October 31, 2025 • 30 mins
Literacy Takes Flight: The Library has long been at the forefront of closing literacy gaps in Pittsburgh. In 2025, we are excited to offer a unique collection of programs and experiences designed to make reading fun, joyful and accessible for all.
https://www.carnegielibrary.org/
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) offers extensive literacy programs for all ages, including Pittsburgh Ready Workshops for parents/educators, Early Learning BLAST for young children, the AI-powered Amira Reading Tutor for K-5 students, and community-wide initiatives like the Children's Literacy Summit to foster literacy and reading readiness. CLP also provides resources for parents, special interest groups, and accessibility services, all aimed at empowering a community of readers.
https://www.carnegielibrary.org/
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) offers extensive literacy programs for all ages, including Pittsburgh Ready Workshops for parents/educators, Early Learning BLAST for young children, the AI-powered Amira Reading Tutor for K-5 students, and community-wide initiatives like the Children's Literacy Summit to foster literacy and reading readiness. CLP also provides resources for parents, special interest groups, and accessibility services, all aimed at empowering a community of readers.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
And welcome in.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
This is a public affairs program shedding the light on
the interest, issues and concerns of the greater Pittsburgh area.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Good morning.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
My name is Johnny heart Well your host and my
guest this morning is Andrew Midler of the Carnegie Libraries
of Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Good to see you again, Andrew.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Great to see you, Johnny, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
So what is going on now?
Speaker 2 (00:21):
I know we're going to be talking about literacy takes Flight,
but you know we're closing in on twenty twenty six,
so I know the fourth quarter is going to be
an important quarter for Pittsburgh to support their public library.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
So let's start there.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
That's absolutely right, Thank you for that. It's been in
another amazing year at our libraries, and more people than
ever are coming to visit, more books are being read
than ever before, and so we can really use the
community's help as much or more than ever before. And
coming up to the end of the year is really
an important time to support our libraries because of all
(00:59):
the important things going on, and there are great fun
ways to do that. Okay, for example, for those of
you who have large shopping lists for the holidays, we'll
be expanding our online store of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
memorabilia and merch. Okay, so check us out at Carnegie
Library dot org.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
And what are some of the things you might find
in the store.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
Well, you know, of course, you need sweatshirts and hoodies
for the cold weather coming up. You need backpacks and
carrier bags for carrying all those books around with you.
You need candles that smell like libraries to set the
mood when you're reading throughout the cold winter coming up. Sure,
and you need mugs to drink your tea or whatever
(01:42):
your particular beverage of choices, and you'll be able to
get them at Carnegie Library dot org.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
So it's a great way to show off that you
supported the Carnegie Libraries. And it's a great way. It
could be a great gift as well.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
You bet. And in fact, you know it really spread
in the word that libraries are freed to the people.
You can do that three sixty five with merch from
the library.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Okay, So along with the online store, what's another great
way to support the library.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Well, Carnegie Library dot org slash donate is a place
for folks to be able to be part of making
the library happen. We have incredible support in our community
and our neighbors who love the library. By giving back
to the library, help perpetuate that and keep the library
(02:32):
and all the amazing things that happen there every day
free to the people. So all donations and contributions are
welcome because they go right into fostering literacy and creating
connections and enabling exploration for all ages, for all of
our neighbors, all year long.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
All right. For those who who aren't familiar with.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
The Carnegie Library, in the great opportunities that you present
to the city, tell us everything we need to know
about what you do in your library's provide the community.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
So Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh, we are all over the city,
and we are open more hours than we have ever
been before, and in fact, we're open twenty four to
seven with our expanded virtual surfaces, so ebooks, e audio books, films, music,
and virtual programs as well, so you can get those
any time of the day and any time of the year.
(03:24):
And it's all about fostering literacy and creating connections and
enabling exploration. You know, there's something in the library for everybody.
Everybody is interested in something and the library has something
about everything, so that connection is really really special. And
it may be that you're looking for a book or
(03:46):
digital audiobook for your holiday traveling. It may be that
you're looking for cookbooks for whatever holidays you celebrate here
at the end of the year. To make those occasions
even more special, we've got that. It may be that
you know this time of the year you're bringing your
family and thinking back on your ancestors, and our geology
(04:06):
services are incredible. You may be wanting to preserve those
VHS tapes of the holidays that you recorded with your
family back in the eighties, and we have a recollection
lab which is where we can help you turn your
analog memories into digitized memories so that your great great
great great great great grandchildren can experience those too.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Now is what kind of charge for that?
Speaker 3 (04:31):
Absolutely free, you're kidding, Absolutely free for everybody, for sure.
Because of the really really generous support of our neighbors
and particularly the regional that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Every time I talk to you, Andrew, I always I'm
not surprised that I am surprised that you have some
sort of opportunity at one of your libraries, Like so
I just looked into something like that.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
It's thousands of dollars. But you're.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Now you don't do that, you're giving our teaching people
to do that themselves.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Or how does that work?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Absolutely so in our recollection lab that's located at the
main library in Oakland, and we have the equipment to
turn it. Maybe vhs like I mentioned. Maybe it's slides,
you know, slides that you use take on your pick
on your cameras and have to wait to get developed
and keep in a box back. Yes, those things. Absolutely
(05:24):
audio cassettes, and so we have equipment to transfer all
of those different things digitally. And to your point, absolutely
we have expert library staff who can assist you in doing.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
That's amazing you bet Okay, Now you talked a little
bit and you mentioned it a couple of times, fostering literacy.
So tell us about your literacy Take Flight initiative. What
is that all about?
