What Is the Braddock Carnegie Library?
This is the oldest Carnegie Free Library in the United States!
What Makes It Historical?
Before he was a steel magnate, Scottish-born Andrew Carnegie spent his adolescence in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where Colonel James Anderson gave him full access to his personal library. This experience so moved young Mr. Carnegie that after he amassed his incredible wealth, he launched a $60 million program to establish free libraries across the US, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Great Britain so other folks, who did not have his wealth, still had access to great literature!
This first library, built in Braddock, now part of greater Pittsburgh, opened on March 30, 1889. It was designed by William Halsey Wood in a medieval style and got a Richardson Romaneque addition in 1893. This was not just a place to check out books, though! It had pool tables on the first floor and a bathhouse for steel workers in the basement! The expansion introduced a music hall, gymnasium, bowling alley, and a swimming pool!
This mega library operated until 1974, after being transfered to the local school district. It was scheduled to be demolished, but a plucky bunch of library fans, the Braddock’s Field Historical Society, bought and restored the property. It reopened as a single-room library in 1983 and has expanded back to many of its original features since!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission!
- Donate to the Braddock Carnegie Library Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
419 Library St
Braddock, PA 15104
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The library is open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s open from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays, it’s open from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM!