MLA ’25 Spotlight: Pittsburgh Library Guide

Submitted by: Carolyn Biglow

Pittsburgh is home to many types of libraries. To aid in your visits, Carolyn Biglow of the Local Assistance Committee has created a list of libraries (a downloadable PDF). The descriptions include distance from the David Lawrence Convention Center, contact information, and hours of operation.

Because Downtown Pittsburgh and the Oakland section of the city are currently undergoing a massive reconstruction of the public transportation system, travel may be difficult. The two health sciences libraries listed are in Oakland, so information about touring both libraries is included. Recommended travel methods to Oakland are ride share services, and taxis.

The city’s public library system – the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) – operates two branch libraries in the downtown areas. These library branches are within walking distance of the Convention Center and welcome visitors to Downtown. CLP’s Main Library is in Oakland and houses collections and services that include music and art, job and career, and family and local history. Main also hosts the Recollection Studio for digitizing photographs, documents, and many types of visual and audio media.