If you love to shop small and local, have you tried reading small!? Think of it as all those unique and handcrafted gifts you find in a small business but in book form! Small and independent presses provide diverse perspectives and stories, and there are many in Pittsburgh’s orbit.
Why read small? Small and independent presses often feature new narratives from unheard voices that sometimes get lost in work by the big five publishers. Supporting indie and small presses is especially important now, as many operate as non-profits and are facing funding setbacks due to the clawing back of the National Endowments for the Arts grants.
Want to get into the habit of reading small? Below is an introduction to a few small, independent and academic presses in or around Pittsburgh, or who frequently publish authors from the region. Borrow a few titles from Low Ghost available from the library to try before you buy. Leftie Blondie Press publishes handmade chapbooks from local poets that make terrific gifts.
This is not by any means a comprehensive list, as we are quite a literary city. Check out some of these titles and then hit up your nearby local bookstore to buy your favorites!
Localish presses to try from the library:
- Autumn House Press
- Belt Publishing
- Black Lawrence Press
- Carnegie Mellon University Press
- Eulalia Books
- University of Pittsburgh Press
You can sign up for a free library card here.
If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.
If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook or Instagram. You can also call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.