CLoH HISTORY

     Groundbreaking for the Carnegie Library of Homestead occurred in April of 1896 and the dedication  was held on November 5, 1898. The Carnegie Library of Homestead was the second of three libraries given to the Steel Valley by Andrew Carnegie, preceded by Braddock's library in 1889 and followed by Duquesne's library in 1904. Designed by Alden and Harlow, the facilities reflected Carnegie's values of physical and spiritual health as well as education.

     Constructed by William Miller and Sons of Pittsburgh for $300,000, the library contained not only a public book library, but also a world-class music hall and an athletic wing with a heated indoor pool. Today the library houses 34,000 volumes.    

A concert grand piano (anonymously given by Henry Clay Frick) and a VoteyOrgan (given by Mrs. Louise Carnegie and currently not operational) still grace the 1,000 seat music hall. The athletic club has produced numerous champions in basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and wrestling. One member of the 1932 Olympic swimming team still swims at the library! Andrew Carnegie called the components, "Three fountains from which healing waters are to flow for the instruction, entertainment and happiness of the people." Over the years, the Carnegie Library of Homestead has served as the hub of a growing community. Classes were held for immigrants preparing for naturalization, and later for women entering the workforce.

 The Carnegie Library of Homestead survived in large part due to the support of USX Corporation, a successor to Andrew Carnegie's own steel venture. That support ended in July 1988 when the Homestead Works closed and turned over the Carnegie Library of Homestead to the community. A dozen dedicated volunteers accepted the keys and the responsibility to keep the multi-use facility operational. Overcoming the financial distress of a community who had lost its major source of employment and tax base, the Board of Directors sought and found grant money. The ancient boiler was replaced, a new slate roof was installed, and new windows replaced the hundred-year-old wooden sashes. For the Centennial Celebration in 1998, a memorial walkway was constructed, and air-conditioning was installed in the Music Hall. Years of mill dust were removed to uncover a beautiful yellow brick building hidden under black soot.

    The Carnegie Library of Homestead sits on a hillside overlooking the site of the Pinkerton landing during the Homestead Steel Strike of 1892. Later, the Homestead Works flourished on that site. The Waterfront, a complex of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities now sits on that site and draws enthusiastic customers from the Steel Valley, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County. While the Carnegie Library of Duquesne was demolished and the Braddock Library has experienced periods of being closed, the Carnegie Library of Homestead has operated continuously for 109 years.

        The mission of the Carnegie Library of Homestead is to inspire the mind, enhance the body, and bring delight to the spirit of the community. Stepping into the future while staying true to the vision of Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Library of Homestead is truly the "Jewel of the Valley."