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Well, it started from a problem, frankly, a problem that
we all have, and that that's literacy rates. This is
really really a crisis for our count and here at
home too. In fact, in Pennsylvania, only one third of
fourth graders are reading at a level that is proficient
(06:10):
or above.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So you're taking like thirty three percent of that's fourth graders.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
That's right. And in fact, when you then look at
traditionally marginalized communities and less affluent communities, that number is
even worse. And that's a problem because literacy is key
to everything, to surviving and thriving in school and in life.
And yeah, fostering literacy those are the first words of
(06:37):
our mission statement. And that's not new for public libraries.
I mean, we've been doing story times for over one
hundred years and that's key to what that is. So
we know that it is right for us to step
up and lead our region in helping to solve this
literacy crisis that is affecting all of us.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
All right, so what are you doing to foster illiteracy? Specifically,
Literacy takes Flight? What is that kind of a what
is that initiative?
Speaker 3 (07:08):
So Literacy Takes Flight brings together all of the amazing
work that we do at the library around this area.
And so yes, it's the story times that we have
at all of our locations during the days and in
the evenings. It's our Greater Pittsburgh Festival Books, which has
now been renamed the Pittsburgh Book Festival, and I know
that that's an event that you like. Yes, and it's
(07:31):
one that's happening again on May thirtieth. Did you do
that coincidence? I will not reveal that for sure, but
it's going to be a great celebration of both those
really special events. I'll tell you that. We also have
our annual summer Reading program, which we've talked about before.
(07:52):
We had an incredible one this past summer, which was
all about here's another coincidence, light and taking off. And
I'm so proud of Pittsburgh kids because they read more
than twice as many books this summer as they did
last summer. They read over one hundred and forty five
(08:14):
thousand books as part of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Summer
Reading Program.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Well, I'm not surprised that our community supports your library,
because I can't imagine the community without the Karnegie Library.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
But why is it?
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Why is it that our Pittsburgh community has read more
books than maybe other communities.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Well, I think it's because we have, first of all,
such a great tradition of libraries. You know, when I
travel the world and I let people know that I'm
from Pittsburgh. That's one of the first things they say
after we talk about the Steelers. Then the the other
one of the first things that they say is oh, wow,
I love colp. So there's that tradition of the library
(08:58):
being there for the community and people people remembering that.
And it goes to my other point, whatever you're interested in,
there's something, there's something there for you. So it just
makes that connection on a real individual and personal basis.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
But is it because of all the work that you
guys do and promote that you're able to get more
kids to read than maybe other communities.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
Well, I think so. I think because I know that
my colleagues and I work hard every day to make
all of these great things that we've talked about possible.
And I will say that this summer we presented a
challenge to readers. We said, we bet you can't read
eighty thousand books, and they blew that number out of
(09:42):
the water, as you can tell. So I think perhaps
our natural competitiveness, yes, might have had something to do
with with it as well.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
You know, it's funny.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
It's funny, that's one way to motivate a pittsburgher. It
were you know, what's funny. I'm married to Texan, and
you know, if you know anything about Texans, they're very
proud of their estate. And it's not that Pittsburgh's aren't
proud of Pennsylvania, but we're particularly proud of our city,
maybe even more so than the states. Yes, if you
(10:16):
challenge us, we're going to rise to the occasion almost
every single time.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Absolutely, you bet Pittsburgh loves people who loves Pittsburgh and
the feeling is mutual.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Okay, now that's a given.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
But what is it about the Carnegie Library that has
endeared itself to the town. Is it go back to,
you know, the origination of the library.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
I really believe it's those words that are carved above
the entrance to the main library, free to the people.
You know, I've mentioned those words already a couple of
times just in our time here together today, because they
resonate so much. Those words. The reason that they're carved
above the door is because they were spoken by Andrew
(11:03):
Karnegi at the November eighteen ninety five dedication of that building.
Because that was why the library was created, to be
free to the people, and that means a lot, That
means a lot to folks and they take it really,
really personally, and I know that that's a big part
(11:27):
of what's created and nurtured and continued the relationship that
we have with all our neighbors.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
And your building is a special building when it comes
to Pittsburgh. When you walk into it, you just look.
I just got goosebumps.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Because I can verify he did.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
It Really is a you feel the history, You feel
like you're you know, you're part of Pittsburgh history.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
I couldn't agree more. I was just at a couple
of weeks ago at the unveiling of the new Pittsburgh
Walk of Fame in the Strip District and had the
honor of inducting Andrew Carnegie into the inaugural class of
folks there. And it occurred to me as I was
standing there next to August Wilson's daughter and next to
(12:13):
mister Rogers's children, and I was seated next to the
son of Jonah Sack and Roberto Clemente sons were there,
and it was an amazing, amazing class of people, and
Michael Keaton was the keynote, and I thought, that is
one thing that all of these people, all of the
folks who have just entered the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame.
That they have in common. They've walked through the front
(12:35):
doors of that library in Oakland, and I predict here
now that every future star on that Walk of Fame
will be for someone who has also been into the library.
So it's something that we all have in common.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
All Right, twenty twenty six is going to be here
before we know it.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Now.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
We talked a little bit about the the book fair
that is going to be coming up in May, But
what are some other plans that you have of moving
forward for the new year.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
I'm really really enthused about how we're responding to this
literacy crisis. And I mentioned a few of the ways.
Another really significant way is giving a call to action
to our community, ways that our community can come together
to help with this literacy problem that we have. And
(13:24):
there are four things that are completely free and that
everybody can do and that we are.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
And I start with number one is just do it.
It is just realizing that there is an issue of literacy.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
Thank you, thank you. That's exactly it. That's where it begins.
That's where it begins. Knowledge is power, as they.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
Say, And there's so many opportunities.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Literacy Pittsburgh does a great job of helping individuals who
are coming from out of from a different country, coming
in and really embracing them, knowing that that literacy is.
