The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill branch, is a vibrant and bustling hub of community activity, located in the heart of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. This library has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1929, providing a wide range of resources, services, and programs to meet the diverse needs of its patrons. With its stunning architecture, comprehensive collections, and innovative programming, the Squirrel Hill branch is an exemplary model of a modern public library.
History and Architecture
The Squirrel Hill branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh was built with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, who donated over $56 million to build more than 2,500 libraries across the United States. The library’s building, designed in the Art Deco style, features a striking façade with a grand entrance, ornate details, and a beautiful reading room with high ceilings and large windows. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in 2004, which added new meeting rooms, a children’s area, and a teen space.
Collections and Resources
The Squirrel Hill branch boasts an impressive collection of over 100,000 items, including fiction and nonfiction books, audiobooks, ebooks, music CDs, and DVDs. The library also offers a wide range of digital resources, including online databases, streaming services, and downloadable media. Patrons can access these resources from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go using their library cards. The library’s collections are constantly updated to reflect the diverse interests and needs of the community, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 80,000 |
| Audiobooks | 5,000 |
| Ebooks | 10,000 |
| Music CDs | 2,000 |
| DVDs | 3,000 |
Programs and Services
The Squirrel Hill branch offers a wide range of programs and services for adults, children, and teens, including author readings, book clubs, children’s storytime, and teen gaming tournaments. The library also provides test preparation resources, career counseling, and small business support to help community members achieve their goals. Additionally, the library partners with local organizations to offer health and wellness programs, financial literacy workshops, and art exhibitions.
Community Engagement
The Squirrel Hill branch is deeply committed to community engagement and outreach, with a focus on building partnerships with local organizations, supporting community initiatives, and promoting literacy and education. The library hosts community events, such as festivals, parades, and fundraisers, and offers outreach services to underserved populations, including homebound delivery and prison libraries.
- Partnerships: The library partners with local schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations to provide resources and services to underserved populations.
- Community Events: The library hosts a range of community events, including author readings, book festivals, and cultural celebrations.
- Outreach Services: The library offers outreach services, including homebound delivery and prison libraries, to ensure that everyone has access to library resources and services.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
Does the library offer free Wi-Fi?
+Yes, the library offers free Wi-Fi to all patrons. Simply connect to the library’s network using your device and follow the prompts to access the internet.
Can I borrow materials from other libraries?
+Yes, the library participates in the Interlibrary Loan program, which allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries in the region. Simply search for the item you want to borrow in the library’s catalog and follow the prompts to request it.
