to choose a good book from among what’s increasingly available on the “diverse books” market. Join EmbraceRace and the founders of Diverse BookFinder on April 28 for their webinar “Choosing ‘Good’ Picture Books Featuring Black and Indigenous People and People of Color” to get their practical advice about how you can move beyond simply avoiding stereotypical portrayals to find great picture books your child is likely to enjoy. Time for questions and book recommendations will be provided. Registration To register, visit the event webpage. *Information provided by EmbraceRace
March 9, 2020 Interviews with Ms. Barb and Families at the Frank Sarris Library Prior to the start of the Washington County Focus Week (March 9 – 13, 2020), Trying Together visited staff, families, and young children at the Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg for a reading of Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.” At the event, library staff member Barbara Somma, aka Ms. Barb, led children and their caregivers through a series of activities, including fingerplays, dances, and a Dr. Seuss themed craft. The classroom included creative play items for the children as well, including a puppet show theater, “grocery market,” books, legos, and more. After the class, Trying Together had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Barb and two participating caregivers, Karen and Kim. Featured below are our questions and each interviewees’ responses. Interviews Barbara Somma, Class Teacher Barbara Somma, or as the children call her, “Ms. Barb,” brightens the day of each child and caregiver who attends her classes. Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education under her belt, Ms. Barb spent the last 10 years as a dedicated staff member at the Frank Sarris Public Library. If you stop by the Library, you can catch Ms. Barb leading Storytime, Little Picassos, Wiggles and Giggles, and the Summer Reading Camp! Odds are, she will have a crowd of young children giggling and following her happily! What programming does Frank Sarris Library provide for young children and families? The Frank Sarris Library offers a plethora of programming for children and families! Monday through Friday, we have activities geared towards preschool level children like storytime, yoga storytime, art, and a class called Wiggles and Giggles that is focused on body movement. During the month of July, we also offer a Summer Reading Camp for children in Kindergarten through fourth grade that includes creative themes like Fairytale Science, Mysical Beasts, and Magic School. They’re all meant to spark each child’s imagination. We offer services all throughout the year though, including books for readers of all ages, creative “Grable Kits,” several e-resources, and more. How can caregivers make literacy experiences meaningful for their young children? I think by just reading to your children all of the time. Read for 20 minutes a day, every day with your children. As a mother of two, I would always read a couple books with them right before bed. It’s also important to get a library card! They’re free and the library has tons of free resources for young children and families. Why do you feel early childhood development is so important for young children? Early childhood development is the basis for everything a child needs in life! Children learn from meaningful experiences and repetition. As adults, we need to make sure we are providing the time and patience for those experiences! How do you see your role at the Frank Sarris Library supporting early childhood development in your community? I think my role is really important here at the Frank Sarris Library. We serve many families and it’s important that we provide children with safe places to go. All of the staff here at the Library serve as role models within the community. However, our Library is an untapped resource. There are so many services that community members could benefit from if they stopped by. Karen and Granddaughter Ellie How did you like today’s event? What piqued your interest in attending? Everything Ms. Barb does is truly amazing. I’ve been coming here for seven and a half years and I’ve brought all of my grandchildren. I was interested in attending because I wanted to make sure my grandchildren had social interactions with young children, and Ms. Barb allows the children to have these great social experiences! By coming here, my grandchildren have learned language concepts and vocabulary. Ms. Barb is so dynamic. She exudes engaging and creative energy in everything she does! What’s your favorite book to read to your child? Why? Ellie doesn’t have a favorite book, she really just loves to read! She is very into the alphabet right now! Kim and Grandson How did you like today’s event? What piqued your interest in attending? Ms. Barb is great! Attending this program is the best thing I have done with my grandson! We heard about the children’s programs here through word of mouth. We have been attending since he was about six months old. We love Ms. Barb’s music and freeze dancing! What’s your favorite book to read to your child? He loves reading Elmo and Mini Mouse right now! More Information This session was one of many free services that the Frank Sarris Public Library provides, with options available for learners of all ages. To learn more about their services, visit the Frank Sarris Public Library website! To learn more about the Washington County Focus Week, read our news post!
January 21, 2020 Raising Readers Together Club | Tweens & Teens The Raising Readers Together Club runs weekly and explores the importance of acceptance, equality, and tolerance through reading. Wednesday sessions are suitable for tweens and teens. Raising Readers provides free books, discussion, food, songs, storytelling, and resources. Featured Books February 5 – February 19: This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell February 26 – March 25: Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds (Sessions Cancelled) Bookish in the ‘Burgh Events On the following dates, Raising Readers Together Club members are invited to attend “Bookish in the ‘Burgh” at the Trust Arts Education Center (805 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)! Bookish in the ‘Burgh is a festival that celebrates teen literature and encourages lifelong reading by bringing acclaimed authors of teen literature and their readers together. Click the links below to learn more. March 27 – Bookish in the ‘Burgh: Educator Day March 28 – Bookish in the ‘Burgh: Teen Day Questions For questions or more information, contact Cynthia Battle at 412.567.1304 or cynthia@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network.
January 7, 2020 Storytime: Baby and Me | Homewood Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Homewood to sing, clap, and bounce along with your baby to action rhymes, stories, and songs. Songs help children develop listening skills and pay attention to the rhymes and rhythms of spoken language. This event is intended for children birth to 18 months and their caregivers. View the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh calendar to see alternate locations, dates, and times. More Information For questions, call the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Homewood Branch at 412.731.3080.
January 3, 2020 Storytime: Terrific Tales for Toddlers Children ages 18 months – 36 months and their caregivers are invited join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Oakland for “Storytime: Terrific Tales for Toddlers” to get up and moving with stories, songs, rhymes, and silly fun! During the event, children will develop language and listening skills, as well as a love of reading. Children who enjoy being read to are more likely to want to learn to read themselves! View the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh calendar to see alternate locations, dates, and times. More Information For more information, email children@carnegielibrary.org or call 412.622.3122.
November 22, 2019 Kate’s Kid Book Bash Join Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh on December 8 at Ace Hotel Pittsburgh for Kate’s Kid Book Bash! About Join RIF Pittsburgh for a children’s book festival to celebrate the life of beloved Pittsburgh children’s author, Kate Dopirak. Activities will include a children’s book art auction, storytimes, and book sales/signing by other authors such as Jonathan Auxier, Sharon G. Flake, and Nick Courage! Admission is free. All proceeds benefit RIF Pittsburgh. Share this flyer with your network.
November 7, 2019 Raising Readers: Picture Book Selection Potluck Parents and caregivers of young children are invited to join Trying Together for two sessions to review, discuss, and choose quality picture books! About By participating, parents and caregivers will help Trying Together select which picture books will be read during the upcoming Raising Readers Together Club series. This is a potluck event, so main course or side dishes are appreciated. Trying Together will provide dessert. The Spring 2020 Raising Readers Together Club series will run February 6–March 26, 2020 on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at The Homewood Early Learning Hub and is suitable for children ages five and younger. More Information For questions, contact Cynthia Battle at cynthia@tryingtogether.org or 412.567.1304. Share this flyer with your network.
