Literacy Takes Flight
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Innovation Synopsis
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) transformed its literacy programming into a citywide advocacy movement through Literacy Takes Flight, a coordinated initiative that positioned reading as a shared civic responsibility. By connecting library programs with schools, health care providers, educators, community organizations, media and civic leaders, the initiative moved literacy advocacy from awareness to action—engaging thousands of residents, increasing reading and library use, and building a stronger community coalition around literacy.
Challenge/Opportunity
Pittsburgh, like communities across the country, is facing persistent literacy challenges. Declining reading achievement, pandemic-related learning loss and reduced engagement with library resources have created barriers to children becoming confident, successful readers. At the same time, CLP saw an opportunity to use its trusted position in the community to make literacy a shared civic priority rather than an issue belonging solely to schools or families.
Literacy Takes Flight was designed to turn that challenge into an advocacy opportunity: mobilize the library's existing programs, partnerships and community relationships around a common message, invite Pittsburghers to take concrete action, and demonstrate that collective advocacy can influence reading behavior and strengthen access to literacy resources.
Key Elements of Innovation
Literacy Takes Flight created a new advocacy model for CLP by connecting the library's existing literacy programs to a coordinated public campaign. Rather than building a stand-alone initiative, CLP created a common message and pathway to action that linked Summer Reading, CardFest, Best Books for Babies, Pgh Book Fest and Love Your Library Month with schools, health care providers, literacy organizations, educators, community groups, media and civic leaders.
The campaign made literacy advocacy tangible through a four-part Community Call-to-Action: Get a Library Card, Have Books in Your Home, Be a Reading Role Model, and Read Together Every Day. CLP reinforced that message through community programming, partner engagement, storytelling and media outreach, while launching Pittsburgh's first Children's Literacy Summit to bring advocates together around shared solutions.
Achieved Outcomes
Literacy Takes Flight translated advocacy into measurable changes in reading, library access and community engagement. In 2026, CLP’s Summer Reading program recorded 196,273 books read—a 35% increase over 2025—and 84% of participants said it encouraged them or their child to read more. Through CardFest, 19,525 young people gained access to library resources through new cards, including 18,901 Pittsburgh Public Schools students and 624 charter school students. CLP branch visits increased 26%. Best Books for Babies also prompted new and expecting parents to register their cards and visit the library.
The campaign engaged 20+ literacy organizations and brought 300+ educators, librarians, parents and community leaders together for the Children’s Literacy Summit. It generated 158 media placements and 17.8 million+ impressions.
Literacy Takes Flight has become a rallying cry for a more literate, connected and inspired Pittsburgh.
