2023 Summer Reading Programs for Young Readers

News

July 5, 2023

2023 Summer Reading Programs for Young Readers

Summer reading season is here! This is a great time for young readers to explore new words and books with their parent, caregiver, and other loved ones in different settings. Summer reading for early learners can look like acting out scenes from a picture book in the park with your child, or visiting a local library or family center for a story time.

There are plenty of local and national summer reading programs, resources, and activities to allow early readers the opportunity to expand their vocabulary with their parent or caregiver.

Find Your Voice! Summer Reading 2023, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

For the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), summer reading is all about the celebration of self expression. Sign-up for Find Your Voice! summer reading through August 6 at any CLP branch or in the library app. On Sunday, August 13, CLP – Main in Oakland will host its end-of-summer Extravaganza!, a family-friendly outdoor festival features music, crafts, games, prizes, storytelling, and food trucks.

Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, PA’s Promise for Children

Join the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) on their virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and early childhood education professionals can follow along with OCDEL as they travel to various Pennsylvania libraries and state parks while providing fun resources, activities, and book recommendations to support early literacy and language. All activities align with the PA Early Learning Standards and can be done anywhere.

Summer Reading Field Trips, Reading is Fundamental

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) has provided various reading logs, coloring sheets, and summer-themed book recommendations to keep learning fun and fresh. Parents and caregivers that take the RIF summer reading pledge will receive a copy of the book, A Sofia Special, one of the books featured in RIF’s summer collection.

Summer Reading Camp, Half-Priced Books

Young readers can join Summer Reading Camp by visiting a local Half Price Books through July 31 to pick up interactive reading logs, sticker sheets and more, while supplies last. Families that register for the camp will have access to reading recommendations, crafts, and other literacy activities.

Scholastic Summer Reading Program, Scholastic

The Scholastic Summer Reading program offers children an exciting, free, and safe summer reading experience, while helping to provide books to kids with limited or no access over the summer. Through Thursday, September 7, children can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.

Bookworm Wednesdays, Showcase Cinemas

Bookworm Wednesdays entitles children to free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at a participating Cinema de Lux, Showcase, or Multiplex Cinemas box office. Accompanying parents or caregivers and children younger than age six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report.

More Programs

Check out other summer reading programs from Mille’s Ice Cream and Pizza Hut. Alternatively, parents and caregivers can also visit their local library, family center, or community resource space to learn more about local summer reading programs.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Summer Reading Extravaganza 2023

News

June 28, 2023

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Summer Reading Extravaganza 2023

Find your voice and make it heard! Summer Reading 2023 is a celebration of self expression!

Join Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main on Sunday, August 13 from 12 – 5 p.m. at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Summer Reading Extravaganza, a family-friendly outdoor festival for all ages.

Grab some friends and head to the Library in Oakland for music, crafts, games, activities, storytelling, food trucks and so much more! While you’re there, don’t forget to guess the total number of books Pittsburghers read this summer—there will be multiple opportunities to win prizes throughout the day with the final number revealed and grand prize awarded at the end of the event.

Enjoy activities and experiences presented by Library partners:

  • Allegheny Land Trust
  • Andy Warhol Museum
  • Bike PGH
  • Colour of Song
  • Juliandra Jones – PBJ Customs
  • Macedonia FACE
  • Mike the Balloon Guy
  • Moonshot Museum
  • Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program
  • Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures
  • Pittsburgh Community Services Inc. (PCSI)
  • Pittsburgh Opera
  • Pittsburgh Public Schools
  • Pittsburgh Science Workshop
  • Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
  • UniSound
  • UPMC

Satisfy your cravings with food and sweet treats for purchase from:

  • Billu’s Indian Grill
  • Kona Ice
  • Mandu Handu
  • Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream

Don’t miss performances by:

  • Gab Bonesso
  • O’Ryan the O’Mazing

To learn more, visit Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s website.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List

News

May 2, 2023

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) recently released its 2023 Best Books for Babies list.

About the CLP Best Books for Babies List

Created by a panel of local librarians and child development experts, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s annual Best Books for Babies list serves as a nationally recognized guide assisting parents, teachers, and caregivers in selecting quality materials to share with their babies.

The list is meant to encourage parents and other caregivers to read to babies and to recognize the authors, illustrators, and publishers who create exemplary books for babies ages birth to 18 months.

Typically a list of 10 books, the 2023 list features 16 titles, with several book sets included. Boasting books on babies, animals, nature, relationships, language, and sleep, the list offers topics for every early learner.

Access the CLP Best Books for Babies List

To access the list, visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh website.

Best Books for Babies Diaper Distribution-CLP Hill District

News

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.

All Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Locations Are Now Fine Free

News

February 24, 2022

All Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Locations Are Now Fine Free

Materials checked out at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) will no longer accrue overdue fines.

Learn More

All CLP locations are now fine free, meaning items (books, movies, and other materials) will no longer accrue overdue fines.

What this means:

  • Any library material checked out from any CLP locations will not accrue overdue fines (even if you return it somewhere else).

  • All library materials returned to any CLP location will not accrue overdue fines (even if you checked it out from another library).

  • Books checked out from any library in Allegheny County can be returned to any CLP location and not have any fines.

Items that are not returned will be billed, but patrons will receive many reminder notices before that happens.

According to an announcement made by CLP, overdue fines can keep people away from the library and inequitably restrict access to library resources, so going fine free will remove barriers and allow more people to enjoy the library.

Questions?

Reach out to info@carnegielibrary.org for more information.

Sensory Strategies for Early Learners

News

May 26, 2021

Sensory Strategies for Early Learners

Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to learn about the most common developmental delays in children, aged birth through five years.

This session will share strategies for supporting children with developmental delays. Presenters will identify activities, strategies, and Library resources that can generate positive sensory experiences for all young children. This virtual workshop will be hosted on Zoom. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit.

Register on the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh website.

Hotspots Available in Allegheny County

News

December 15, 2020

Hotspots Available in Allegheny County

Do you know a student or teacher who needs internet access? The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is offering a hotspot lending program for remote learners in Allegheny County!

About

After providing general information to determine eligibility, adult learners, teachers, and the parents, guardians, or caregivers of PreK-12 students will be able to pick up a hotspot at a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch location. Participants will be able to borrow the hotspot through June 2021.

More Information

For more information, call the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at 412.622.3114 or use the chat function offered on their website. Share this flyer with your network.

Virtual Conference: Early Literacy, Libraries, and You

News

Virtual Conference: Early Literacy, Libraries, and You

Are you interested in learning how to raise lifelong readers? Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh from February 15 – 25, 2021 for their virtual conference, “Early Literacy, Libraries, and You.”

About

Educators and caregivers play a critical role in developing children’s reading readiness. In order to be ready to read when they enter school, young children need rich early literacy activities and interactions. Through this virtual conference, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will discuss activities, resources, and research that will enable participants to raise lifelong readers through expanded early literacy practices.

Formal and informal educators and caregivers are invited to attend. Attendees are welcome to register for one or more sessions. For individuals seeking continuing education hours, the number of hours received will correspond with the number of sessions attended. All sessions will be hosted on Zoom. Event links being sent out via email.

Featured Sessions

More Information

This Virtual Conference is presented in partnership between Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Trying Together as part of the Pittsburgh Ready project, with support from PNC Grow Up Great. To learn more, visit the Carnegie Libary of Pittsburgh website.