October 14, 2024 Public School Students to Receive Library Card as Part of CardFest The Carnegie Library is hosting a celebration of library cards that is designed specifically for Pittsburgh public school students. Learn More As part of CardFest, all kindergarten through 12th grade Pittsburgh public school students this fall will receive an activated Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh library card. With the card, students can utilize the following resources: Books, magazines, movies, and videogames eResources such as digital eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines On-demand tutoring, test prep, and homework help Vetted research resources for reports, projects, and assignments Access to RAD Pass, a source for free and discounted tickets to regional attractions A safe place to hang out, meet people, or attend a library program For more information on CardFest, visit the library’s website.
August 7, 2024 3rd Annual Disability Pride Pittsburgh Celebration The 3rd Annual Disability Pride Pittsburgh celebration will be held in late August at Schenley Plaza. Learn More The event will be a day filled with live entertainment, resources, free swag, fun accessible games by the Ryan Shazier Fund, a sensory friendly room at the Carnegie Library, and guest speakers. The event will have ASL interpretation for stage performances, ADA accessible toilets, shaded areas, and water to stay hydrated. Masks are encouraged. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Josie Badger. Those who register will have a chance to win gifts, and attendees can also sign up to volunteer. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Schenley Plaza, located at 4100 Forbes Ave. in Pittsburgh.
April 23, 2024 Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books Offers Author Talks, Activities for Youths This year’s Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books will include a schedule full of author talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, book signings, and workshops as well as food trucks and exhibitors. Learn More The third annual festival will be held May 11 at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in East Liberty. More than 70 writers spanning such genres as romance and thrillers to horror, cozy mysteries, and nonfiction will attend. Among this year’s featured writers are Ross Gay, author of four books of poetry, including “Be Holding,” winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award, and Sebastian Junger, bestselling author of “Tribe” and “The Perfect Storm” and co-director of Oscar-nominated documentary “Restrepo.” Other featured authors include Eloisa James, bestselling author of more than 30 historical romance novels, and Benjamin Herold, author of “Disillusioned,” which explores American public schools. Pittsburgh Stories Part of this year’s programming will focus on stories revolving around Pittsburgh. Herold’s book focuses on a Black family’s experience in his childhood neighborhood, which was once predominantly white. Additionally, a lineup of Pittsburgh-themed panels will uncover little-known parts of the city’s history, discuss social justice in Pittsburgh, and dig into the city’s true crime stories. Screenwriter and University of Pittsburgh lecturer Carl Kulander will moderate a panel of Pittsburgh memoirists. Activities for Youths For young children and their caregivers, the festival will feature interactive storytime with popular children’s authors. Erin Danielle Russell will discuss “Seoul Food,” which takes readers on the journey of a young biracial girl who celebrates her Korean and Black cultures through cuisine. Attendees will be able to visit a tent dedicated to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 2024 Best Books for Babies, a nationally recognized section updated annually by local librarians and child development experts. Older youths can attend panels on a variety of topics. Pittsburgh young adult authors and married writing team Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick will discuss “From Pittsburgh With Love.” Young readers can pre-register for the annual summer reading program, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 2024 Read-a-Palooza Book Bowl, which runs from June 16 to Aug. 11. The program challenges young readers to log at least five books during that time period. The festival will also feature workshops and activities for children and teens. Attendees can make their own zine with author-illustrator Sharee Miller (“Don’t Touch My Hair!”) and create digital comics with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Makerspace. Guests can also create friendship bracelets. The city’s website has a complete listing of all activities, workshops, and participating authors. More Details The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at 616 North Highland Avenue. Free parking will be available on the campus of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and across the street at the Obama Academy. Those interested in volunteering can sign up on the festival’s website. Although not required, registration is encouraged for select author sessions and panels as space might be limited.
July 21, 2023 Vision to Learn Mobile Optometrist Visits for Children Vision to Learn’s Mobile Clinic will be visiting the Hill District Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide free eye exams to children and teens ages four – 18 with parent/guardian permission. Appointments will take 15-20 minutes and must be scheduled with the branch in advance of the clinic. Where: Hill District Branch – Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 2177 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 To make an appointment, contact 412.281.3753. .
Vision to Learn Mobile Optometrist Visits for Children Vision to Learn’s Mobile Clinic will be visiting the Woods Run Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on Tuesday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide free eye exams to children and teens ages four – 18 with parent/guardian permission. Appointments will take 15-20 minutes and must be scheduled with the branch in advance of the clinic. Where: Woods Run Branch – Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 1201 Woods Run Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212 To make an appointment, contact 412.761.3730.
May 30, 2023 LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District The Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania (LDA of PA) is offering free reading tutoring to pre-k and kindergarten students living in the Hill District. Tutoring takes place every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hill District Carnegie Library on Centre Avenue. About Free Reading Tutoring Free tutoring will help students with: Print awareness Phonological awareness Phonemic awareness Alphabetic principle Sound mastery Phonics Vocabulary High frequency/trick words Fluency Comprehension strategies Handwriting Spelling Punctuation Learn More Snacks are provided during tutoring sessions. Interested individuals with children who may benefit from free reading tutoring should email tutoring@ldaofpa.org or call 412.212.708 to enroll their child. To learn more, view the flyer or visit the LDA of PA website.
May 3, 2023 Begin with Books: Reading Aloud & Teaching a Love of Books in Childcare If you work in a child care center or Head Start program, you are an important educator early in a child’s life! Join the Carnegie Library of Homestead for this workshop on becoming a successful early childhood educator. Attendees will learn how to read aloud, pick developmentally appropriate, inclusive books, and engage kids of all ages from expert storyteller Cynthia Battle. Certified PQAS instructor Beth Smeiles will teach you how to take those literacy skills and incorporate them into everyday activities beyond books. Event Details Saturday, May 6 | 1 – 3 p.m. Carnegie Library of Homestead 510 East 10th Avenue Munhall, PA 15120 Register Learn More This event is part of Remake Learning Days and co-sponsored by Reading Ready Pittsburgh, Cynthia Battle, and Steel Valley Family Center. It will include light refreshments and a gift for all attendees. To learn more, visit the Remake Learning Days website.
February 9, 2022 Sensory Strategies for Early Learners Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the upcoming virtual professional development session, “Sensory Strategies for Early Learners.” This session introduces participants to the most common developmental delays in children, aged birth through five years. It will also 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. Registration for this event is available on the Carnegie Library website. For additional information, please contact info@carnegielibrary.org or call 412.622.3114
Every Child Ready to Read, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the virtual professional development event, “Every Child Ready to Read,” on March 1. Early childhood educators, community partners, mentors and informal educators will gain information about the life-long impact of developing early literacy skills. The workshop presents an overview of Every Child Ready to Read and enables participants to easily integrate early learning strategies and supports into their existing work with children. Registration for this event is available on the Carnegie Library website. For additional information, please contact info@carnegielibrary.org or call 412.622.3114
December 25, 2020 Carnegie Library’s 2020 Best Books for Babies 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!