Everything starts with literacy. You talked about that, and that
is so important. So I apologize. You were talking about
you know, ways, and I came up with number one.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
I don't know if that is number one on your list.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
Well it is now, and so now number two is
get a library card and use it.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
Oh yeah, absolutely everybody can. I thought that was a given.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Well it bears repeating, I would say it bears repeating.
The next is to have books in your home, have books,
be surrounded by literacy and get them for free at
the library, buy them at a bookstore. That's great too.
There are organizations such as RIFF and Reading Ready Pittsburgh
and Reading Room Pittsburgh who will also provide books for free,
(14:40):
so be surrounded by books being a literacy rich environment.
Another is be a reading role model. Let young people
in your life see you reading. And that leads into
my favorite, which is read together everything around you every day.
(15:02):
This is so easy. This is so easy. Look at
that read sign with eight sides on it and four
letters that we just passed. What does that say? What
does that mean? When you're at the grocery store, what
do the letters m ILK say and what do they mean?
And so there are opportunities to engage with reading and
(15:24):
letters and words all around you for free, every single day,
and we truly believe that this is such an important
part in helping us to fight this literacy crisis.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
We're talking with Andrew Medler of the Carnegie Library Pittsburgh
and talking about literacy Takes Flight initiative and some of
the plans moving in twenty twenty six, and he's really
focused on literacy obviously, And I think we talked about
the connection of the city with the library. But you
can't accomplish what you're wanting to accomplish without the connection
(16:01):
with the city government.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
And how is that and what are you looking?
Speaker 2 (16:07):
What would you like us to do to help you
advocate for the library?
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Well, thank you, I mean asking that question is a
really big first step. And we have incredible support from
the city and the county here in our hometown for
the libraries. So speaking up and letting your elected officials
know how much you love the library as well. That
goes so so far, so that they know and that
(16:36):
they understand that. And again, we have really great support.
We have representatives from city government and county government on
the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees, and they
are so important and so committed and so vital to
the work that we're doing. And we appreciate that because, again,
(16:57):
like we said, it's something that we all have to
do together.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Now, you obviously need support from the government, but we haven't.
We talked initially about donating. This is the time to
really support the library. So what are some of the
ways we can financially support the library?
Speaker 3 (17:18):
Well, thank you again for asking. Carnegie Library dot org
slash Donate is a place where you can provide a
one time donation for something about the library that you
particularly care about. Maybe it's children's books, maybe it's workforce
development programs that we have, maybe it's language learning. That's
a way that you can personally make these things continue
(17:43):
to happen. We also have really convenient ways for you
to provide recurring gifts and that makes it really easy.
You don't even have to think about it every month.
That'll happen automatically. If you set up a recurring gift
to the library. We also have other ways to contribute
it through planned giving and to look ahead to the
(18:04):
legacy that you want to leave for our region through
a variety of ways that may work really well for you,
and we're happy to work with you on that as well.
And you know, when you're in your library, there's a
box there, slip a five dollars bill in there. Little
(18:24):
change leads to big change.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
And of course the online store. You know, we mentioned
that it's worth mentioning again.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
Remember for your upcoming shopping needs to check out Carnegie
Library dot org and where you can wear your library
love every single.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Day, he says, with a little grin and a little
sparkle in his eye. Okay, we mentioned some of the
things in twenty twenty six. Let's talk about the book
Festival that is coming up in May. What are some
of the things. I know it's early in the process,
but what can you tell us about the festival coming
up in May.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
Well, I'm really excited that we have a rebranding of
the book Festival that is rolling out and we'll really
kick into high gear in the year ahead. And the
idea is to really help folks to see that our
book festival is part of the incredible lineup of festivals
(19:19):
that happen in our city, in our region every year.
I we say, I love to celebrate pickles in Pittsburgh.
All right, we've got a festival for that. We can
do it for books too.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Okay, tell us a little bit about what happened last year,
so we have an idea what to expect.
Speaker 3 (19:34):
You bet. So it is a day long celebration of
books and writing and authors. It takes place in Oakland
at the main Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh building, and we'll
actually be expanding even further into the Oakland neighborhood this
year ahead. And I'll tell you some of the biggest
(19:55):
lines of people that I've seen were for authors of
of really really fascinating niche genre books like books that
you would never even think have been written. For example,
have so much I would say, fantasy, romance, vampire combinations
(20:16):
altogether in one book. Okay, folks, long lines of very
happy people waiting to meet authors of books that they love.
I'll tell you the line to meet the incredible author
of the new mystery series starring the Golden Girls. Speaking
of nineteen eighties and things on VHS that was a
(20:37):
huge hit. And just like I say, there's something for
everybody at the library.
Speaker 1 (20:42):
That surprise you that that.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
Well, it was a great book, so I wasn't surprised,
wasn't that. But the fact that so many folks not
only knew about it but made the trip to come
and be surrounded by over eight thousand other book lovers,
that really was gratical.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Well, what surprises me about the legacy of The Golden
Girls is that that's television that we remember, but there's
so many individuals that are much younger that totally know
know the show, know the songs, no, the characters, know everything,
and now it's bit spread into books. It's just that's
(21:21):
what surprises me.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
Well, I'll tell you the next time you're scanning through
your TV, you can see about seven episodes of The
Golden Girls showing on different channels that at any all
the way time. So there's an example of that. But
also that's another perfect example of the library having something
for everyone. So if that's something you're interested in and
that you love, and you know you identify as a
(21:45):
Sophia or a Rose or Dorothy or a Blanche the
library has books about that for you.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
So when does the process of planning the next book festival?
Does it start the very next day after the festival?
Speaker 3 (21:59):
Is tone we take the Sunday off and then then
Monday morning you betcha and so things really are underway
right now. So I'm not yet at liberty of revealing
some of the amazing authors who will be with us
this spring.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
But we have a location and we have a date.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Correct, that is at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main
Library in Oakland on Saturday May thirtieth, twenty twenty six.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
Okay, Is that Labor Day weekend?
