Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh The Mount Washington Branch

By CUNNINGHAMDD - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Location:

315 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Description:

The Mount Washington Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, located at 315 Grandview Avenue, opened in 1900 as one of the original neighborhood branches funded by Andrew Carnegie. Designed by the prominent architectural firm Alden & Harlow, the two-story brick building is an elegant example of early 20th-century classical-brick library architecture adapted to a residential context. Its gracious yet unassuming facade, broad arch entry, and well-placed windows reflect a civic character tailored to serve the local community while blending into the surrounding neighborhood.

This branch pioneered a modern approach to library layout, with open shelves and a central circulation desk—features that allowed a single librarian to oversee the entire collection and encouraged patron independence in browsing. Over more than a century, the Mount Washington Branch has remained integral to its neighborhood, serving patrons from Mount Washington and nearby communities.

Following extensive renovation and a thoughtful expansion completed in 2021, the library now offers improved accessibility and usability while preserving its historic character. The project added nearly half again more space, including ADA-compliant entrances, an elevator, dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults, updated systems, and an outdoor terrace that complements the spectacular hilltop setting.

Today, the Mount Washington Branch is celebrated both for its architectural heritage and its sweeping views of Downtown Pittsburgh. It remains a vibrant and cherished civic institution that reflects the best of Carnegie's legacy and the timeless value of thoughtful neighborhood design.