Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank have partnered to present the Best Books for Babies Diaper Drop on Saturday, July 24.

Families and caregivers with children ages birth through 18 months are invited to the event to receive a Best Books for Babies 2021 book bundle and two packages of diapers (sizes 0-4). Each family in attendance may select up to two sizes of diapers while supplies last.

An estimated 3,200 books and 40,000 diapers are expected to be given away during the three-hour event.

Registration is not required.

CLP – Homewood
7101 Hamilton Avenue, 15208

Drive-Thru Distribution
Saturday, July 24th | 10 am – 12 pm

Families may drive up to the CLP – Homewood entrance parking lot by entering the drive-thru lane at the intersection of Kelly St. and N. Lang Ave. Follow signs and staff directions through the line. Each family may select up to two sizes of diapers, but we ask that each car represent only one family.

Walk-Up Distribution
Saturday, July 24^{th |} 1 – 2 pm

Families may walk up to the front steps of CLP – Homewood.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Best Books for Babies is a nationally-acclaimed annual list of books handpicked by librarians and child development experts. Each year, an expert committee selects which newly released titles best promote linguistic, cognitive, social emotional, and visual development for young learners. Parents can use the recommendations to dip their baby’s toes into their first experiences with reading. The Library is set to announce this year’s list the week leading up to the Diaper Drop.

Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank was founded in 2012 to collect and distribute diapers to families in need. The organization partners with local nonprofits in five counties to provide diapers to families at the low-income or poverty level. In 2020, the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank provided 1.2 million diapers to families in need.

“We know so many families are still struggling from the weight of this pandemic,” said Erin Zambataro, Coordinator of Children’s Services & Family Engagement at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “As part of our annual Best Books for Babies campaign, we look for opportunities to partner with community organizations in order to assist parents and caregivers in preparing their child for lifelong reading and learning success. Our colleagues at the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank do a tremendous job in providing an essential resource and we are proud to partner with them again this year to put books in the hands of local families.”

According to Cathy Battle, Executive Director of the Western PA Diaper Bank; “Diaper time is Talk time!  Talking and reading to your baby helps them learn language and speech skills more quickly. Small everyday interactions such as changing a diaper or reading a book can help parents bond with their babies. It can be fun and rewarding! There is a tremendous need for diapers in our communities. In 2020, we distributed 1.3 million diapers in the three counties we serve. This Diaper Drop is an excellent opportunity to partner with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, for which we are grateful.”

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