Speaker 3 (22:25):
It is not.
Speaker 1 (22:26):
It is the weekend after memory. Is that my birthday weekend?
Speaker 3 (22:29):
It is absolutely yes.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
Everybody put that on your calendar.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
Okay, So other than the festival, do you have any
other main things that you're going to have in twenty
twenty six that you want to tell us about.
Speaker 3 (22:42):
Well, Literacy Take Flight. Takes Flight is something that will
happen throughout the year, sure, and so there's amazing things
that will be coming up in the winter and the
spring to again support all of our neighbors in their
literacy needs and be a summer reading program. In twenty
twenty six. That's gonna be amazing too. We thought, let's
(23:04):
build on that success and that fun and that engagement
around books and that challenge of reading lots of books.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
For those who just tuning in, tell us about how
Pittsburgh exceeded expectations when it came to the summer reading program.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Holy cow, Pittsburgh kids read one hundred and forty five
thousand books last summer and their goal was eighty five Oh,
a measly little eighty thousand books. They just took that
and ran with it, and they had a great time
doing it. And we said, well, why should that happen
only in the summer. Okay, perhaps a winter reading program
(23:43):
would be something that would be great to do as well.
So details on that are coming up soon. That'll be
your first library Fund of twenty twenty sex.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Now, with the summer reading program, are you setting the
bar at one hundred and forty five thousand this year
and you're hoping to exceed that?
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Well, I don't think we should settle for just one
hundred and forty five thousand. I don't know what do
you think would be a good number. As we work
our way up to gazillion. I think, you know, we'll
take steps to that.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
One hundred and fifty thousand would be it seems reasonable,
But let's go one hundred and seventy five thousand. Do
you think you think the supporters of Carnegie Library can
do that?
Speaker 3 (24:19):
I know that Pittsburgh readers can do that.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
And you're saying that you blew away other communities when
it came to the summer reading program.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Well, you know, it's not about that kind of competition.
It's about competition with ourselves and frankly, anybody who reads
anything anywhere, that's a good thing.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
All right, let's kind of we only have a few minutes,
so let's kind of recap everything we talked about. The
Literacy Takes Flight initiative, what is that all about? And
that is going on currently? That is something that is
going to be ongoing. Simply you started by saying that
the fourth grade literacy rate, what is that?
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Again?
Speaker 3 (24:58):
It's not good. It's a third of Pennsylvania kids at
fourth grade, which is a pivotal grade. Research shows again
and again that third and fourth grade is really the
tipping point for kids in reading, and that number is
only a third of kids who are proficient at that.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
Now, why do you think that is?
Speaker 3 (25:18):
I think it's a variety of very complex and systemic
factors that have existed for a long, long, long long time.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
You just accepted that that there are many factors, but
you want to do something about that.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
And so what is the library doing.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
So the library is first of all providing books and
programs and spaces and expert library staff to support folks
in those needs. We're also partnering with over a dozen
organizations around our region to do this work together, to
(25:55):
enhance and to support and encourage even more this work
because this is a long standing problem that we have
not easy to fix. So it's going to take us
working together, neighbor to neighbor, organization to organization to move
this needle that we must move.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
And what can we do as the community to help
you with that literacy rate? Or for this initiative?
Speaker 3 (26:19):
You can support the library at Carnegie library dot org
slash donate. You can get a library card and use it,
have books in your home, be a reading role model
and read together everything around you every day.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
You really enjoy what you do, don't you.
Speaker 3 (26:38):
It's really awesome. Yes, thanks, this is the best job,
because it's something that is such a privilege to spend
my time and make contributions in something that I believe in.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
In love, and let's kind of finish up on the
relationship with the Carnegie Library and the Pittsburgh community. It
started a long time time ago and it's only grown.
It's really kind of okay. I want to ask you something,
just playing Devil's advocate, but to hear so many people
who might say the libraries is passe. This isn't something
(27:14):
that now in the world of the internet. Why do
we need public libraries? What is your response?
Speaker 3 (27:20):
I would say, Well, ask a Pittsburgh about that, and
I bet that they are one of the two hundred
and fifty thousand additional visitors to their library last year.
So more people are coming because of what's in the
library and what we provide. So it's passe to think
(27:42):
the libraries are passe.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
That's passe passe.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Because you start with literacy. We've identified the problem. The
great way to start addressing that problem is with the
public library and your relationship with not just the city,
but also the education systems, the schools here in Pittsbe.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Can you talk a little bit about that.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
Absolutely. Pittsburgh Public Schools and our other schools in the
city are great partners in this work having a library
card and using it. Every single Pittsburgh Public School student
has an activated, fine free Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh card
through our cardfest program, and that's one that we have
(28:21):
begun expanding already this year and into next year to
other schools non PPS schools in our region, and Pittsburgh
Public Schools and their literacy team are also partners to
us in our Literacy Takes Flight initiative.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
All Right, we all we have less than a minute,
So how can we support the Public Library.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
By using the library and contributing your skills and talents
and financial resources in any way that is comfortable for
you at Carnegie Library dot org slash donate and by
gifting everyone in your life this holiday season with great
merch from Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (29:03):
Andrew, it's always a pleasure. Looking forward to talking to
you in twenty twenty six. Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
Thanks and as always, if you have any comments or
concern or an idea for our future program, please email
us from this radio station's website.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
I'm Johnny Hartwell, thank you so much for listening.
Speaker 5 (29:32):
We asked parents who adopted teens to share their journey.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
I think my biggest challenge was getting through to him
to understand that love is real and you have goals
in mind. You have things that want to happen, and
I want to help you get there.
