Pittsburgh, PA  –  Tuesday, July 11, 2023  – 

What: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Summer Reading Extravaganza

When: Sunday, August 13 from 12-5 pm

Where: 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will wrap up its 2023 Summer Reading Program with its annual Summer Reading Extravaganza at the Library’s historic Oakland campus. At this free family-friendly outdoor festival for all ages, attendees will be able to engage with a variety of programs and activities around this year’s theme, “Find Your Voice,” including music, crafts, games, storytelling and a contest to guess the total number of books Pittsburghers read this summer.

Attendees will have multiple opportunities to win prizes throughout the day, with the final Pittsburgh reading number revealed and a grand prize awarded at the end of the event!

CLP’s President and Director, Andrew Medlar, will also be in attendance to deliver remarks and interact with community members and the media.

Interview opportunities:

• Andrew Medlar, President and Director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
• Eventgoers
• Participating vendors and organizations

Visuals:

• Live music and interactive performances throughout the day – top listings presented below
• Kids enjoying hands-on activities, including a science workshop and balloon art
• Food trucks
• Thousands of local families and patrons participating in events and activities
• Children and families guessing the total number of books read this summer and competing for a grand prize

Notable Events:

O’Ryan the O’Mazing
Location: CLP – Main, Front Lawn
Time: 12 – 5 pm
Description: Need a pick-me-up? Find O’Ryan the O’Mazing as he stiltwalks through the crowd stirring up fun. O’Ryan’s high energy tricks are sure to be a laugh for all ages!

Mike the Balloon Guy
Location: CLP – Main, Front Lawn
Time: 12 – 5 pm
Description: Get creative and express yourself with balloon animals, hats and more from Mike the Balloon Guy! Balloons not your speed? Make your way to the face painting station for a fun new look!

Gab Bonesso
Location: EQT Stage
Time: 12 – 5 pm
Description: Award-winning standup comedian and mental health advocate Gab Bonesso will serve as Master of Ceremonies to help us kick-off Extravaganza and keep the energy alive on stage all day long!

Brittany Thurman and Double Dutch Swing Squad
Location: EQT Stage
Time: 1 – 2 pm
Description: Join Pittsburgh author Brittany Thurman as she reads her award-winning picture book Fly on the EQT stage along with a double-dutch demonstration from our friends at Double Dutch Swing Squad. Stick around following the reading for a Q&A with the author and more Double Dutch demonstrations!

Puppets for Pittsburgh
Location: South Wing Reading Room, 2nd Floor
Time: 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm
Description: Meet our friends from Puppets for Pittsburgh as they treat you to their new puppet show Finding Your Voice. This show features four short tales about speaking up, being brave and communicating in many different ways. This show is designed with 3-8 year olds in mind, but is a treat for all ages.

Summer Reading Prize Giveaway
Location: Summer Reading Prize Tent (by front entrance) & EQT Stage
Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 & 5:00 pm
Description: Stop by the Summer Reading Prize tent throughout the day to submit your guess for the total number of books read by Pittsburghers this summer. Then, on the hour, direct your attention to the EQT stage as we unveil each digit individually and announce a prize winner. Four smaller drawings will take place throughout the day with the grand prize awarded at 5 pm.

The media are invited to attend.