Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main Library

Beautiful architecture, free wifi, cool events, and books, a lot of books… what else do you want? Extended hours for late night book and work aholics?

One of the great public libraries in the country (and one of the oldest, if not THE oldest). Very deep collection of non-​fiction and a gorgeous main reading room that’s the equal of any university library in the country. A must-​see for visitors to Pittsburgh.

The main Carnegie library in Pittsburgh is quite impressive. There are so many things you can do here. I am only going to describe the things I use regularly, as I tend to use some of the more obscure features:
Non-​Profit Business Center: Are you looking to learn about how to run a non-​profit? There are plenty of classes on a wide-​range of subjects. I use this library when looking for grant-​making sources, as they are subscribed to many databases. There is a room specifically reserved just for the center.
Music Scores: I am pretty sure this is the biggest classical music library in Pittsburgh. They have most of the opera scores I need, and most have excellent interiors with few markings. The outsides are typically pretty worn down. There are also periodical subscriptions to Opera America and Classical Singer. There is quite a bit of other classical music as well.
Donation Based Yoga and Performances: This library hosts some really interesting events.
Bathrooms: Cleanest library bathrooms ever.
The library also has a plethora of «reading» books, which I only get to use on breaks from school.
Get a library card ASAP and start reaping the benefits of this fantastic library.

I moved from California to Pittsburgh and this library, hands down, should be considered a gem of the city and quite possibly, the nation! Holy, holy stacks! This library is huge. There is literally something for everyone at every age point. I love this place.

The Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh are an incredible resource for us! My favorite location is CLP-​Main. as the name implies, this is the flagship location for CLP.
I love everything about this location. It is absolutely enormous with tons of books and an amazing, helpful staff. The first floor adult area is a great place to relax with plenty of seating and lighting and a great vibe. I often sit here to read work or study in this relaxing environment.
Additionally, First Floor has a «grab and go» section where you can pick up new and popular books. The books in this section cannot be reserved or renewed, but when you’re want a quick choice, you have all the bestsellers right there at your fingertips.
The children’s area is extensive, and the librarians there are kind, enthusiastic, and helpful. This section is packed with books at all reading levels including infant, computers with educational games, movies and instructional videos, and audiobooks that come with their own players.
If you prefer to use an e-​reader rather than a physical copy, you can use their system to borrow thousands of new and popular books and magazines.
And last but not least, they have extensive programming. There something for every age from infant to senior with topics ranging from gardening to Chinese to musical instruments. They even host concerts on the weekends. You can check their events on their website.
Happy Reading!

Went for the 21+ night and had a great time! The band was great, the food was really good, the history lesson was amazing and informative. The drinks were fantastic as well.

I had a blast here last Friday night. Let’s start of with the library itself. It has so much character. There’s a mix of old and new and it works out well.
I came for an after hours event. I figured it would be packed like so many other events I have been to at different locations. However it wasn’t. It was easily maneuverable. I never felt like people were running into each other.
Also if you would have told my 10 year old self I would one day be drinking a glass of beer and enjoying live music in a library I would have laughed. I honestly can’t wait for another event at the library. There was just so much going on and to do. They plan great events. I could go threw every little detail about the event but I recommend you go to one yourself. It’s worth it.

Love this place, its so easy to find a quiet corner to read in and get away from everything.

This library is great! There are rooms, and rooms filled with books, movies, and CDs! Plus any books that are available at other libraries not at the library can be requested and delivered to your local library. I actually don’t read a lot but I still love this library. The only problem with this library is that is is hard to find stuff.

There’s not many places I would consider «flawless,» however this library is nothing short of that and more. Even if you’re not a reader, you have to at least visit to see how grand it truly is. From the main rooms to the smaller nooks and crannies located in the back, you can easily get lost in this immense building filled with everything imaginable from books to DVDs and even sweet treats and coffee. I can almost always find something of interest while visiting!
My favorite parts of this library are the true crime and Blu-​Ray section. Not many other libraries in the city have specific sections for these so it’s a great thing for me!
So in conclusion, get a library card and support the amazing Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh!

