About Main (Oakland)

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main is located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, a diverse community that is home to universities, medical centers and residential homes and apartments. It serves as the primary, full-service Library resource for current and historic materials, digital collections and information for Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and state residents.

At CLP – Main, expert library staff are available to answer questions, to provide research guidance and readers’ advisories, and to assist in using popular technology. CLP – Main also offers a variety of free entertainment, training sessions and literature-based programs for all ages.

The collection at CLP – Main dates back to 1895. Today, it contains more than 2.5 million items. Readers can select from an array of fiction titles, including new and featured items for casual readers, children’s materials, teen materials graphic novels and World Language materials. CLP – Main is also home to a robust nonfiction collection that features literature, history, sociology, science and technology, government documents and patents, art, an expansive music collection, reference books, standards and specifications, microforms, audiovisual formats, maps and journals.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main also houses several specialized entities:

• The Library’s Music, Film and Audio Department offers a rich collection of movies, TV series and music in a variety of formats, as well as music books and lendable gadgets, scores, periodicals and special files that cover all aspects of music.

• The Family & Local History Department offers local history and genealogy resources. Unique resources include local birth and death registers, newspapers, and an extensive photograph collection. To contact the Pennsylvania Department, call 412.622.3154 or email padept@carnegielibrary.org.

• The Job & Career Education Center provides information and services for individuals in all aspects of job searching, career development, vocational training and higher education. The department also offers access to specialized databases, including the Foundation Directory Online, and programming for the nonprofit community. Additionally, information, services, and programs about starting and running a business are available for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

• The Gallery at CLP – Main exhibits works of art and library-related exhibits, with new installations several times a year or based on approved use of the space. If you would like to submit a proposal for the gallery, please visit this page for more information.

History of CLP – Main

CLP – Main was Andrew Carnegie’s original library gift to the City of Pittsburgh, and it shared space with the Carnegie Institute’s museum. It was dedicated on November 5, 1895, in the Music Hall by Mr. Carnegie. The building underwent a series of updates to become the space it is today, but it retains its classic charm and much of its original architecture.

The original 1895 twin towers flanking the Music Hall were removed when the building was renovated in 1907, and the Museum was provided with its own independent space facing Forbes Avenue. At that time, CLP – Main’s entry lobby was redesigned to incorporate two side staircases of Tennessee Marble. The original staircase from the Lending Department to the Reference Department was removed. An 11-story book stack was built to replace the original iron stacks, which were situated at the rear of the First Floor Lending Department and the Second Floor Reference Room (each floor had three stacks). An electronic book conveyer system was included in the stacks. A Special Collections Room was designated for rare and unique materials in 1985. Public access to the online catalog (CAROLINE) was provided in 1988, and public access to the internet throughout CLP – Main was provided with the completion of the renovation of the Second Floor in 1995. In 2004, the New and Featured Department and the Teenspace were fully renovated to create a one-stop browsing collection for new fiction and nonfiction. In 2022, CLP-Main’s front entrance was fully renovated (learn more here).

CLP – Main welcomes all ages of readers, researchers and visitors. For help, just ask a librarian.

ADDITIONAL PARKING INFORMATION

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, CLP – Main serves as the primary, full-service resource for information, and current and historic materials for Pittsburgh. Click here to access the floor-by-floor building map.

• Public Computers
• Free Wi-Fi
• Wireless Printing (small fee may apply)
• Copier (small fee may apply)
• Fax Machine and Scanner Station
• YINZ Coffee Shop
• Library Shop
• Meeting Rooms
• Air Conditioning
• Courtyard or Outdoor Space
• Art Gallery
• The Labs
• Exterior Book Return (for after-hours returns)
• Guided Tours and Group Visits
• Bicycle Parking (Level 5 of parking garage)