Speaker 5 (29:46):
Sometimes people tend to shy away from wanting to adopt
teenagers because they feel like they've lost so much, but
there's still so much to gain.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
Just knowing that there's just that other person that cares
and loves out there, it feels great and they've done
so much for me and I.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
Can only be appreciative every single day for just having
them in my life.
Speaker 4 (30:09):
I think it's been the best decision because I gained
a son and he's the best son ever.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
If I was down and out, he'd be there.
Speaker 5 (30:18):
Learn about adopting a team from foster care. You can't
imagine the reward. Visit adopt us kids dot org to
learn more. A message brought to you by adopt Us Kids,
the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the
ad Council
And welcome in.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
This is a public affairs program shedding the light on
the interest, issues and concerns of the greater Pittsburgh area.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Good morning.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
My name is Johnny heart Well your host and my
guest this morning is Andrew Midler of the Carnegie Libraries
of Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Good to see you again, Andrew.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Great to see you, Johnny, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
So what is going on now?
Speaker 2 (00:21):
I know we're going to be talking about literacy takes Flight,
but you know we're closing in on twenty twenty six,
so I know the fourth quarter is going to be
an important quarter for Pittsburgh to support their public library.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
So let's start there.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
That's absolutely right, Thank you for that. It's been in
another amazing year at our libraries, and more people than
ever are coming to visit, more books are being read
than ever before, and so we can really use the
community's help as much or more than ever before. And
coming up to the end of the year is really
an important time to support our libraries because of all
(00:59):
the important things going on, and there are great fun
ways to do that. Okay, for example, for those of
you who have large shopping lists for the holidays, we'll
be expanding our online store of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
memorabilia and merch. Okay, so check us out at Carnegie
Library dot org.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
And what are some of the things you might find
in the store.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
Well, you know, of course, you need sweatshirts and hoodies
for the cold weather coming up. You need backpacks and
carrier bags for carrying all those books around with you.
You need candles that smell like libraries to set the
mood when you're reading throughout the cold winter coming up. Sure,
and you need mugs to drink your tea or whatever
(01:42):
your particular beverage of choices, and you'll be able to
get them at Carnegie Library dot org.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
So it's a great way to show off that you
supported the Carnegie Libraries. And it's a great way. It
could be a great gift as well.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
You bet. And in fact, you know it really spread
in the word that libraries are freed to the people.
You can do that three sixty five with merch from
the library.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Okay, So along with the online store, what's another great
way to support the library.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Well, Carnegie Library dot org slash donate is a place
for folks to be able to be part of making
the library happen. We have incredible support in our community
and our neighbors who love the library. By giving back
to the library, help perpetuate that and keep the library
(02:32):
and all the amazing things that happen there every day
free to the people. So all donations and contributions are
welcome because they go right into fostering literacy and creating
connections and enabling exploration for all ages, for all of
our neighbors, all year long.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
All right. For those who who aren't familiar with.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
The Carnegie Library, in the great opportunities that you present
to the city, tell us everything we need to know
about what you do in your library's provide the community.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
So Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh, we are all over the city,
and we are open more hours than we have ever
been before, and in fact, we're open twenty four to
seven with our expanded virtual surfaces, so ebooks, e audio books, films, music,
and virtual programs as well, so you can get those
any time of the day and any time of the year.
(03:24):
And it's all about fostering literacy and creating connections and
enabling exploration. You know, there's something in the library for everybody.
Everybody is interested in something and the library has something
about everything, so that connection is really really special. And
it may be that you're looking for a book or
(03:46):
digital audiobook for your holiday traveling. It may be that
you're looking for cookbooks for whatever holidays you celebrate here
at the end of the year. To make those occasions
even more special, we've got that. It may be that
you know this time of the year you're bringing your
family and thinking back on your ancestors, and our geology
(04:06):
services are incredible. You may be wanting to preserve those
VHS tapes of the holidays that you recorded with your
family back in the eighties, and we have a recollection
lab which is where we can help you turn your
analog memories into digitized memories so that your great great
great great great great grandchildren can experience those too.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Now is what kind of charge for that?
Speaker 3 (04:31):
Absolutely free, you're kidding, Absolutely free for everybody, for sure.
Because of the really really generous support of our neighbors
and particularly the regional that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Every time I talk to you, Andrew, I always I'm
not surprised that I am surprised that you have some
sort of opportunity at one of your libraries, Like so
I just looked into something like that.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
It's thousands of dollars. But you're.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Now you don't do that, you're giving our teaching people
to do that themselves.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Or how does that work?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Absolutely so in our recollection lab that's located at the
main library in Oakland, and we have the equipment to
turn it. Maybe vhs like I mentioned. Maybe it's slides,
you know, slides that you use take on your pick
on your cameras and have to wait to get developed
and keep in a box back. Yes, those things. Absolutely
(05:24):
audio cassettes, and so we have equipment to transfer all
of those different things digitally. And to your point, absolutely
we have expert library staff who can assist you in doing.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
That's amazing you bet Okay, Now you talked a little
bit and you mentioned it a couple of times, fostering literacy.
So tell us about your literacy Take Flight initiative. What
is that all about?
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Well, it started from a problem, frankly, a problem that
we all have, and that that's literacy rates. This is
really really a crisis for our count and here at
home too. In fact, in Pennsylvania, only one third of
fourth graders are reading at a level that is proficient
(06:10):
or above.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So you're taking like thirty three percent of that's fourth graders.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
That's right. And in fact, when you then look at
traditionally marginalized communities and less affluent communities, that number is
even worse. And that's a problem because literacy is key
to everything, to surviving and thriving in school and in life.
And yeah, fostering literacy those are the first words of
(06:37):
our mission statement. And that's not new for public libraries.
I mean, we've been doing story times for over one
hundred years and that's key to what that is. So
we know that it is right for us to step
up and lead our region in helping to solve this
literacy crisis that is affecting all of us.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
All right, so what are you doing to foster illiteracy? Specifically,
Literacy takes Flight? What is that kind of a what
is that initiative?
