One of the greatest things about being a Librarian is connecting with families in all of life’s moments. If someone wants to celebrate, if someone is curious, if someone is feeling lost, it is always exciting to let them know there is probably a book to help.

Librarians across the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system collaborate continuously to update a family of booklists called Here to Help. The 35 lists range in topic from bedtime to divorce, toilet training to self esteem. Each list was developed in response to questions from families and in an interest to provide the best recommendations possible.

There is enthusiasm around this group of booklists because we know that sharing stories together and having conversations can help children understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.

The children’s librarian at your neighborhood library is also here to help, with suggestions for additional titles on topics of interest — or feel free to suggest some titles to us!

Click on the titles below to explore Here to Help booklists:

Acceptance
Adoption
Babies
Babysitters
Bedtime
Bullying
Child Abuse
Conflict Resolution
Day Care
Death & Grieving
Developmental Disabilities
Divorce and Remarriage
Families
Feelings
Getting Lost
Health
Hearing Impairments
Homelessness
Honesty
Immigrant & Refugee Experiences
Learning Challenges
LGBTQ Families
Manners
Moving
New Glasses
Parents in Prison
Perseverance
Physical Disabilities
Safety
School
Security Blankets, Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers
Self Esteem
Separation
Toilet Training
Visual Impairments