Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Allegheny — Attraction in Pittsburgh

I have been coming to this library religiously to use the Allegheny Room to study in a quiet, mostly distraction-free atmosphere outside my house. This library has been my favorite third space, and I've gotten lots of focused study time in here. Recently, a reservation system has been enacted to "keep people accountable for their behavior" per a staff member. Unfortunately, this system has resulted in people booking rooms and no-showing (this was the case for two of the three reservable rooms while I was there), and large rooms being underutilized - is it necessary for one or two people to hog an entire room that can accomodate several people?

When providing my feedback to a staff member earlier, she essentially replied: If 'you don't like it, you can leave' in a hostile tone. It's unfortunate that my tax dollars go toward this library now that the quiet study rooms are virtually inaccessible and trapped behind an inefficient system. Perhaps introducing an "enhanced pass" system where members who have agreed to abide by quiet room rules, and have no past behavior incidents, are allowed to use quiet rooms at anytime would be for the best. Unfortunately, I now no longer have a viable free "third...

I needed a quiet place with wifi in a pinch to work on a project for roughly an hour and the nearby coffee shops would not cut it. I visited this library location as soon as it opened its doors at 10am. While attempting to semi-isolate myself and be undisturbed by nearby chatter, I found a quiet spot in the teen section of the library. There was a sign saying "teens only" but I figured no harm at that time of day since no teens were present. A very polite staff person approached me and stated that I could not be in that area despite there being no teens as it was their policy. (which I 100% respect as integrity is important especially in this day and age) I then explained that I only would be there for an hour and required a high table so I could remain standing while I worked. I did not see anywhere else to go. I also let them know I required a quieter area of the library. They very graciously showed me to a meeting room with a podium that perfectly met all of my needs. I was so very thankful for their professionalism and desire to help me find a solution. I highly recommend...

Probably the most useful resource in the city for people looking for upwards mobility. Not only are libraries amazing because they value books and every person's quest for knowledge- but the human beings behind the counter are so kind, educated and willing to treat every single person on the other side- or on the phone- with dignity, compassion and a real willingness to help point them in the right direction to access the knowledge necessary to thrive. I wish I wouldn't have been too embarrassed to go to my library more often during the last year of being a cardholder, but I am so incredibly thankful that my path led me back to an oasis. No woman is an island 🏝️ And the library welcomed me back ❤️ Also for those living in isolation with access to technology, their inclusion of Hoopla is a wonderful resource as well. Maybe sometime soon I will be able to attend the language learners meetings- My grandma helped my grandpa actually learn English when he immigrated... at the local library 😊 Thank you Carnegie Library...