Carnegie Library of Homestead
Location:
510 E 10th Ave, Munhall, PA 15120
Description:
Perched atop a hillside overlooking the former Homestead Steel Works, the Carnegie Library of Homestead was completed in November 1898. Designed by architects Frank Alden and Alfred Harlow in the French Renaissance style and constructed with Pompeian brick, the building offers a grand façade that blends civic elegance with industrial-era ambition.
It holds the distinction of being the third oldest Carnegie library in the United States still operating in its original structure. Beyond its mission as a public library, the building was conceived as a social and cultural center for steelworkers and their families. Its design under one roof incorporates three interconnected components: a library, a music hall seating over 1,000 patrons with exceptional acoustics, and an athletic club featuring a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, and walking track.
Today, this enduring complex remains a vital community hub serving multiple Mon Valley communities. It welcomes hundreds of visitors daily for reading, learning, fitness, and performances, all supported by ongoing renovations that preserve its architectural integrity while modernizing accessibility and amenities. Recent updates include improved HVAC systems, new locker facilities, an elevator, and refreshed performance and gathering spaces—ensuring that the Carnegie of Homestead continues its legacy of enrichment, education, and connection well into its second century.
