FOX CHAPEL, PA – September marks the 10th anniversary of the Allegheny County Library Association’s (ACLA) Love Your Library program, and our libraries are already celebrating! All month long, patrons are invited to stop by Cooper-Siegel (CSCL) or Sharpsburg (SCL) Community Libraries for a full slate of programming, raffles, activities and more. Library Development Manager Nadine Ostrowski said the best part of this annual celebration is “seeing how many people step up to show their support.” “Love Your Library Month is a reminder that our community genuinely believes in what we do,” Ostrowski said. “We are all working together, keeping story times, book clubs, programs and safe spaces going strong for everyone who walks through our doors.” This year, the libraries’ patron-favorite raffle basket fundraiser has returned, with six different baskets sponsored by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Themes include:
– Pittsburgh CLO
– Mystery Lovers
– Lego of Your Boredom
– Rainy Day
– Pittsburgh Date Night
– Dining Around the District
Ostrowski said this year’s Dining Around the District raffle basket, featuring gift certificates to countless area restaurants, is worth over $1,000. Patrons who purchase $10 or more in raffle tickets will receive Love Your Library merchandise (while supplies last). New this year is our Pet Photo Contest, which encourages patrons to vote for their favorite staff members’ pets with just their spare change. The pet who raises the most money this month wins their owner a prize, and some staff members have even posted campaign signs throughout the library for all to enjoy. Patrons can also play Bookworm BINGO while perusing the stacks. Each week, a new BINGO card will be available for $1. Those who complete it will receive a prize and be entered for a chance to win weekly raffles. Is your library love “red hot?” If so, stop by our Patron Services desk to guess how many Red Hots candies are in our Love Your Library jar. The closest guess at the end of September wins a prize. Carly’s Bookstore is also auctioning off three books, including one autographed and one inscribed, along with a handwritten card from famed basketball player-turned-Coach John Wooden. The items were gifted to Pittsburgh native and Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Glenn “Walt” Ayers in 1992 and are in excellent condition. A local sports memorabilia collector appraised the items and recommended them for auction. Visit the bookstore near Information Services to place your bid and take a chance at owning a piece of local and national sports history. Patrons can also show themselves some love this month by visiting our Love Your Library Selfie Station in CSCL’s Scott Family Reading Room or SCL’s Patron Services desk. Patrons can take photos of themselves with the backdrop, post it on social media and tag our libraries, and email their photos to OstrowskiN@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org for a chance to be featured on our social media, in our newsletters and more. The libraries are also collecting feedback in the form of a community display through September 30. Fill out an “I Love My Library Because” card to add to our walls and future promotions. Those who want to show off their library love can purchase branded merchandise from ACLA’s new Love Your Library store. All proceeds benefit ACLA’s fundraising pool, which will be distributed among all county libraries. Visit the store at www.bonfire.com/store/loveyourlibrary.
Patrons are also invited to donate directly throughout September as part of our annual fundraiser. Visit https://app.theauxilia.com/pay/LoveYourLibrary2025 to learn more.
Ostrowski said donations and patron participation are crucial to not only Love Your Library month, but overall library services, including books, internet access, events, programming, job and research support, and more. “These are all accessible to the public at no cost, but our services do come with expenses. Without community involvement, personal and financial investment, we would be unable to fulfill our crucial role,” she said. “A lack of financial support doesn’t just result in empty bookshelves; it also means a loss of educational support, missed opportunities for children’s development, reduced safe spaces for adolescents and fewer opportunities for seniors to engage. Each donation; every volunteer’s time; and every shared message all play a part in ensuring our libraries remain operational and accessible to all.” To purchase raffle tickets, BINGO cards and more, visit our Patron Services department. All proceeds raised directly benefit our libraries. For more information about Cooper-Siegel or Sharpsburg community libraries, including upcoming programming, visit www.coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org.
For media inquiries, contact Communications & Marketing Specialist Kaylie Glaze at 412-828-9520, ext. 5012, or glazek@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org. Cooper-Siegel Community Library and Sharpsburg Community Library serve all Fox Chapel School District communities.