Speaker 3 (07:08):
So Literacy Takes Flight brings together all of the amazing
work that we do at the library around this area.
And so yes, it's the story times that we have
at all of our locations during the days and in
the evenings. It's our Greater Pittsburgh Festival Books, which has
now been renamed the Pittsburgh Book Festival, and I know
that that's an event that you like. Yes, and it's
(07:31):
one that's happening again on May thirtieth. Did you do
that coincidence? I will not reveal that for sure, but
it's going to be a great celebration of both those
really special events. I'll tell you that. We also have
our annual summer Reading program, which we've talked about before.
(07:52):
We had an incredible one this past summer, which was
all about here's another coincidence, light and taking off. And
I'm so proud of Pittsburgh kids because they read more
than twice as many books this summer as they did
last summer. They read over one hundred and forty five
(08:14):
thousand books as part of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Summer
Reading Program.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Well, I'm not surprised that our community supports your library,
because I can't imagine the community without the Karnegie Library.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
But why is it?
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Why is it that our Pittsburgh community has read more
books than maybe other communities.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Well, I think it's because we have, first of all,
such a great tradition of libraries. You know, when I
travel the world and I let people know that I'm
from Pittsburgh. That's one of the first things they say
after we talk about the Steelers. Then the the other
one of the first things that they say is oh, wow,
I love colp. So there's that tradition of the library
(08:58):
being there for the community and people people remembering that.
And it goes to my other point, whatever you're interested in,
there's something, there's something there for you. So it just
makes that connection on a real individual and personal basis.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
But is it because of all the work that you
guys do and promote that you're able to get more
kids to read than maybe other communities.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
Well, I think so. I think because I know that
my colleagues and I work hard every day to make
all of these great things that we've talked about possible.
And I will say that this summer we presented a
challenge to readers. We said, we bet you can't read
eighty thousand books, and they blew that number out of
(09:42):
the water, as you can tell. So I think perhaps
our natural competitiveness, yes, might have had something to do
with with it as well.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
You know, it's funny.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
It's funny, that's one way to motivate a pittsburgher. It
were you know, what's funny. I'm married to Texan, and
you know, if you know anything about Texans, they're very
proud of their estate. And it's not that Pittsburgh's aren't
proud of Pennsylvania, but we're particularly proud of our city,
maybe even more so than the states. Yes, if you
(10:16):
challenge us, we're going to rise to the occasion almost
every single time.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Absolutely, you bet Pittsburgh loves people who loves Pittsburgh and
the feeling is mutual.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Okay, now that's a given.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
But what is it about the Carnegie Library that has
endeared itself to the town. Is it go back to,
you know, the origination of the library.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
I really believe it's those words that are carved above
the entrance to the main library, free to the people.
You know, I've mentioned those words already a couple of
times just in our time here together today, because they
resonate so much. Those words. The reason that they're carved
above the door is because they were spoken by Andrew
(11:03):
Karnegi at the November eighteen ninety five dedication of that building.
Because that was why the library was created, to be
free to the people, and that means a lot, That
means a lot to folks and they take it really,
really personally, and I know that that's a big part
(11:27):
of what's created and nurtured and continued the relationship that
we have with all our neighbors.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
And your building is a special building when it comes
to Pittsburgh. When you walk into it, you just look.
I just got goosebumps.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Because I can verify he did.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
It Really is a you feel the history, You feel
like you're you know, you're part of Pittsburgh history.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
I couldn't agree more. I was just at a couple
of weeks ago at the unveiling of the new Pittsburgh
Walk of Fame in the Strip District and had the
honor of inducting Andrew Carnegie into the inaugural class of
folks there. And it occurred to me as I was
standing there next to August Wilson's daughter and next to
(12:13):
mister Rogers's children, and I was seated next to the
son of Jonah Sack and Roberto Clemente sons were there,
and it was an amazing, amazing class of people, and
Michael Keaton was the keynote, and I thought, that is
one thing that all of these people, all of the
folks who have just entered the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame.
That they have in common. They've walked through the front
(12:35):
doors of that library in Oakland, and I predict here
now that every future star on that Walk of Fame
will be for someone who has also been into the library.
So it's something that we all have in common.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
All Right, twenty twenty six is going to be here
before we know it.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Now.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
We talked a little bit about the the book fair
that is going to be coming up in May, But
what are some other plans that you have of moving
forward for the new year.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
I'm really really enthused about how we're responding to this
literacy crisis. And I mentioned a few of the ways.
Another really significant way is giving a call to action
to our community, ways that our community can come together
to help with this literacy problem that we have. And
(13:24):
there are four things that are completely free and that
everybody can do and that we are.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
And I start with number one is just do it.
It is just realizing that there is an issue of literacy.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
Thank you, thank you. That's exactly it. That's where it begins.
That's where it begins. Knowledge is power, as they.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
Say, And there's so many opportunities.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Literacy Pittsburgh does a great job of helping individuals who
are coming from out of from a different country, coming
in and really embracing them, knowing that that literacy is.
Everything starts with literacy. You talked about that, and that
is so important. So I apologize. You were talking about
you know, ways, and I came up with number one.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
I don't know if that is number one on your list.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
Well it is now, and so now number two is
get a library card and use it.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
Oh yeah, absolutely everybody can. I thought that was a given.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Well it bears repeating, I would say it bears repeating.
The next is to have books in your home, have books,
be surrounded by literacy and get them for free at
the library, buy them at a bookstore. That's great too.
There are organizations such as RIFF and Reading Ready Pittsburgh
and Reading Room Pittsburgh who will also provide books for free,
(14:40):
so be surrounded by books being a literacy rich environment.
