Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) has officially kicked-off Summer Reading 2026, with Pittsburgh’s First Lady Katie O’Connor bringing her passion for reading to her role as program ambassador. Running now through August 9, this year’s program encourages Pittsburghers of all ages to plant seeds of curiosity, water their imaginations, and watch their love of reading bloom.
The Library is challenging the community to collectively read 160,000 books this year, doubling last year’s original goal after readers surpassed expectations by logging an incredible 145,774 books during Summer Reading 2025. But CLP leaders say Summer Reading is as much about discovering the benefits of reading as it is about achievement.
“Reading helps us grow in so many ways,” said Andrew Medlar, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “Every book has the power to spark curiosity, expand our understanding of the world, and strengthen our connection to one another. Summer Reading is an invitation for Pittsburghers of all ages to discover that growth can begin with simply turning a page.”
One of the most powerful ways to GROW a love of reading is by making it fun for the whole family. Just ask O’Connor, a dedicated advocate for literacy in the City of Pittsburgh who prioritizes reading with her children. As program ambassador, she hopes to help the Library further its mission of making reading a joyful part of everyday life for all Pittsburgh families.
“Books create opportunities for families to slow down, connect, and spend meaningful time together,” said O’Connor. “The annual Summer Reading program makes reading accessible and joyful, so I’m proud to join Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to encourage Pittsburgh families to turn the page together this summer.”
How to Get Involved
Families are invited to participate in GROW-themed activities throughout the summer months. To start, each CLP location will host a kickoff celebration in June featuring hands-on activities and plenty of family-friendly fun. O’Connor will help welcome families at select events, including:
- June 2 @ CLP – Hill District: Summer Reading Kickoff with Phipps Conservatory presents The Buzz About Pollinators and The Frick Pittsburgh Community Mural
- June 6 @ CLP Knoxville: Summer Reading Kickoff with Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium presents Wonders of Wildlife and The Frick Pittsburgh Community Mural
- June 20 @ CLP – Mt. Washington: Summer Reading Kickoff with Phipps Conservatory presents The Buzz About Pollinators
- June 24 @ CLP-South Side: Summer Reading Kickoff with Face Paint Pittsburgh
- June 27 @ CLP-Homewood: Summer Reading Kickoff with Mad Science presents Radical Robots
The celebration continues all summer long with the reading challenge that encourages participants of all ages to dig in, branch out, and GROW into a reading superstar. Those who read five or more books will be entered for a chance to win prizes such as:
- All ages: $25 gift card
- All ages: Gift basket
- All ages: $200 gift card to Bookshop.org or White Whale Books
- Early Learners (birth to 5): Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh imagine membership and National Aviary family plus membership
- Kids (grades K – 5): Nintendo Switch 2 & game gift card
- Teens (grades 6 – 12): iPad and Apple gift card
- Adults: Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh premium membership and Cafe Carnegie gift card
Pittsburgh Public Schools will once again offer additional prizes for its students who keep the learning going all summer long by completing the five-book challenge.
Participants will learn if they’ve met this year’s ambitious 160,000-book goal at the Library’s signature Extravaganza celebration scheduled for August 9 at CLP – Main in Oakland. The free, all-ages outdoor festival will feature music, games, storytelling, food trucks, crafts, and more to mark the close of another summer filled with stories, creativity, and community connection.
Summer Reading is made possible through the support of organizations that share CLP’s commitment to lifelong learning, including partners Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and The Frick Pittsburgh. Additional support is provided by sponsors including EQT Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Duolingo, UPMC Health Plan, and Pittsburgh Public Schools.
To register for Summer Reading 2026, visit the nearest CLP location or visit: carnegielibrary.org/summer-reading.
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About Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – To Foster Literacy, Enable Exploration and Create Connections with All Our Neighbors
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh supports individual and collective achievement, access to knowledge, and a sense of joy and belonging. With the community’s investment, the Library is enhancing the lives of people in the greater Pittsburgh region with dynamic and diverse collections and resources such as creative learning programs for children and teens, job and career assistance for our community’s workforce, and free computer and Internet access for all. Through community connections, responsive services, regional cooperation and organizational excellence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is positively impacting the lives of our neighbors.