The Carnegie Library of Braddock, a designated national historic landmark, was dedicated by Andrew Carnegie on March 30, 1889. It was the first of his libraries to be built in the United States, second in the world after the library built in Carnegie’s hometown of Dunfermline, Scotland. The library served not only as a place to borrow books from, but also as a recreational facility for those in the “Carnegie Club,” who paid a fee for use of amenities such as a swimming pool and bowling alley. The library also included a 964-seat music hall. On the ground floor was a public bathhouse meant for use by Carnegie’s millworkers, many of whom did not have bathing facilities in their homes. When the structure fell into disrepair in the 1970s and faced demolition, a determined group of Braddock natives mobilized to save their beloved hometown landmark. They formed the Braddock’s Field Historical Society and committed to restoring the building back into a safe and usable space.
Today, visitors can still do far more than just check out books. The library publishes a monthly flyer describing upcoming events. Programs cater to a variety of skills and a wide age range. The space that once held a boxing ring is now a print shop and the old bathhouse is a ceramics studio. Both offer workshops as well as open studio time. Events specifically created for younger ages include hand building with clay, and more advanced classes are available in topics like design. In addition to artistic crafts, the library features programs on computer services, fitness, career building, gardening, and other skills. While the current Carnegie Library of Braddock is very different than its original founder had designed, the intention of creating a community center is very much alive and well. Instead of being a facility just for steelworkers and their families, it is now a place where all locals and visitors can come together, hone skills, and feel like a real community member in Braddock.