This is one of my fave libraries in USA, hence the world. Where can I start? Ok, they have a café inside that even has soy lattes, and yummy sandwiches. Everything is here! I even took a Spanish class here. They have excellent programs. I love the leather chairs in the international poetry section. Ask for the free wifi code. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. It is a part of the foundation center if you are seeking grant information. It’s beautiful and attached to the museum.

I would classify the main branch of the Carnegie Library as one of Pittsburgh’s best cultural institutions, right up there with the Carnegie Museums. I come here at least once a week to pick up books and/​or movies, hence my Duchess status. While the staff don’t know me by name, they know my face, and they always deliver service with a smile.
Of the Carnegie Library branches in PGH, this one is definitely the largest and has the best selection. However, I often request items from other branches, since it can be a pain to get around without a car, and I’m lazy. Items requested usually show up within 2 – 3 days, unless there’s a mile-​long wait for them, so I just put in my requests a few days before I’m finished with my current items. Through this process, I can usually obtain just about any book I want, and most movies I want. Because of my ability to plan ahead w/​r/​t movie borrowing from here, I’ve ditched Netflix, and have never used a Redbox (what heresy… gasp!!!). My only minor complaint is that occasionally I’ll receive a DVD that skips, but I always report the problem so it can be addressed. If you borrow DVDs, just be sure to return them on time, since the late fine is $ 1/​day/​item. I always return them on time, so I’ve never had a problem.
Since many others have commented on the aesthetics of the building, the only comment I’ll add is that its grand, old, stately nature is an interesting contrast with the more modern vibe of the Squirrel Hill branch (which is great in its own right). I love the author names carved into the exterior above the front door. If you’re a book, movie, or music lover, you can’t go wrong here, so stop in today!

Unilocal took the words right out of my mouth when I clicked 5 stars: ‘Woohoo! As good as it gets!’
I’ve moved around A LOT, and therefore have been to my fair share of libraries. This one, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main Library, tops them all!
First: What a gorgeous building!
Second: So spacious! I never have trouble finding a good study spot.
Third: ALL THE COMIC BOOKS YOU COULD EVER WANT TO READ
I never leave this library empty-​handed. I’m either carrying a precariously stacked pile of book or a coffee from the Crazy Mocha inside on the first floor.
I even chose this library to study in over the Hillman Library while I was in my undergrad at Pitt.

What can I say? It’s a library! What’s not to love? Ever since I was little, when asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, the answer was always «Librarian». I lived in the library in school. Sadly, dreams don’t always come true. I’m not a librarian. :(But I do love the Library and I always will. This one in particular is quite beautiful and serene. I could quite literally get lost in there.(and actually I think I have), but who cares when you’re surrounded by books!

This is my favorite library & lucky for me its about a 5 minute walk from home.
I had stopped reading for a little while and then decided no more! I needed my face in a book. I stopped by this beautiful library and checked out the ‘Staff Picks’. I found a great book titled Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. I finished the book in 2 days.
Over the next 2 weeks, I had finished 6 books that Ms Giffin had wrote– all are awesome by the way! One was «Something Borrowed» which actually was made into a movie & is listed as the last great book that I read on my Unilocal About Me. I still have to see the movie… which I’m sure this Carnegie Library also has.
Speaking of movies, the movie section is more than decent. I rented the Hangover II a few days before going to see the 3^rd one back in May (needed a quick re-​cap before the new one), so that says something about how recent their selection is. Not bad at all. (on that note, can I say that the 1^st one was the absolute best. Although I do say ‘Chow so cold’ a little more often than the normal person)
Another great thing about the library is that there is room for everyone! There are multiple places to use a computer (2 rooms upstairs, multiple computers in the hallway, the teen section, the children’s section, ect– Of course the teen and children’s section are reserved for that age group)
Sometimes on Mondays, I’ll bring my 3-​year-​old niece over here and we sit for story time! Afterwards, she has fun picking out books and playing kid-​friendly games on the computer.
This library is truly beautiful. and gigantic!

