RAD Pass Adds New Destinations, More Opportunities to Explore Pittsburgh Arts and Culture Than Ever Before, All Year Long
PITTSBURGH (September 3, 2025) – The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) today announced the year-long expansion of RAD Pass, an online ticketing platform that gives Allegheny County library cardholders free and discounted access to some of the region’s most beloved cultural destinations. Unveiled at a media event this morning at the Senator John Heinz History […]
Library Road Trip Crosses the Finish Line on August 31
August 31 is the last day to submit your completed passport for a prize After two years, ACLA’s Library Road Trip program is concluding at the end of the summer. While some may joke that Pittsburghers don’t like crossing rivers, that’s clearly not true of library patrons! Since the program launched in July 2023, library […]
Meet Maddie & Kim, ACLA’s Social Needs Interns
ACLA has been working with a very talented group of interns this summer on a variety of projects. We’ll be introducing them over the next few newsletters, starting with our Social Needs Interns. Maddie and Kim have been busy researching, vetting and organizing a list of local social services organizations. Their work will be compiled […]
Books & Beyond: Meeting Students Where They Are Through School and Public Library Collaboration
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 […]
Books & Beyond: American Girl® Doll Lending Library Celebrates 10 Years of Promoting Literacy and Local History
The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) American Girl® Doll Lending Library begin in 2015 with 10 libraries and a handful of donated dolls. Since then, the program has grown to include 100 dolls at more than 15 libraries, circulating thousands of times (collection total) countywide. The program provides all children with access to a cost-prohibitive […]
eiNetwork Receives $150,000 Grant from Henry L. Hillman Foundation to Upgrade Network Infrastructure Across Allegheny County Libraries
Pittsburgh, PA – [June 23, 2025] – eiNetwork is pleased to announce it has once again received generous support from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, this time in the form of a $150,000 grant to replace and upgrade network switches at libraries throughout Allegheny County. This new initiative will modernize critical infrastructure across Allegheny County […]
Books & Beyond: ACLA Provides Book Vending Machine at the Allegheny County Jail
Studies have shown that access to books in the home helps build academic success. The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) strives to provide all kids with access to books, including those that might be in a tough situation. The solution – book vending machines – strategically placed in locations that might be difficult or challenging […]
2025 Children’s Choice Award Winners
Libraries and schools partner to celebrate and promote reading The Children’s Choice Awards (CCA) hosted annually by the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) celebrates reading and encourages school and public library collaboration. This year’s culminating event was hosted again at Commonwealth Charter Academy in Homestead. The keynote author was […]
Books & Beyond: Public Libraries Combating Summer Slide
School is out for summer! Happy children and teens are eager to head to the swimming pool, stay up late, go on vacation and most importantly, not sitting behind a desk or worrying about homework and studying. However, studies have shown that the loss of a structured learning environment can be detrimental for students. There […]
Books & Beyond: Allegheny County Libraries offer free period products
Allegheny County Libraries have undertaken a new initiative to provide essential hygiene supplies to communities in need. The period project makes period products available for free to library patrons at participating libraries. Each public restroom in those libraries now includes a wall-mounted dispenser where library patrons can easily access pads and tampons. An estimated 2 […]