WHAT: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) welcomes all readers to its signature Summer Reading Extravaganza with free, family-friendly outdoor festivities marking the finale of its annual Summer Reading program.
With much anticipation, Pittsburgh’s First Lady Katie O’Connor, CLP’s 2026 Summer Reading Ambassador, and family will reveal whether Pittsburghers rose to this year’s ambitious challenge of collectively reading 160,000 books this year — double the goal set for the previous year.
WHO: Remarks will be given by:
- Andrew Medlar, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
- Mayor Corey O’Connor
- Event Sponsor Ellen Rossi, President of the EQT Foundation
WHEN: Sunday, August 9 — noon – 5 p.m.
Event highlights, timeline for media:
- 12 p.m.: Library representatives and First Lady Katie O’Connor available for interviews outside main Library entrance
- 12:30 p.m.: Remarks, grand total announcement by O’Connor family, also outside main Library entrance
- 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: Interactive storytimes with award-winning author and illustrator Melissa Iwai, who will read her latest book “A Garden for Lili” — a celebration of urban gardening and how food connects our communities. Each family who attends storytime will receive a free signed copy of the book while supplies last. (South Wing Reading Room, 2nd Floor)
- 3 p.m.: A larger-than-life musical spectacle with SQUONK, with a performance of their new show, Joy Machine
- 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.: A Bouquet Bar hosted by Burghblooms, where patrons can create their own mini arrangements while learning facts about local flowers. (North Wing Reading Room, 2nd Floor)
- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.: Pittsburgh Puppet Works Show, Inky’s Library Mystery. Join Inky the Cat and Albert the Dog on their thrilling adventure as they attempt to solve the Mystery of the Purrrsburgh. (Lecture Hall)
- All day: A collaborative mural with The Frick Pittsburgh, where attendees can showcase their creativity while bringing this year’s Summer Reading “GROW” theme to life together
WHERE: CLP-Main (Oakland): 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh
WHY: A beloved “bookend” to summer, Extravaganza celebrates the fun of reading and family-filled memories that happen at the Library. As part of the Library’s year-round commitment to finding approachable literacy solutions, the event annually offers crafts, activities, storytimes, free books, and more.
This year in particular, festivities will correspond with the 2026 program theme of “GROW”, featuring local partners such as Burghblooms, PSU Extension Master Gardener Program of Allegheny County, Phipps Conservatory, The Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh, and The Hood Garden.
For a full list of Extravaganza partners, performances and vendors, including delicious local food trucks, visit: https://www.carnegielibrary.org/event/summer-reading-extravaganza/.
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.