If you’ve been following Littsburgh on Twitter and Facebook, you’ve likely seen our updates about COVID-19’s effects on Pittsburgh’s literary scene.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has temporarily closed to the public (from March 15 – 31) and most–if not all–bookstores are cancelling or postponing events that were scheduled for March and even later.
We’re updating Littsburgh’s calendar as we’re able (and as we get updates) but if you’re scrolling through Littsburgh’s event calendar, please know that you should check with the venue or organizers before attending. For the first time since we launched in 2015, we’re recommending you stay home and read instead of attending book events. Social distancing is an act of solidarity for at-risk populations, and reading is our favorite form of social distancing/solidarity.
Because many indies will be experiencing lower foot traffic for the next few weeks, should they remain open, now is a great time to show your love and support. Many local indies fulfill online sales (check their websites for details) and if you’re not comfortable picking up books from the store, you can always order a gift certificate for later.
Your local indie is likely posting updates on social media, and we recommend following them for the most up-to-date information on store closures, online sales, etc.
While event cancellations are the right and responsible move at this moment in time, the impact is going to be real for local bookstores and the authors who would otherwise be selling books at those events. Like independent bookstores, which typically operate on paper-thin margins, many of our local authors are self-employed and will be taking a hit during this period as well. While you’re supporting our local bookstores… please also consider picking up books by some of Pittsburgh’s local talent — especially authors who may be cancelling events this March and April.
Stay safe out there.
Katie, Rachel & Nick
The Littsburgh Crew
"Have you bookmarked your calendars? The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books returns on May 31, 2025! Join us for a Read more
Pittsburgh has been known as a Steel Town, a Sports Town, and an Eds & Meds Town; we believe it's Read more
Join us for a special evening with Emily Wilson, acclaimed translator of The Iliad and The Odyssey, hosted by the International Poetry Forum at Carnegie Read more
Most importantly: Where are you located, what are your hours, and do you have a particular focus in terms of the Read more
This just in from our friends at WCoNA: "To provide additional preparation time, we’ve extended the deadline to submit a Read more
One of our favorite local authors, Joshua David Bellin (author, most recently, of MYRIAD) just let us know that he's Read more
From City Books’ website: "About the Residency The City Books Writer’s Residency offers flexible access to a comfortable, creative space within Read more
Altoona, PA—The WCoNA Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia® (here and after WCoNA) is pleased to announce a call for nominations Read more
love, Pittsburgh is hosting a “Pittsburgh Dog & Frog” coloring contest! Kids, color a page from the children’s book, “Pittsburgh Read more
From Parsec (Pittsburgh's premier Science Fiction & Fantasy Organization): "The theme of Parsec Ink’s 2025 Triangulation anthology is Dark Hearts. Read more
From Prime Stage Theatre: According to Shakepeare’s melancholy prince Hamlet, “The play is the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience Read more
Littsburgh has always been a “nights and weekends” passion project, ever since we started the site back in 2015. We Read more
New York Times-bestselling author Patrick Radden Keefe will be featured at The Peters Township Library Foundation’s seventh annual Novel November Read more
"Founded in 2007 and sponsored by Madwomen in the Attic, the Patricia Dobler Poetry Award was created to honor the Read more
From the Publisher: "An eyewitness to a murder calls the Pittsburgh police from one of the city’s 446 bridges, then Read more
In case you missed the latest email from White Whale, they're currently hiring ("which we really don’t do very often!"). Read more
This just in from our friends at Write Pittsburgh: "We are now accepting applications for our teen writing programs, Rule Read more
From the Publisher: “Bye, Ocean! We love you!” the little girl sang along, a big smile on her face, because Read more
From our friends at Pennwriters, Inc: What Makes A Writer's Road Trip Mini Conference Unique? • We offer industry experts, Read more
As part of its fourth year, the Books Books Books author event in Lancaster, PA this year will be welcoming Read more
