This building-wide event aims to empower our community by providing the space, skills and resources needed to become active and informed participants in the democratic process. We invite everyone to join us for all-ages activities and a celebration of democracy!

Political Movie Marathon (Quiet Reading Room – 1st Floor):

Join us for popcorn and coffee service (while supplies lasts) as we screen several films that span the last 85 years and focus on a variety of political topics.

• • Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
  • The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
  • The Candidate (1972)
  • Dave (1993)
  • The American President (1995)
  • Suffragette (2015)

“Class President” Mock Election w/ TeenSpace Original Characters (TeenSpace – 1st Floor):

The teens of the fictional (we mean, totally real) Preston G. Hammerhead (PGH) high school are choosing their class president! Come meet the candidates and help us decide who’s best for the job!

“DOG / CAT” Voting Ballot Boxes, Postcard Decorating and Books About Elections (Children’s – 1st Floor):

The Children’s Room will have a variety of passive activities to take part in throughout the day: Add your own decorations to colorful postcards, cast your ballot for DOG or CAT, learn about biographies of past presidents (displayed in rubber duck form) and more!

“I Voted” Friendship Bracelets (New & Featured – 1st Floor):

Are you ready for it? And by it, we mean the general election. Stop by the New and Featured department and elect to show your civic pride by making an “I Voted” friendship bracelet!

Elections Through the Ages (Gallery @ Main – 1st Floor):

As we gear up to vote in the 60th presidential election, take a moment to reflect on the ballots and campaigns that have come before.  Stop by the Gallery @ Main to view political cartoons from the Cy Hungerford Cartoon Collection and vintage voter registration materials from the James W. Knox Collection, along with newspaper coverage of prior elections.

Animal Friends Therapet Visits (Graphic Novels Room – 1st Floor):

Come by and visit with a certified Therapet from 12-1 PM and 6-7 PM! These pets have undergone special training to provide comfort and affection, and are certified through Animal Friends’ Therapets program. All ages are welcome.

Election Coverage & Vote on the December Career, Business & Nonprofit Passive Activity (Job & Career Education Center – 2nd Floor):

Step into history with a streaming showcase of past Presidential Elections. Then VOTE for our December craft activity. Your vote matters! It will help shape the future of the library experience for our community.

Legalese Matching Game & AMA with the Allegheny County Law Library (South Wing Reading Room – 2nd Floor):

From “acquittal” to “writ,” there’s so much to learn (and win!) with this interactive quiz, along with knowledgeable staff from the Allegheny County Law Library to help educate on free legal databases, frequently used forms, upcoming programs and much more.

Photo Booth & Button-Making (Oversized Books Room – 2nd Floor):

Strike a pose with our thematic photo booth (complete with props!) then get your craft on with a variety of button-making designs.

Bygone Ballots (Family & Local History Department – 3rd Floor):

For every law that gets passed, there are many that simply don’t make the cut. Visit the 3rd floor to cast your vote to see how some of the proposals on our Bygone Ballots fare in your opinion.