How Pittsburgh Libraries Make Summer Reading Fun for Adults

Summer is a great time to catch up on reading — sometimes because it’s too hot to do anything else. There are plenty of reading programs for kids, but it’s hard to make time for books as an adult. Libraries across the Pittsburgh region are looking to change that with activities for grownups and a bit of friendly competition.

Win Prizes for Reading

Have you been meaning to set aside time for reading but need a little motivation? Megan Zagorski with the Allegheny County Library Association says prizes can get adults excited about cracking open more books. While each county library sets its own programming and prizes, Zagorski shared a few of her favorite examples.

The Brentwood Library rewards readers with tickets to the Pittsburgh Opera and a homemade afghan. The Carnegie Library of Homestead is giving away restaurant gift cards for Millie’s and Jeni’s, plus tickets to Kennywood. And the grand prize in Robinson is a Kindle Fire.

Compete Against Other Branches

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is doing a friendly reading competition between all of its locations. You can sign up with your favorite branch and log books for your team. When you log books, you’re entered into a raffle for prizes.

If you’re extra pumped to learn more about adult summer reading, listen to our conversation with Bellevue librarian Erin Thompson, where she also shares some lesser-known library card hacks.