Our History

The Braddock Avenue/Kenmawr Avenue ramp onto the Rankin Bridge is closed through the end of the year. Please check your route for detours.

SEARCH THE CATALOG

The Braddock Avenue/Kenmawr Avenue ramp onto the Rankin Bridge is closed through the end of the year. Please check your route for detours.

SEARCH THE CATALOG

We Forge Our Own History

Welcome to the home of the first Carnegie library in the United States! Established in 1889 in Braddock, Pennsylvania, the library stands as a testament to Andrew Carnegie's vision of providing access to knowledge and resources for all.

Braddock Carnegie Library Timeline

Where Our Story Begins…

Situated in the very town where Carnegie's inaugural steel mill operated, the Braddock Carnegie Library embodies the opulence of the nineteenth-century industrial boom. Its architectural style and intricate details reflect the prosperity of the era. Over time, the building has not only retained its beauty but has also borne witness to the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and public institutions. As the community endured industrial decline and population loss, the library, too, bore the scars of neglect.

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However, the Braddock Carnegie Library's story took a remarkable turn when it was transferred from US Steel to the school district. In 1974, facing the threat of demolition, the library received a lifeline thanks to the determined efforts of a group of residents led by David Solomon. Their collective endeavor aimed to rescue the historic building and restore it to its former glory. The library, with a brief closure in the 1970s, has always been devoted to serving its communities.

For over 130 years, the Braddock Carnegie Library has embraced various roles to adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Throughout this journey, we have continuously refined our mission of providing essential resources, uplifting our patrons, and supporting them in achieving their aspirations. Uplifting involves not only listening and sharing but also forging partnerships and fostering connections. It instills a profound sense of purpose, empowering us to face challenges with solutions rather than despair.

Our direct experience with profound economic and societal changes has anchored us in a value system that embraces culture, exchange, and lifelong learning for all, irrespective of social or economic background.

The library's past is teeming with excitement and milestones. From hosting library and community activities to spearheading the successful campaign to save the building from demolition, our journey has been eventful. We have raised funds and awareness to restore the building, joined the Allegheny County Library Association to collaborate and exchange materials with fellow libraries, earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and received the prestigious designation of a National Historic Landmark. The Braddock Carnegie Library Association has been an integral part of the Carnegie International, developed a comprehensive building master plan, and established alternative lending collections for art, puppets, and tools. We have also enriched our offerings by providing engaging classes in screen printing, ceramics, and music. As we look ahead, we can only imagine the boundless possibilities and accomplishments the next 135 years will bring!

To explore further details about the Braddock Carnegie Library's captivating history, we invite you to visit our Wikipedia page dedicated to the library's remarkable journey.

What’s coming up...

Squonk's Sonic Science Workshop
April 27 | 1pm

Join Squonk for a fun and FREE workshop exploring the science of sound and the joy of music. "Squonk in the Libraries" leaders T-Funk and Lindsey will lead games and activities for all ages at the Braddock's Battlefield History Center.

As a group we will immerse ourselves in how rhythm and sound play a part in each of our lives with exciting music and movement games, and improvisation! The workshop will include rich, creative experimentation and expression exploring the world of sound, including waves, pitch, rhythm and musical language.

We include the fascinating bridge between our left and right brain: audio and visual, science and art, while enjoying music in its rich complexity and joy!

“This building was built to last…for generations to come…a center of light & learning, a never-failing spring of all good influences.”

— Andrew Carnegie, March 30, 1889 Dedication of Braddock Carnegie Library