Pittsburgh, PA  –  Sunday, August 11, 2024  – 

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) today will conclude its Summer Reading Program by debuting a rare limited-edition library card in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. The card will be unveiled on stage at CLP’s “Extravaganza” event, a free, family-friendly festival at the Library’s main branch in Oakland, with daylong programming to celebrate the conclusion of the Library’s “READ-A-PALOOZA BOOK BOWL” Summer Reading Program.

“After a summer of friendly competition and literary fun, we felt there was no better way to keep the momentum going than debuting a new library card well-suited for a city where the love of sports runs deep,” said Andrew Medlar, President and Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “No matter if you read five or fifty books this summer, all readers deserve to be celebrated for training their minds and sharpening their literary skills during the break from school.”

With a sports-centric theme, this year’s summer reading program offered contests that encouraged readers to go for the gold by diving through pages and jumping through plot twists. The sports-related programming made for a natural partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to offer the exclusive card. The limited-edition card will be available at Extravaganza immediately following the unveiling and at all Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations beginning Monday, August 12 until supplies last. To obtain a library card in person, stop by any Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh location and register by presenting an accepted form of photo ID.

“Reading unlocks a world of imagination and knowledge that starts at an early age,” said Yvonne Maher, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. “Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s desire to help inspire all young people to follow their dreams is a mission we’re proud to get behind.”

For high-resolution images of the limited-edition library card, click here.

Going for the Gold

This year, CLP’s Summer Reading Program made reading fun for more than 6,692 Pittsburghers, who read a collective total of 67,398 books this summer – a 42% increase in books logged in 2023. This year’s total number of books logged has more than doubled in just two years, rising 126% since 2022.

Additional highlights that will be announced at Extravaganza include:

• % increase in Participation from 2023: 16%
• Branch with Highest % Increase in Registrations: Hazelwood 2^nd Avenue Speeders
• Branch with Highest % of Summer Reading Completions five books or more): Sheraden Gladiators
• Branch with Highest % Increase of Books Logged: Sheraden Gladiators
• Branch with Most PPS Student Enrollment: Knoxville Paper Cuts
• Rookie of the Year Award: Allegheny County Law Library (first year participating in CLP’s Summer Reading program)

Today: Make Your Way to Extravaganza

Taking place today, August 11, Extravaganza will be filled with entertainment, fun and food for the whole family from noon to 5 p.m. Along with partaking in sports-related activities, patrons can make their own flip books while learning animation science, visit an instrument petting zoo, score free books and throw their own clay pots. While snagging their new Pittsburgh Penguins library card, patrons can meet Andrew CARDnegie and Iceburgh, the respective mascots for CLP and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The event will carry a nonstop drumbeat of good vibes with:

• Music from the Taylor Allderdice Marching Band
• Breakdancing performances from Level Up Studios
• Circus Performer O’Ryan the O’Mazing
• A special appearance by Don Tate, author and illustrator of Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Hortonand Jerry Changed the Game: How Engineer Jerry Lawson Revolutionized Video Games Forever, who will present Two Hats: the differences and similarities of creating as both an author and an illustrator
• And much more! 

For a full list of partners, including crave-worthy food trucks, visit: https://www.carnegielibrary.org/event/extravaganza2024/.

READ-A-PALOOZA BOOK BOWL 2024 was supported by sponsors and partners dedicated to championing literacy and learning for all Library patrons and communities. These include presenting sponsor EQT, program partners Carnegie Science Center, CitiParks, and Pittsburgh Public Schools, and generous corporate sponsors including Duolingo, First National Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, Maher Duessel, and UPMC Health Plan.

###