Book lovers: We’ve got the scoop on ACLA’s Library Road Trip and CLP’s Reading Extravaganza

Reading is a great way to keep kids learning over the summer. Two local library organizations — Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Library Association — are helping families dive into the fun of reading this year. Here’s what’s on tap:

AN EXTRA-SPECIAL EXTRAVAGANZA

In past years, the folks at the Carnegie Library have kicked off the summer reading season with their Extravaganza event. This year, they kicked off summer reading season (you can still join — details here!) but opted to save the celebration for the end of summer. This afternoon filled with activities will give families a chance to celebrate the books they’ve read this summer and also help get kids excited for back-to-school season.

It’s happening Sunday, Aug. 13 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the main CLP location (4400 Forbes Ave. in Oakland). Programs and activities celebrate this year’s theme, “Find Your Voice,” will include live music, hands-on craft projects including a science workshop and balloon art, and also games, storytelling and a contest to guess the total number of books that Pittsburghers read this summer. Food trucks will also be on hand.

Families will have many opportunities to win prizes throughout the day, with the final Pittsburgh reading number revealed and a grand prize awarded at the end of the event. Don’t miss:

• stilt-walking and high-energy tricks on the library’s front lawn, courtesy of O’Ryan the O’Mazing
• award-winning standup comedian and mental health advocate Gab Bonesso, who will entertain as master of ceremonies from the EQT Stage
• Pittsburgh author Brittany Thurman (reading from her award-winning picture book “Fly” and demonstrations from the Double Dutch Swing Squad (1 pm. to 2 p.m.)
• Puppets for Pittsburgh, performing their new puppet show “Finding Your Voice” in the South Wing Reading Room (2nd Floor) at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. This show features four short tales about speaking up, being brave and communicating in many different ways. It’s designed with 3 through 8-year-olds in mind, but is good for all ages.
• The Summer Reading Prize Giveaway at the Summer Reading Prize Tent and the EQT Stage, where you can submit your guess for the total number of books read by Pittsburghers this summer. Every hour on the hour, direct your attention to the EQT stage as the CLP team unveils each digit individually and announces a prize winner. Four smaller drawings will take place throughout the day (1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.) with the grand prize awarded at 5 p.m.

HIT THE ROAD

Your family can “see the county, one library at a time” with the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA)’s new “library road trip program.” The ACLA encourages families to visit as many of the county libraries outside the city as you can (there are 45 in total). Each of these suburban libraries is different and they offer a range of materials, programs and services.

The rules are easy: Just visit any suburban Allegheny County library to pick-up your library passport, which lists all eligible libraries. While you’re there, get a stamp for your first library and then plan to visit some or all the others. Participants will receive prizes for every library visited, and for completing a region and visiting all libraries in the county. Click here for more details.

Before visiting, check the library website for hours and information about upcoming programs. On your visits, you can sign up for a library card, attend a program, check out materials and more.