History

In 1860, looking to escape the smoke of downtown Pittsburgh, Andrew Carnegie and his brother Thomas moved to Homewood, which was then a mostly rural area. Carnegie encouraged his associates to relocate to Homewood. Several of them did, including Henry Clay Frick, George Westinghouse and H.J. Heinz. The elite of Homewood were an exclusive group, though they were conscious of their responsibility to the area. Their legacy in Homewood remains in the form of Westinghouse Park, Frick Park and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Homewood.

By 1892, trolley lines were laid from downtown to the East End, making it easier for businessmen to commute. The Homewood Board of Trade organized to attract people to new developments in the area. They also approached Andrew Carnegie to build a library in what was his old neighborhood. Carnegie agreed to give a small sum for the library, but they dreamed bigger. They reminded Carnegie that this had been his community and that a prosperous community needed a large library.

In 1910, CLP – Homewood opened. It was one of the largest and best endowed Carnegie Libraries in the country, and the last library Carnegie built in Pittsburgh. As the Board of Trade hoped, the Library has been used for countless educational, cultural and social events. Equipped with a large collection of materials, spacious reading rooms and meeting spaces, and a 300-seat auditorium, CLP – Homewood has been serving the community for over 100 years.

This neighborhood location also has a 300-seat, recently renovated auditorium, which the public can rent for events.

Come see how we have preserved our historical beginnings while embracing our community’s needs.

What We Offer

Offers public library services including loan of books, magazines, and videos. Special programs include public access computers, story-time for children, summer reading clubs, and internet training.

My Brother’s Keeper Goal One – All of our children enter school cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally prepared.
My Brother’s Keeper Goal Two – All of our children read at grade level by third grade.

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Carnegie Library – Homewood

Carnegie Library – Homewood

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