This place saved me from heat stroke many a time in college when I had no ac in my house. Id hike over here to beat the heat for a few hours on steamy July days. Actually it’s so nice inside I kind of got excited to study cause I knew I’d have an excuse to hang out at one of the epic long tables inside and look up at the marble ceilings.
Aside from how aesthetically pleasing it is, you can rent pretty much any tv show, movie and cd that’s out. If they don’t have what you want, they will also order it for you, just be patient it might take a month or so. Also the late fees are super reasonable and you can check out like 30 things at once.
PS good people watching inside.

This is a beautiful library. They obviously have tons of books and materials. Their Children’s section is great, especially for our daughter.
Since it is so big, there is generally a lot of place to sit and read or work on a laptop. I allow appreciate the self-​checkout stations, which in general are well-​placed and easy to use. The librarians have all been extremely helpful. They’ve helped me find out about programs at the library I wasn’t aware of.
I highly encourage you to check out the programs the library offers, as they offer a lot of different areas of interest. We’ve been taking our 4-​year old daughter to a Spanish story and activity night each Thursday during the summer. Not sure how much she is learning, but she is having a lot of fun with it.
Note that you need a library card to access the WiFi, since you need to enter your Library Card ID. Otherwise, it works great.
Seriously, just get a Library Card and get reading.

This is the main branch for the Carnegie Library and it is needless to say, HUGE.
The place holds more books than you can imagine, and even if they don’t have it, you can bet that one of the other branches have it. They’ll request a copy of anything that your heart desires and it’ll be sent right away. I requested a copy of Steven King’s It and it came in around 2 days (don’t judge my taste in movies).
I love coming here to study, relax, browse, or even just to hang out with friends. They don’t have a great selection in movies but hey, I should just go read a book anyway.

I feel that they should have taped the library scene for Ghostbusters here instead of in New York. Honestly, I do. There’s a very grand type of entrance, nestled behind trees that makes you want to mosey on up the stairs. No trotting, skipping or walking is needed. Just mosey on up there. Heck, if you feel like it, take a moment and take in the air out front and just marvel at the building.
Inside it’s a bit of a labyrinth to navigate. I have never been inside this branch before, but it is huge. Tons of seating for any number of people to enjoy. I discovered that my favorite place to sit and let the hours go by is in the bamboo garden. Quite the perfect place to sit and get your work done. I didn’t even realize that I let a couple of hours slip away until I was done. Perfect weather allows for you to enjoy that bamboo garden.
Staff are super courteous and helpful beyond means. Able to answer any question and direct you to where you need to go. Of course the book selection is amazing. Unfortunately my recent visit didn’t allow me to browse the books, but I’m sure since I work right up the street I’d stop in to browse on a break. Maybe even just sit in here for the peace and quiet it offers.
Huge bonus, free Wi-​Fi if you have a library card.

I’m not sure I can say much that every other person here hasn’t!
This library is pretty darn perfect.
It’s comfy. It has beautiful architecture. It’s really fun just walking around browsing different sections inside the library. And you can find everything from a café to reading rooms hidden in this spacious building; I’ve been coming here on a regular basis for six years and I’m still discovering new nooks and crannies in this place! Haven’t seen the ghost that supposedly haunts the lower levels yet, though…
And the staff and resources are splendid. Just to name three of them: the librarians can help you with research, there various sessions and workshops available to job hunters of all sorts, and the library also offers numerous (and free) topical lectures and language classes on a regular basis. And these are just a couple examples — really, the only way to know everything that’s happening and available here is to sign up for their monthly emails. If you haven’t done that yet, go do it now — it’s so worth it.
Pittsburgh’s library system overall is absolutely wonderful, but out of all of our libraries, this is the one you need to visit at least once — just to see it and experience the glory that is the main hub of the Carnegie Library system. We’re definitely lucky to have such an amazing helpful place like this here in our city.

The interior of this building is gorgeous and in the modern style, and I swear that upstairs where the media borrowing center is looks like a Barnes and Noble. In addition to a wide selection of books and sitting areas, Carnegie lends out DVDs and CDs. I was really pleased at the great balance between mainstream movies and Indie documentaries. Borrowed a stack of CDs too for burning at home.
A great place to spend the weekend, and I recommend bringing visitors to Pittsburgh here as well.