Public Libraries in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
🏢 Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA)
Public Libraries in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County's public libraries belong to the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) — a federated network of independent member libraries with more than 70 locations. Browse the libraries we cover below, including the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system and independent community libraries, and find hours, addresses, and how to get a free library card.
📚 About the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA)
The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) is a federated library system of 46 independent public libraries with more than 70 locations serving the residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Each member library is governed and operated independently by its own community, but they share a unified catalog, resource sharing, and the eiNetwork technology backbone that provides automated circulation, internet access, and free Wi-Fi across county libraries. The largest member is the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), the City of Pittsburgh's own public library system with 19 locations; alongside it, 45 other independent municipal and community libraries and their branches serve communities throughout the rest of Allegheny County. A card from any member library works across the whole network, and ACLA cardholders can borrow digital materials through OverDrive/Libby and hoopla as well as Pennsylvania's statewide POWER Library research databases.
📱 Free digital access with your library card
A card from any Allegheny County (ACLA) member library unlocks these at no cost — sign in through your library's website or the Libby app.
Allegheny County libraries we cover
ACLA includes 46 independent member libraries with 70+ locations. Below are the Allegheny County libraries we cover in detail — tap any for hours, address, and what makes it unique. Locations marked “CLP” belong to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (the City of Pittsburgh's system); the others are independent ACLA member libraries in the surrounding communities.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allegheny County one big library system?
No. Allegheny County's public libraries are independent, community-run institutions that cooperate through the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA), a federated network of 46 member libraries with more than 70 locations. Each library sets its own hours and is governed locally, but they share a single catalog and let you borrow across the whole network.
Is the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh part of Allegheny County's library network?
Yes. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) is the City of Pittsburgh's own public library system, with 19 locations, and it is one of ACLA's 46 member libraries. It is distinct from the 45 other independent municipal and community libraries that serve the rest of Allegheny County outside the city.
Can I use my library card at any Allegheny County library?
Yes. A card from any ACLA member library works across the network thanks to the shared eiNetwork catalog. You can search once, place holds, and pick up materials at participating Allegheny County libraries regardless of which one issued your card.
How do I get a free library card in Allegheny County?
Sign up online or in person at any ACLA member library — such as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon Public Library, Bridgeville Public Library, or Moon Township Public Library. Cards are free to Pennsylvania residents; bring a photo ID and proof of address, and check your specific library's website for exact requirements.
What free online resources come with an Allegheny County library card?
Your card unlocks ebooks and audiobooks on OverDrive/Libby and hoopla, plus Pennsylvania's statewide POWER Library research databases and e-resources. You also get access to the shared eiNetwork catalog to search and request items from any member library in the county.