CardFest — Library Cards for Students
CardFest is CLP’s student library card initiative designed especially for students in the city of Pittsburgh.
All K – 12 Pittsburgh Public School Students have a library card through CardFest! Twice a year, students who are new to the district will be mailed their CardFest library card right to their front door.
We have also expanded CardFest to public charter schools in the city. Every Fall and Spring we’ll expand CardFest to include 1 or 2 new charter schools. To date, Catalyst Academy, Propel Northside, Propel Hazelwood, Manchester Academic Charter School, Urban Pathways, and Urban Academy have partnered with us to launch CardFest at their schools!
Join the celebration and enjoy all of the fine-free resources the Library has to offer!
- Books, magazines, movies and video games
- Digital Media like eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines
- On-demand tutoring, test prep and homework help
- Vetted research resources for reports, projects and assignments
- Access to RAD Pass—your source for free and discounted tickets to regional attractions
- A safe place to hang out and meet new friends or attend a Library program
Download the CardFest “welcome” mailer in following languages:
- العربية (Arabic)
- Français (French)
- Kinyarwanda (Kinyarwanda)
- नेपाली (Nepali)
- پښتو (Pashto)
- Português (Portuguese)
- Русский (Russian)
- Español (Spanish)
- Kiswahili (Swahili)
- O’zbekiston (Uzbek)
Introduction to CardFest
Curious about everything the Library has to offer? Check out our CardFest playlist! Start with “CLP 101” to learn about fine-free resources available to CardFest kids and teens. Then, learn more with our walkthrough.
Watch now!Looking for a library near your school?
Carnegie Library Pittsburgh has branches throughout the city! Find the branch closest to you with our location search tool.
Our LocationsCardFest FAQ
CLP has partnered with Pittsburgh Public Schools and several public charter schools to celebrate CardFest by providing their students with an active, ready-to-use CLP library card.
The CardFest library card will allow free access to all CLP resources.
Twice a year, students who are new to PPS or a CardFest charter school will be mailed an active library card to their home address. Any library card that is returned to us is distributed through the school.
If you’re not new to one of these schools but you haven’t received your CardFest library card, stop by any one of your branches to get your card today!
You can use your Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh library card at any public library in Allegheny County! You can also use it online to access eBooks, audiobooks, test prep, databases and more!
Did you know that CLP is FINE FREE?! Any library material checked out from a CLP location will not have overdue fines. We know that families are busy and often worry about returning materials on time and accruing late fines. Going fine free removes stress so more people can enjoy the library!
All CLP resources can be accessed for free with your CardFest card. From music and streaming movies to manga series and video games, these resources are available online and in the neighborhood library nearest you. Don’t forget to check out Tutor.com, test prep, and homework help resources to help with your schoolwork.
You can check out 999 physical items from the library!
CardFest cards are active until the student turns 18. If you use your card at least once in two years (though we hope you use it more!), your card will automatically renew after you turn 18.
No problem! Stop by any of the 20 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations to get a replacement card.
Elementary, middle or high school educators or child care providers, non-traditional educators, student teachers and other individuals who work in early childhood or daycare centers are eligible for a Teacher Card.
To apply for a Teacher Card, you first need to have a personal card (from your home library in or out of Allegheny county). You then need to visit the Library in person and bring with you:
- A letter on institutional letterhead signed by the principal or director indicating your status as an employee for the current or upcoming school year or a recent pay-stub that includes your name, current address and school.
- Current photo ID.
Teacher Cards must be renewed every two years at any CLP location.
Please note that Teacher Cards will still accrue fees for lost or damaged items. While you remain financially responsible for the items on the card, keeping items separate can help you if you seek reimbursement from your school or organization for lost or damaged items.
Stop into the Library, call 412-622-3114, text 412-775-3900 or reach out via chat at the bottom right-hand corner of our website. You can also reach the CardFest team by email at [email protected].
Not a PPS Student?
Learn more about registering for a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh library card.
Get a Library Card