The neighborhoods that comprise the North Side were once their own city, Allegheny City. Incorporated in 1840, it was absorbed by the City of Pittsburgh in 1907. Today the North Side is the sports and cultural heart of Western Pennsylvania. It consists of nearly 20 ethnically, historically and architecturally diverse neighborhoods.

The Carnegie Free Library was established by Andrew Carnegie and Allegheny City in 1890. It was the first of 2,509 libraries built worldwide with funds provided by Mr. Carnegie and matched by local municipalities. President Benjamin Harrison attended the opening. The original location served the North Side community until 2006 when it was closed due to a lightning strike.

The new, centrally located facility opened in 2009. It features the Allegheny City history archive with over 1,500 items related to the history of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh and Allegheny City. CLP – Allegheny’s robust teen and children’s areas offer a variety of activities, collections and learning opportunities.

When you are on the North Side be sure to visit. The friendly staff is ready to assist you with your learning and information needs.

North Siders know that CLP – Allegheny is the place to go!