Another is be a reading role model. Let young people
in your life see you reading. And that leads into
my favorite, which is read together everything around you every day.
(15:02):
This is so easy. This is so easy. Look at
that read sign with eight sides on it and four
letters that we just passed. What does that say? What
does that mean? When you're at the grocery store, what
do the letters m ILK say and what do they mean?
And so there are opportunities to engage with reading and
(15:24):
letters and words all around you for free, every single day,
and we truly believe that this is such an important
part in helping us to fight this literacy crisis.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
We're talking with Andrew Medler of the Carnegie Library Pittsburgh
and talking about literacy Takes Flight initiative and some of
the plans moving in twenty twenty six, and he's really
focused on literacy obviously, And I think we talked about
the connection of the city with the library. But you
can't accomplish what you're wanting to accomplish without the connection
(16:01):
with the city government.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
And how is that and what are you looking?
Speaker 2 (16:07):
What would you like us to do to help you
advocate for the library?
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Well, thank you, I mean asking that question is a
really big first step. And we have incredible support from
the city and the county here in our hometown for
the libraries. So speaking up and letting your elected officials
know how much you love the library as well. That
goes so so far, so that they know and that
(16:36):
they understand that. And again, we have really great support.
We have representatives from city government and county government on
the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees, and they
are so important and so committed and so vital to
the work that we're doing. And we appreciate that because, again,
(16:57):
like we said, it's something that we all have to
do together.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Now, you obviously need support from the government, but we haven't.
We talked initially about donating. This is the time to
really support the library. So what are some of the
ways we can financially support the library?
Speaker 3 (17:18):
Well, thank you again for asking. Carnegie Library dot org
slash Donate is a place where you can provide a
one time donation for something about the library that you
particularly care about. Maybe it's children's books, maybe it's workforce
development programs that we have, maybe it's language learning. That's
a way that you can personally make these things continue
(17:43):
to happen. We also have really convenient ways for you
to provide recurring gifts and that makes it really easy.
You don't even have to think about it every month.
That'll happen automatically. If you set up a recurring gift
to the library. We also have other ways to contribute
it through planned giving and to look ahead to the
(18:04):
legacy that you want to leave for our region through
a variety of ways that may work really well for you,
and we're happy to work with you on that as well.
And you know, when you're in your library, there's a
box there, slip a five dollars bill in there. Little
(18:24):
change leads to big change.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
And of course the online store. You know, we mentioned
that it's worth mentioning again.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
Remember for your upcoming shopping needs to check out Carnegie
Library dot org and where you can wear your library
love every single.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Day, he says, with a little grin and a little
sparkle in his eye. Okay, we mentioned some of the
things in twenty twenty six. Let's talk about the book
Festival that is coming up in May. What are some
of the things. I know it's early in the process,
but what can you tell us about the festival coming
up in May.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
Well, I'm really excited that we have a rebranding of
the book Festival that is rolling out and we'll really
kick into high gear in the year ahead. And the
idea is to really help folks to see that our
book festival is part of the incredible lineup of festivals
(19:19):
that happen in our city, in our region every year.
I we say, I love to celebrate pickles in Pittsburgh.
All right, we've got a festival for that. We can
do it for books too.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Okay, tell us a little bit about what happened last year,
so we have an idea what to expect.
Speaker 3 (19:34):
You bet. So it is a day long celebration of
books and writing and authors. It takes place in Oakland
at the main Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh building, and we'll
actually be expanding even further into the Oakland neighborhood this
year ahead. And I'll tell you some of the biggest
(19:55):
lines of people that I've seen were for authors of
of really really fascinating niche genre books like books that
you would never even think have been written. For example,
have so much I would say, fantasy, romance, vampire combinations
(20:16):
altogether in one book. Okay, folks, long lines of very
happy people waiting to meet authors of books that they love.
I'll tell you the line to meet the incredible author
of the new mystery series starring the Golden Girls. Speaking
of nineteen eighties and things on VHS that was a
(20:37):
huge hit. And just like I say, there's something for
everybody at the library.
Speaker 1 (20:42):
That surprise you that that.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
Well, it was a great book, so I wasn't surprised,
wasn't that. But the fact that so many folks not
only knew about it but made the trip to come
and be surrounded by over eight thousand other book lovers,
that really was gratical.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Well, what surprises me about the legacy of The Golden
Girls is that that's television that we remember, but there's
so many individuals that are much younger that totally know
know the show, know the songs, no, the characters, know everything,
and now it's bit spread into books. It's just that's
(21:21):
what surprises me.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
Well, I'll tell you the next time you're scanning through
your TV, you can see about seven episodes of The
Golden Girls showing on different channels that at any all
the way time. So there's an example of that. But
also that's another perfect example of the library having something
for everyone. So if that's something you're interested in and
that you love, and you know you identify as a
(21:45):
Sophia or a Rose or Dorothy or a Blanche the
library has books about that for you.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
So when does the process of planning the next book festival?
Does it start the very next day after the festival?
Speaker 3 (21:59):
Is tone we take the Sunday off and then then
Monday morning you betcha and so things really are underway
right now. So I'm not yet at liberty of revealing
some of the amazing authors who will be with us
this spring.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
But we have a location and we have a date.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Correct, that is at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main
Library in Oakland on Saturday May thirtieth, twenty twenty six.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
Okay, Is that Labor Day weekend?
Speaker 3 (22:25):
It is not.
Speaker 1 (22:26):
It is the weekend after memory. Is that my birthday weekend?
Speaker 3 (22:29):
It is absolutely yes.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
Everybody put that on your calendar.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
Okay, So other than the festival, do you have any
other main things that you're going to have in twenty
twenty six that you want to tell us about.
