Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Launches 2025 Summer Reading with Ambitious 80,000 Book Goal
Literacy Takes Flight Initiative Aims to Tackle Literacy Challenges Across Pittsburgh
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) has officially launched its annual Summer Reading Program, underway now through August 10. This year’s theme, “Flights of Imagination,” invites readers to soar through page-turning adventures and explore new worlds in an unforgettable season of summer literary fun.
This summer, CLP is issuing an ambitious citywide challenge to fuel up for Pittsburgh’s biggest storytelling journey yet: to log a collective total of 80,000 books — an increase from the impressive 62,090 books logged in summer 2024.
The start of Summer Reading comes on the heels of CLP’s newly announced literacy initiative, Literacy Takes Flight — its bold commitment to addressing the city’s literacy challenges. Unveiled at the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books on May 31, the initiative promotes a suite of Library-led solutions and family-focused resources rolling out across the summer and fall, culminating in a Literacy Summit this September, which will convene educators, practitioners and community leaders.
“Reading shouldn’t be a chore or a privilege — it should be a joy. And everyone deserves to feel confident as a reader,” said Andrew Medlar, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “Literacy isn’t just an education issue; it’s a systemic, city-wide issue. Data shows that too many kids are struggling with reading scores, and many adults struggle with basic reading skills. One of the most powerful ways to spark the love of reading is by making it fun for the whole family — and there’s no better way to dive in than with Summer Reading, my favorite time of year at the Library.”
Join the adventure: READ 5
The mission of Summer Reading is simple, but effective: To combat the so-called “summer slide,” patrons of all ages are encouraged to READ 5 books to be eligible for exciting prizes for the whole family, including:
- Toniebox® audio players for kids
- Family membership to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
- Beats® headphones for teens and adults
- KiwiCo® 12-month membership
- Nintendo Switch™
- Visa® gift cards
- A grand mystery prize, which will be unlocked when the city-wide 80,000-book reading goal is met!
CLP has again partnered with Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) to team-up for Flights of Imagination. PPS will offer additional prizes for its students who have read and logged at least 5 books.
A family tradition
Kat Thomas, a lifelong Hazelwood resident, has incorporated Summer Reading with CLP into their family tradition for years. Along with their kids Claudia, 12, and Irisa, 8, they have made it a friendly competition to and see who can read the most books.
“It’s important for my kids to read not only to expand their vocabulary but better understand the world around them in different ways,” said Thomas. “We let their interests lead the way, and the Library helps us find the right books to fuel their discoveries. For example, Claudia is interested in trees we see on our hikes in the summer, and we’ve been bringing home books about trees and birds.”
Thomas said their kids read a combined total of over 30 books last summer, and they plan to exceed that this year. “All we need are some good books and each other’s company,” said Thomas. “We just love to read and be together. The Library is an amazing resource for us.”
Lifting off, together
In the coming weeks, each CLP location will host a festive, flight-inspired kickoff celebration filled with activities, adventure and a whole lot of imagination.
The fun will soar all summer long through Extravaganza — CLP’s signature end-of-summer reading celebration — on August 10. The all-ages, outdoor festival on the grounds of the Main Library in Oakland will be packed with music, games, crafts, storytelling, food trucks and more, serving as a sky-high send-off to a season of imagination, adventure and fun.
In addition to support from Pittsburgh Public Schools, Flights of Imagination is powered by partnerships with the Moonshot Museum and the National Aviary, to help readers explore the wonder of things that fly — from birds and spacecraft to big ideas driven by imagination.
The program is also made possible by sponsors including EQT Foundation, Duolingo, First National Bank, JP Morgan Chase and UPMC Health Plan.
To register for Summer Reading, visit the nearest CLP location or visit: carnegielibrary.org/summer-reading.
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