Littsburgh is on a summer reading roll, so we’re excited to share this press release about Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 90,0000-book challenge and #PGHREADS iniative (modeled after the American Library Association’s Celebrity READ® posters)… and to remind our readers that summer reading isn’t just for kids!
As always, if you’re not sure what to read, start here!
Pittsburgh, PA – June 7, 2016 – Pittsburghers love a competition. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is challenging residents of all ages to read a collective 90,000 books by August 31. Readers who register with the Library can win free books and gifts cards at milestones along the way. The Library kicked-off the challenge June 5 at their annual Summer Reading Extravaganza. Residents up to the challenge also can sign-up for summer reading at carnegielibrary.org/summer.
The Library will draw on the energy of Pittsburgh’s lifestyle and street style photographer Chancelor Humphrey of KeepPittsburghDope.com for its city-wide Summer Reading campaign designed to develop life-long readers. Rapper and activist Jasiri X, fashion designer and owner of Uptown Sweats Kiya Tomlin, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald are among the first local notables to be featured in #PGHREADS, a campaign modeled after the American Library Association’s Celebrity READ® campaign.
Readers are also encouraged to share what they are reading via social media using #PGHReads.
🌈 June is #LGBTQ Pride Month! Reading recs: https://t.co/8dXUs3Yl0q #LGBTQLibrary #PGHreads #loveislove pic.twitter.com/npyrX6fzna
— Littsburgh (@littsburgh) June 3, 2016
“Summer Reading means prizes instead of book reports, relaxing at the pool with the book everyone is talking about, trying out a new cookbook, and checking out downloadable books to make long car rides more enjoyable,” says Dan Hensley, Adult Programming Coordinator. “Books and eBooks from any source qualify for the challenge, not just those borrowed from the Library.”
According to Reading Rockets (readingrockets.org) and the National Summer Learning Association (summerlearning.org), children and teens who don’t read over the summer may actually start a new school year with fewer skills than they had at the end of the previous one. Research has proven that if children and teens read between four and six books over the summer they will be a lot more likely to retain or even improve the skills they learned the previous year. Students who read in the summer go back to school ready to learn. With better reading skills, they have higher test scores when school starts again.
To keep track of all that reading, the Library will use Beanstack, new software designed in Pittsburgh just for libraries. The system issues regular emails with book recommendations, learning tips and library programs to help keep readers engaged. The software has a simple sign-up to easily manage accounts for individuals and families and allows readers or library staff to log multiple books and activities for groups.
“Summer reading is such an important part of library services and our commitment to education and literacy,” explains Mary Frances Cooper, president and director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “It helps children and teens develop life-long reading habits and enables parents to take an active role in the fun and learning that reading provides.”
Librarians offer these tips to encourage children to read:
Children are more likely to read when they choose their own books that they are excited about instead of something that a parent or teacher has chosen.
Kids need to see adults reading. Show a child that reading is an important, fun activity that isn’t just something to do at school by reading yourself.
Adults gain when they read, too. “Reading keeps your memory sharp, your mind healthy and ensures your capacity to learn as you age,” Dan notes. “Reading (or bibliotherapy) slows the pace of a hectic life. It can help reverse symptoms of depression by activating the frontal lobes of the brain. Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by more than two thirds. Reading also improves general knowledge and boosts analytical skills.”
Reading is social, diverting focus from negative issues to positive topics for conversation. “It allows all ages to explore interests, discover new ones and connect with others, introducing people and experiences that are different from their own,” he adds. “This nurtures diversity and helps to build empathy.”
Visit carnegielibrary.org for the schedule of all Summer Reading Program activities.
About Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Engaging our Community in Literacy and Learning
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is supporting individual achievement and strengthening the power of community. Through the community’s investment, the Library is enhancing the lives of people in the greater Pittsburgh region with dynamic and diverse resources such as creative learning programs for children and teens, job and career assistance for our community’s workforce, and free computer and Internet access for all. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh builds community, enables learning, provides access and values people.
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