Speaker 3 (22:42):
Well, Literacy Take Flight. Takes Flight is something that will
happen throughout the year, sure, and so there's amazing things
that will be coming up in the winter and the
spring to again support all of our neighbors in their
literacy needs and be a summer reading program. In twenty
twenty six. That's gonna be amazing too. We thought, let's
(23:04):
build on that success and that fun and that engagement
around books and that challenge of reading lots of books.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
For those who just tuning in, tell us about how
Pittsburgh exceeded expectations when it came to the summer reading program.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Holy cow, Pittsburgh kids read one hundred and forty five
thousand books last summer and their goal was eighty five Oh,
a measly little eighty thousand books. They just took that
and ran with it, and they had a great time
doing it. And we said, well, why should that happen
only in the summer. Okay, perhaps a winter reading program
(23:43):
would be something that would be great to do as well.
So details on that are coming up soon. That'll be
your first library Fund of twenty twenty sex.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Now, with the summer reading program, are you setting the
bar at one hundred and forty five thousand this year
and you're hoping to exceed that?
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Well, I don't think we should settle for just one
hundred and forty five thousand. I don't know what do
you think would be a good number. As we work
our way up to gazillion. I think, you know, we'll
take steps to that.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
One hundred and fifty thousand would be it seems reasonable,
But let's go one hundred and seventy five thousand. Do
you think you think the supporters of Carnegie Library can
do that?
Speaker 3 (24:19):
I know that Pittsburgh readers can do that.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
And you're saying that you blew away other communities when
it came to the summer reading program.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Well, you know, it's not about that kind of competition.
It's about competition with ourselves and frankly, anybody who reads
anything anywhere, that's a good thing.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
All right, let's kind of we only have a few minutes,
so let's kind of recap everything we talked about. The
Literacy Takes Flight initiative, what is that all about? And
that is going on currently? That is something that is
going to be ongoing. Simply you started by saying that
the fourth grade literacy rate, what is that?
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Again?
Speaker 3 (24:58):
It's not good. It's a third of Pennsylvania kids at
fourth grade, which is a pivotal grade. Research shows again
and again that third and fourth grade is really the
tipping point for kids in reading, and that number is
only a third of kids who are proficient at that.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
Now, why do you think that is?
Speaker 3 (25:18):
I think it's a variety of very complex and systemic
factors that have existed for a long, long, long long time.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
You just accepted that that there are many factors, but
you want to do something about that.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
And so what is the library doing.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
So the library is first of all providing books and
programs and spaces and expert library staff to support folks
in those needs. We're also partnering with over a dozen
organizations around our region to do this work together, to
(25:55):
enhance and to support and encourage even more this work
because this is a long standing problem that we have
not easy to fix. So it's going to take us
working together, neighbor to neighbor, organization to organization to move
this needle that we must move.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
And what can we do as the community to help
you with that literacy rate? Or for this initiative?
Speaker 3 (26:19):
You can support the library at Carnegie library dot org
slash donate. You can get a library card and use it,
have books in your home, be a reading role model
and read together everything around you every day.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
You really enjoy what you do, don't you.
Speaker 3 (26:38):
It's really awesome. Yes, thanks, this is the best job,
because it's something that is such a privilege to spend
my time and make contributions in something that I believe in.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
In love, and let's kind of finish up on the
relationship with the Carnegie Library and the Pittsburgh community. It
started a long time time ago and it's only grown.
It's really kind of okay. I want to ask you something,
just playing Devil's advocate, but to hear so many people
who might say the libraries is passe. This isn't something
(27:14):
that now in the world of the internet. Why do
we need public libraries? What is your response?
Speaker 3 (27:20):
I would say, Well, ask a Pittsburgh about that, and
I bet that they are one of the two hundred
and fifty thousand additional visitors to their library last year.
So more people are coming because of what's in the
library and what we provide. So it's passe to think
(27:42):
the libraries are passe.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
That's passe passe.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Because you start with literacy. We've identified the problem. The
great way to start addressing that problem is with the
public library and your relationship with not just the city,
but also the education systems, the schools here in Pittsbe.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Can you talk a little bit about that.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
Absolutely. Pittsburgh Public Schools and our other schools in the
city are great partners in this work having a library
card and using it. Every single Pittsburgh Public School student
has an activated, fine free Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh card
through our cardfest program, and that's one that we have
(28:21):
begun expanding already this year and into next year to
other schools non PPS schools in our region, and Pittsburgh
Public Schools and their literacy team are also partners to
us in our Literacy Takes Flight initiative.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
All Right, we all we have less than a minute,
So how can we support the Public Library.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
By using the library and contributing your skills and talents
and financial resources in any way that is comfortable for
you at Carnegie Library dot org slash donate and by
gifting everyone in your life this holiday season with great
merch from Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh.
Speaker 2 (29:03):
Andrew, it's always a pleasure. Looking forward to talking to
you in twenty twenty six. Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
Thanks and as always, if you have any comments or
concern or an idea for our future program, please email
us from this radio station's website.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
I'm Johnny Hartwell, thank you so much for listening.
Speaker 5 (29:32):
We asked parents who adopted teens to share their journey.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
I think my biggest challenge was getting through to him
to understand that love is real and you have goals
in mind. You have things that want to happen, and
I want to help you get there.
Speaker 5 (29:46):
Sometimes people tend to shy away from wanting to adopt
teenagers because they feel like they've lost so much, but
there's still so much to gain.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
Just knowing that there's just that other person that cares
and loves out there, it feels great and they've done
so much for me and I.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
Can only be appreciative every single day for just having
them in my life.
Speaker 4 (30:09):
I think it's been the best decision because I gained
a son and he's the best son ever.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
If I was down and out, he'd be there.
Speaker 5 (30:18):
Learn about adopting a team from foster care. You can't
imagine the reward. Visit adopt us kids dot org to
learn more. A message brought to you by adopt Us Kids,
the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the
ad Council
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