East Liberty Branch
🏢 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
East Liberty Branch
The East Liberty branch is one of the most architecturally striking libraries in the CLP system, wrapped in a folded metal rainscreen that plays with light and shadow. Reopened in 2010 after a major green renovation, it anchors the revitalized East Liberty neighborhood on South Whitfield Street.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 130 S Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: (412) 363-8232
Website: carnegielibrary.org
📖 About East Liberty Branch
East Liberty has had library service since 1905, and the branch moved to its South Whitfield Street site in 1968. In August 2010 it reopened after a major renovation and 9,000-square-foot addition designed by the Pittsburgh firm EDGE Studio, bringing the building to roughly 42,000 square feet. The redesign wrapped the structure in a folded rainscreen skin whose faceted surface catches light and shadow, taking cues from the neo-gothic church next door, and replaced the old single-glazed walls with a high-performance, energy-efficient envelope. The lower level was rebuilt into high-density storage that houses the Heritage Collection of roughly 150,000 historic volumes. Today the branch serves as a bright, modern hub for one of Pittsburgh's most rapidly changing neighborhoods.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Distinctive folded metal rainscreen facade inspired by the neighboring neo-gothic church
- 2010 EDGE Studio renovation and 9,000 sq ft addition, bringing the branch to about 42,000 sq ft
- Home to the Heritage Collection of about 150,000 historic volumes
- Energy-efficient design with a thermally upgraded building envelope
📱 Free with a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Card
Any Pennsylvania resident can get a CLP card free and unlock:
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heritage Collection stored at the East Liberty branch?
When the branch was renovated, its lower level was rebuilt as high-density storage for the CLP Heritage Collection, roughly 150,000 older and historic volumes that are preserved off the main floor but remain part of the library system.
Why does the East Liberty library look so different from a traditional Carnegie building?
The current building dates to 1968 and was dramatically remodeled in 2010 by EDGE Studio. Its folded, faceted metal rainscreen exterior was designed to reveal depth through light and shadow and to echo the neo-gothic church beside it, giving it a modern rather than classical look.
Is the East Liberty branch open on weekends?
It is open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM but is closed on Sundays. On weekdays it stays open until 8 PM Monday through Thursday.