Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh The West End Branch

Courtesy of Brian Crawford

Location:

47 Wabash St, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Description:

Located at 47 Wabash Street in the West End neighborhood, the West End Branch opened on January 31, 1899. It was one of Andrew Carnegie’s earliest neighborhood libraries in Pittsburgh and the eighth Carnegie-funded library to open in the United States. Notably, it was the second in the city—and among the first in the country—to introduce open, self-service book stacks, placing patrons in direct contact with the collection.

Designed by Alden & Harlow, the building presents a modest yet dignified red-brick facade, with a welcoming entryway and proportioned windows that reflect its civic purpose at a human scale. Although smaller in size, it shares architectural kinship with other early branches, blending functionality with a gracious presence.

Significantly, the West End Branch is considered one of the very first public libraries to host organized storytelling programs for children—initiating systematic story hours later adopted nationwide—a program that began shortly after it opened. Over time, it has become beloved for preserving historic details such as original shelving, portions of the circulation desk, and vintage lighting fixtures alongside later renovations.

Throughout its life, the library has remained deeply connected to its neighborhood. It hosts collections focused on local history, including photos, memorabilia, and miniature handcrafted models of neighborhood landmarks. Recognized as both a City of Pittsburgh historic site and a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation landmark, the West End Branch continues as a vibrant literary and cultural anchor—where architectural heritage and community devotion meet storytelling legacy.