Pitt-Greensburg’s common read program, Westmoreland Reads, brings our campus and Westmoreland County communities together to engage in learning by reading and discussing books that present a diversity of themes that cross disciplines. This opportunity can help our students to build reading comprehension skills, understand diverse opinions and experiences, think critically about current societal issues, and build oral and written communication skills through discussions and assignments in class.
By reading the same book, we can build a sense of community. Our campus and community members can learn to look at the same book through an interdisciplinary lens, make connections, and engage in conversations with others across disciplines, interests and age groups.
In addition to providing materials to guide classes and book groups in their reading and discussion, the Westmoreland Reads committee also provides programming throughout the year that is linked to the themes in the book.
Please contact Sheila Confer (sec10@pitt.edu) if you are interested in adopting the book for your classes next year or if your community organization is interested in organizing a reading group.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt.
Pre- and Post-reading Surveys
We are so excited to have you participate in this year’s Westmoreland Reads, and we hope you will consider completing our pre- and post surveys linked below.
Pre-reading Survey - This survey is designed to explore your experiences, habits, and perspectives related to technology use, social media, anxiety, childhood freedom, and generational differences BEFORE reading the book.
Post-reading Survey - This survey is designed to explore your experiences, habits, and perspectives related to technology use, social media, anxiety, childhood freedom, and generational differences AFTER reading the book.
Reading Group Materials
Reading Guide »
Anxious Generation Supplement » This site contains additional research, articles, information and more to supplement your reading.
Thought and Action Starter for Parents »
Upcoming Related Events
Information coming soon.
Help Us Make an Impact
We hope you will help us make an impact in our community. Become a sponsor and/or facilitator to show your support for this program. Westmoreland Reads is looking for:
- Sponsors
- Facilitators for reading groups
- Volunteers to host informal groups with their friends and family
- Teachers and professors to adopt the book as reading for their classes
Guiding materials will be provided to all facilitators, volunteers, and teachers.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Sheila Confer sec10@pitt.edu or 724-836-9905 with any questions or for more information.
Signature Sponsors
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Westmoreland Community Action
- Friends of Millstein Library
- PFLAG Greensburg
Supporting Sponsors
- Independence Health System
- Karlice Makuchan
- NAACP - Johnstown Chapter
- Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ligonier Valley
- Westmoreland LGBTQ Interfaith Network
- Class Sponsors
- Community Foundation of Westmoreland County