How many libraries that you know of have a ceramics studio, a screen printing studio, a music hall,…read morea gymnasium, a French and Indian War Museum, and a swimming pool? Okay, the pool is drained and hasn't been in use for years--but they're hoping to convert it into a stage space. This library is the first Carnegie library. Like much of Braddock, this building has seen better days, but things are starting to look up again. The ceramics studio in the basement is fully functional, with classes for children and open studio sessions for adults. You can rent the screen printing studio, or RSVP for a spot during Saturdays' open studios. The shop also recently received a letterpress printing machine. I'm not sure if the music hall is always open, or if it's only open for special events and tours, but it is old-fashioned and gorgeous. I think you can peek in at the drained swimming pool during regular library hours; it's on the ground floor near the bathrooms. The actual library stacks here seem quite small in comparison to other libraries, but the library is owned by a not-for-profit organization, and isn't part of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system. There's still a lot that can be done to improve this library, to help everyone really enjoy all of its features. The five stars is for what this library can be in the future; what can I say, I'm an optimist when it comes to this building. Definitely worth a visit, especially when a special event opens up all the different parts of the building.

Beautiful theatre space and awesome staff. Since they're tied into the Allegheny County Library…read moreAssociation, you also have access to every book in the county! This place is classy, like the kind of classy you only find in ancient European cities. The building alone makes you drop your jaw in awe and appreciation. Love it. Use it. Support it!

I love the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Walking in feels more like entering a castle or historic…read morelandmark than a library. The building is beautiful, and every time I visit I notice something new. The staff are always welcoming, friendly, and willing to help, which makes the library feel comfortable and inviting. What I appreciate most is that there are so many activities and events that are free or very low cost. There are plenty of programs for teens, families, and adults, and everyone is welcome. It's definitely worth the drive from the suburbs if you're looking for a unique place to spend a few hours. Between the architecture, the helpful staff, and all the community events, it's one of the coolest libraries I've visited. I wish I would have known about this place when my boys were little, it would be a great stop after visiting the museum.

A beautiful library filled with tons of amazing resources and interesting and unique finds!…read moreOne of the things I loved was that this branch has a music library! I could spend all day just in that section. You can look at (and check out) all sorts of things from musical scores, concert programs, newspaper clippings and more. They even have instruments you can check out! I don't think there is any other library in the area that offers this sort of department. There is something for everyone here (and then some!). I've been here with my kids when they were babies and have taken them here for a variety of programs or even just to stop in when we are in the area. There are plenty of places to relax and enjoy your book (including a cafe) but lots of quiet nooks and seating areas as well. There is no parking lot specific to the library, but there is a ton of metered parking in the area. I highly recommend visiting this library, especially if you are looking for something unique. Or even just to enjoy some quiet time in a beautiful space.

love this library! They have a wide variety of amazing kids programs that cover all ages. They…read morehave a good sized and clean children's room complete with blocks, a kitchen set and a train table. The librarians are always super nice and willing to help.

This is a wonderful library with friendly and fun staff. We spend the most time in the children's…read morearea, which is separated from the main library. There are tons of books to read and movies to rent, and they have a nice section with computers for more learning. We recently started participating in STEAM Saturdays, and one of our favorite workshops was on airplane science. My son is now obsessed with learning how to make new models and seeing which ones fly the furthest. We also enjoyed the Christmas party, where the kids got to make gingerbread houses out of recycled milk cartons, graham crackers, icing and all the candy and other goodies. Santa was there, along with a hot chocolate bar. This library knows how to keep kids engaged and make learning and reading fun. I'm so glad we have such a wonderful local library.

The people that work at the Mars library are very kind, friendly and helpful. They make you feel…read morelike you want to come back. I really appreciate that so much. Keep up the good work. Thanks

Love this library! They keep getting new audio books that I have interest in. I also can get many…read morebooks and audio books easily from other libraries. Programs they sponsor are very interesting and great for community building and meeting new people. Thank you Staff for you commitment to this wonderful library.

While this library is a wonderful establishment and serves the community of Beaver unceasingly, it…read morehas advanced room for improvement. The building is getting old and needs some rejuvenation. For instance, most of the building is adorned with large glass windows, especially in its center, making it quite hot and uncomfortable to sit for extended periods of time. A few blinds in the library would eliminate this and the facility would be much more comfortable and cooler during the summer months. The internet connection is something that is a lot left to be desired; I have registered complaints about this numerous times to no avail. In the back of the library, the signal is weak! You cannot even watch YouTube videos or listen to a podcast without an interruption eventually occurring. Something simple like installing a router above the ceiling would eliminate weak spots. Just a few of these simplistic improvements would be outstanding. That being all said, the STAFF is amazing, a VAST collection of books, and, specifically, an extraordinary collection of local and Pennsylvania history that few public libraries can match! It's a relaxing place to write, research, and conduct whatever business your intentions instruct you.

4.5 stars. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a public library system that was funded by the…read moreindustrialist Andrew Carnegie in the late 1800s. The library system has about 20 locations throughout the city, including this location in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. My husband and I visited this library once recently. When we entered the library, a security employee kindly greeted us. We walked around the entire library and saw items such as nonfiction books, fiction books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and more for both adults and children. We also saw information desks, dozens of computers, and desks and chairs. Furthermore, the library's website says that visitors may use Wi-fi, photocopiers and printers (for a fee), scanners, fax machines, and meeting rooms. Overall, we liked this library. This library in Squirrel Hill is not as large as the main library in Oakland, but I think that it is a great place for people of various demographic groups to read, study, relax, or work.

This library is great. I love the seating and events they have. Some seating is right on the window…read moresill which is fun and relaxing.

One of the last local libraries! Please help keep this one…read moreopen!!! This branch of Carnegie Free Libraries has been open for years and it seems like every year its being threatened with closing its doors due to lack of funding. :( This is a member of the Allegheny County Library Association and also the EINetwork. PROS: Love the old building; Nice staff; The only public library in its area; Children's section; Historical Landmark; Free WiFi (Timed on their devices and unlimited for members on their own laptops); Books from other Libraries in the the network can be ordered and sent to this library for pick up, free of charge. You are, however, responsible for getting the book back to its Home Library (typically, for me, the Oakland branch). CONS: Doesn't seem like the "Quit, You're in a freaking Library" rule is enforced too much here; Bad kids tend to wonder in to look @ nonsense on the internet or otherwise just act up; Kind of a limited supply of books (See the last PRO for the answer to this) Parking is pretty bad; The Library is simply a victim of location and parking is just not very plentiful.

This library has been my primary location for the last 5-6 years and I couldn't say more good…read morethings about it. They are extremely organized, friendly, and make connections with their frequent visitors. They sell Saris chocolate at the front for the same price as the grocery store, but proceeds benefit the library. They have a ton of resources available to the public for free or very low cost. They have passes (mostly family) for a lot of local museums and historical sites. The parking lot is massive and somewhat recently paved. The hours are friendly to most schedules and the drop box is always available for returns when they're closed.

Great library with wonderful programs! Cafe, small and large meeting g rooms and an outdoor patio.read more