The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) is supporting public libraries, schools and the students they both serve through four unique outreach programs – Preschool Picks, Picture Book Children’s Choice Awards (PBCCA), PBCCA Nonfiction Extension Program and Children’s Choice Awards (CCA). 

For more than a decade, ACLA and its 46 member libraries have introduced children to quality literature, promoted awareness of the public library and instilled a lifelong love of learning and reading for students across Allegheny County and beyond through these outreach programs. 

The general premise of these outreach programs is to offer an opportunity for public libraries and schools to collaborate. A typical visit includes a reading of one or more books plus a related activity if time permits. Each program has specific qualities aside from the ages served that makes it unique. For instance, PBCCA participants learn about the civic responsibility of voting and vote in a mock election for their favorite title at the end of the school year. CCA participants may attend a culminating event that includes a keynote address from a well-known author.  

If you are an educator interested in learning more about these programs, contact your local library. If you are a parent or homeschool educator, follow ACLA Youth Services on Facebook for more information. 

This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield features these outreach programs. To watch the full segment, click here. The book for this month’s segment is Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld, a perfect title for preschool and early elementary grades about being understanding of others. Here is the link to the parent tip sheet. Limited copies of the book are available, so if interested complete this survey after watching the segment.