Braddock Library

 library, carnegie

When Andrew Carnegie dedicated the Braddock Library
in 1889, he intended it primarily for the benefit of his
employees of his first major steel mill, the E.
Thomson Works, and their families. The Music Hall,
Pool, and Gymnasium were added in 1893. At a time
when few homes had indoor plumbing and a bath was a
rarity, this was the place where employees could come
to shower or bathe, take a swim, enjoy a book, play
billiards, and get a haircut!

For more than three quarters of a century, the Braddock
Library served as an educational and recreational center
for Braddock area residents. In 1961 Braddock School
District took over operations of the Library. Then, as
sub-urbanization changed working and living patterns
in the 1960s and 1970s, the Library’s use declined, and
it was closed and abandoned in 1974, after having been
placed on the National Register of Historic Places the
previous year.

In 1979, David Solomon, the last head librarian, formed
the Braddock’s Field Historical Society to rescue the
Library from demolition. The building was purchased
from the Braddock School District for $1.00 and
volunteers set to work. Foundations and other
contributed joined in the effort to rehabilitate and
reopen the building. In 1982, the children’s library
opened on Saturdays – heated with kerosene in the
winter. The David Solomon Reading Room was next to
open in 1986. The first floor restoration was completed
in 1989. By 1990 the Charles Van Williams Reading
Room, Rotary Reading Room, circulation areas, and
offices were completed. Although the Music Hall is still
undergoing renovations, it was open for use in 2004.

In 1996 Braddock Library was recognized as a regional
asset and began to obtain resources and funding as a
public library. Now a member of Allegheny County
Library Association and the eiNetwork, Braddock Library
provides books, audio materials, video materials,
magazines, and newspapers; computers with Internet
access; and programs for people of all ages.