One of our favorite things to do at the Library is provide exceptional recommendations for library users. We call this Readers Advisory, even though it isn’t limited to books. We provide recommendations through chat, our website, via email, our 412-622-3114 telephone line, all of our social media channels and, of course, in person. Here are many of the ways you can find suggestions from our staff specialists.
Materials Match
Looking for a personal touch? Through our Materials Match form you can get recommendations tailor-made for you or someone else! Whether you are looking for your next favorite book, something you will enjoy reading over (and over, and over) to your child, or the perfect gift for the movie lover in your life, our staff specialists are here to help. Our Educator Match Form offers a special way for childcare providers and educators for all ages to get recommendations for books and resources that support their curriculum and learning plans.
Staff Picks
Not sure what you are on the mood for? Browse our Staff Picks! You’ll find books, movies, music, magazines, and more. Our staff have a wide variety of reading, viewing, and listening tastes and nobody knows our collections better. Plus, they link to the catalog and our digital collections, making it easy to place a hold or check an item out once you find something that appeals to you.
New and Notable
Looking for new and/or timely titles? Check out the New & Notable lists throughout our website. You’ll find lists of books, movies, and music for adults and books for kids and teens.
Here to Help Booklists
Book recommendations for life’s moments, big and small. These books aim for children and their caregivers to share stories together and have conversations so that young children can understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.
Blog Posts
Blog Posts are more than a list of materials. They provide detailed information related to a timely issue, library program, or resource. We’ll point you towards CLP resources, partner organizations, or broader resources as appropriate.
Overdrive Curated Collections
Are you a fan of eBooks or eAudiobooks? We have you covered there, too, with curated digital book displays for kids, teens, and adults! OverDrive is our primary eBook and eAudiobook platform, which you can access using the app Libby.
Social Media
Follow us on Twitter for our #MyNextRead posts consisting of five always-available digital titles from hoopla. If Instagram is more your jam, you’ll find pithy Written Book Blurbs and One Minute Book Reviews. The One Minute Book Review video can also be found in the Highlights features on Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Instagram page, split into Adult, Teen, and Kids reviews.
Surprise Bundles
Book Bundles are themed “mystery” bags filled with great titles from our collection. If you’re feeling a little adventurous you can find book bundles for all ages at CLP-Main.