The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a staple of the city. Providing thousands of community members with access to books and digital media, the library system has surely established itself as an imperative part of Pittsburgh.
The original Carnegie Library is a fun and interactive place right in the heart of Oakland. Because the library is connected to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, it is one of the largest functioning Carnegie libraries. This library is one of many that has been funded by Andrew Carnegie’s steel empire. Carnegie sought to create “rags-to-riches” stories for the residents of Pittsburgh, similar to his own story as the son of immigrants. There are many satellite branches of Carnegie’s library system all around the world; however, 19 of them rest within Pittsburgh’s city limits.
The library houses a wide array of books, computers programmed with databases for research, as well as programs to help community members locate books in the library’s vast expanse of bookshelves. In the children’s section, the computers are even equipped with games that encourage learning and the development of basic educational skills, such as reading and comprehension.
The Carnegie Library also services college students looking to escape the Hillman Library, the University of Pittsburgh’s library that is positioned just across Schenley Plaza. While the campus library is an excellent resource for students, some students may feel limited or over-crowded in the four floors that seem to always be full with classmates who are frantically studying. The Carnegie Library is often very quiet, with many tucked-away nooks built in to its floor plan, making it a welcoming environment for both studying and relaxation.
In addition to all of the books, CDs, films, computer programs, etc., the library offers group reading sessions for young children, classes (some for learning new languages, others for learning new methods of using digital media, such as gaming, or other computer-based skills), and many other activities and inclusive community gatherings. All of the events are listed by day and time on their website and all are welcome to join at any time.