How many libraries that you know of have a ceramics studio, a screen printing studio, a music hall, a 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. read more