Tag: Pittsburgh Today Live

Books & Beyond: Book Vending Machines in Allegheny County

The Allegheny County Library Association launched its first book vending machine at the Allegheny County Jail in June. The initiative strives to provide all kids with access to books, including those that might be in a tough situation. Since then, the organization has added book vending machines in other locations that might be difficult or challenging spaces for […]

Books & Beyond: New Year, New Library Resources to Help You 

Whether you kicked off the New Year with goals, resolutions, 26 in 2026, or a word of the year, Allegheny County libraries have the resources (all free!) to help you be your best self in 2026—with your library card as a passport to possibility. Here are just a few examples.  READ MORE: Try an eBook or audio book from Libby or Hoopla. Join a book […]

Books & Beyond: Pittsburgh Today Live Visits the Whitehall Public Library

This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield features the Whitehall Public Library. To watch the full segment, click here and learn how the Whitehall Library, with the Allegheny County Library Association, is offering up more than just books to its readers, both young and old. […]

Love Your Library 2025: Allegheny County Rallies Around Libraries

Pittsburgh, PA  –  Monday, November 24, 2025  – The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) announced the results of their annual Love Your Library campaign. The 46 library systems in Allegheny County raised a record-breaking $2,393,197.41 in charitable contributions during the month of September, a 40.2% increase from the previous year. Of this amount, $1,039,478.43 […]

Books & Beyond: Using Your Library Card to Access the Library of Things 

Obviously, patrons can check out books and audiovisual materials with their library card, and most patrons know that they also have access to the eLibrary, but did you know that there is also a Library of Things? The items available could be useful for those wanting to test something before making a purchase, avoid an […]

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: 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 […]

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 […]